The Tree Hunt

Ahhh, the tree hunt. This family tradition is one we really enjoy. Just make sure to dress warm, not stress out, and watch out for bears. Seriously.

I'll have to remember to bring my bear spray in the winter, too, I guess.

On the way home we snacked on homemade popcorn, drank some hot cocoa, and listened to Christmas music while we defrosted. Well worth the trip. 

Free-style

The first Saturday in December is pretty fun here. They have a bunch of free events to get you in the Christmas spirit. Yes, the Christmas spirit, not holiday spirit!

The boys liked riding the ponies around best, but Mrs. Clause was pretty sweet too.

Gingerbread in the House!

 There is a local gingerbread competition going on, so I decided to enter something. Here is what I came up with... 

It's my first go at making gingerbread- I thought it turned out pretty good.

If you're interested, the bricks are juicy fruit gum. The shingles and siding are gum as well (yes, there is root beer flavored gum. Lucky for me I guess). The tornado is a waffle cone covered in icing (took me forever to figure that one out). The windows and pond are melted hard candy. The window panes are spaghetti dipped in root beer extract. You do what you can to ensure it's all edible!

I'm not always this crazy with creating things- it's just the last couple months have had some opportunities that I wanted to do. I decided to take time to do things I enjoy, and the kids find a lot of joy as well. Here's to fun memories.

The Second String Avengers

Hulk, Thor, Baby Chick, and Momma Moose aka "The Trophy Wife"

 Baby Chick

Size: short- real short

Materials: 3 yellow boas, orange t-shirt fabric, glue, felt, stuffing, a couple onesies and total sweetness.

This baby's mission was to be the most adorable ball of fluff to grace the streets. She nailed it.

Incredible Julian

Size: Just under a grown-up's arm

Costume material: fabric paint, glue, purple corduroy, stuffing, black yarn, face paint, tights, green knit fabric, and Hanic's incredible Hulk hands

Hulk sent out to be a lean mean green fighting machine. He was definitely green, so we're counting it. Hulk has also been spotted wearing his purple torn shorts to bed (and Wal Mart) for weeks. 

Thor

Materials: glue, duct tape, foam, cardboard, stuffing, elastic, fabric, batting, felt, rope and spandex.

Thor loved slamming his hammer in the ground and challenging others to try and pick it up. Surprisingly some did, unlike what happened in the movie he watched with Hulk last night. Hmmm.

Mother Moose 

a.k.a. The trophy wife

materials: foam, cardboard, felt, fleece, cotton fabric, thumb tacks and glue

I met some of Tanner's co-workers for the first time this afternoon. Kind of awkward I have to say.

And lastly.....

Prince Charming

This guy is so good he doesn't even need a costume.

Avenging this Halloween was, well, awesome. Happy Halloween!!!

Happenings

The last couple weeks have flown. Here's a few things we've been up to:

 Wreath making.

Not your average fall wreath, but at least it keeps the solicitors away..

 We went through 2 rounds of the flu in just a couple weeks. Tanner had it so bad- I'd never seen him so sick, except when River was born. This pic was Julian's second round of feeling terrible.

River has been so blessed. She hasn't got sick at all- she even shares a room with the boys. We're all so grateful. I made this hat for her last week and she does good to keep it on.

 The last couple weekends we get out and just drive. I don't think River knows what to think about the cold weather, but she loves to be outside so she does well. She's such a sweetheart.

 We can't wait for Halloween next week. You'll have to check in next week for some fun pics :)

Saturday Drive

We took a trip to the North Fork of the Blackfoot River yesterday. The kids did great in the car. I think Riv is finally getting used to her car seat; she didn't complain once!

Ashton, Idaho

We had a great opportunity to visit Tan's family. I appreciate Dylan snapping these pics cause I forgot my camera. I love Tanner's family so much! We had the best time with everyone.

P.S. River's face is awesome in that pic!

...and in this picture.

 ok, it's pretty much every picture :)

 When I see a big family picture like this, it reminds me how important and fleeting family togetherness is. The time we spend with our family is most valuable. I am so grateful for my family, Tanner's, and now my own. We are so blessed!

Bass Creek

We were able to visit this creek and wanted to share a few pics. We always passed this trailhead in pursue of getting to our other favorite place. We'll be stopping here much more frequently.

In order to get Jules to smile Tanner had to tell him not to smile. Leah, do you remember how you used that technique to get kids to do something fast? It works! 

 Woodpecker lesson

Dragon fly guts. 

As Yo Gabba Gabba would say, "This place is AWESOME!"

Twinners

Julian 4 months                                                                 River 4 months

I kept thinking that Riv looked a lot like Julian. This picture seals the deal for me.

Favorite

My favorite thing happened this weekend. We had a couple of visitors come all the way from Nevada to say hi. So, we went to a few favorite spots and my sis captured a few favorite new pics :)  

My sister Mary and her daughter Annie

Our friend, the creek

 We did a lot of walking and moving and driving and go go going! Sorry to run you guys to the ground! Turns out they wanted to just hang out with us too :)

We finally have a new family pic with all five of us thanks to Mary and Rob :) We've had fun seeing all our family and friends this summer and can't wait to see you all again.