Furse's Halloween Party

This evening was my mom's Halloween Party. It was fun to see how much thought and planning she put in to this to make it a success. This first thing we did when we got there was coloring on pumpkins grown from my mom's garden. Brayden isn't one to enjoy a mess, so he really enjoyed decorating pumpkins like this.

After, we played pin the nose on the jack-o-lantern. I was way off, but Brayden's was almost right on. Next we had a pumpkin walk (similar to musical chairs, but the number of pumpkins doesn't decrease). I guess I forgot to take pictures of that event.

Then it was time for pumpkin bowling. I think this may have been Brayden's favorite activity. He got so excited evey time he knocked a cup over.

Dean was the pumpkin bowling king! I think he got three strikes in a row. Quite impressive!

     

Then, while my mom finished prepping the Navajo Tacos for dinner, the rest of us went bobbing for apples. Most got pretty wet, but I managed to keep my hair dry. 

To finish off the evening, the kids sat down for a game of Monopoly. This party was so much fun. I'm so glad Brayden was able to be apart of his own Halloween Party.

Kira's Farewell

First off, we have had a really hard time finding out what Brayden wants to be for Halloween this year. Earlier this week, as we were walking through Harmon's, Brayden spotted an Army costume. He got so excited by it. He said that he could be a soldier just like Aunt Kira. As soon as Craig got home from work, we walked back over and bought it.

Well, today is Kira's last day to really spend with the family before we drop her off. Tomorrow she flies off to Fort Sill, Oklahoma to begin Basic Training. I couldn't help bringing Brayden over in his new costume to get a few pictures with Kira. They look so good!

I couldn't imagine leaving my husband for ten weeks. Travis has been so incredible to support and love her over the past two years that they have been married.

Everyone was pretty emotional, but my mom really seemed to have a hard time holding back tears.

Unfortunately, I was going through some really rough morning sickness today. I would have loved to be more supported and focused on her, but I was struggling today. Kira was so sweet to me. I can't wait to see her again at Christmas.

Kira was great to make sure she got a picture with everyone.

It was fun to have Grandma Furse there. I wonder how many family members she has kissed good-bye as they head off to the military. I know that my Grandpa was a war veteran for both WWII and Vietnam so my Grandma knows what it's like to wait for your soldier to come home.

All too soon it was time for Kira to leave. Most of the family went with to spend some time with her at the hotel, but Baby Ella wasn't cooperating, so we went home. I can't wait to hear from her so I can start sending her letters. Good luck, Kira! We love you.

Thanksgiving with the Furse's

My parents invited us over to their place for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Dinner was absolutely amazing, as usual. My parents are pretty incredible cooks when cooking for large groups. They included some of the traditional favorites like my mom's homemade strawberry jam and her spinach salad, but they added candied yams this year. I've never found a recipe for yams that I like, but this one was incredible. I'll have to remember to get the recipe!

While everyone cleaned up/goofed around after dinner, Brayden played with my parents' Marble Works set. Kira and I used to play with this when we were younger. It's fun to watch my son enjoy one of my favorite toys.

And for the best part of Thanksgiving...dessert! I've found that people become very nice to you when you are the person holding the pie and ice cream. We had a lot of fun playing with my family. And I can't wait to celebrate the holidays when there are a few more grandchildren running around. In the meantime, here are the people that were there.

Craig (and obviously Brayden and me)

Dean and Travis

Mom, Dad and Kira

We really missed Haylie this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

Twister

I don't believe that you can ever get too old to play Twister. One of the evening that the Japanese exchange students were here, we broke out the game. It made for a really fun evening. The boys did a great job. They were rather competitive which was amusing to watch.

The girls had a lot of fun watching us, but once the boys had determined a winner, then it was our turn to play. That mat doesn't seem big enough for all four of us.

Valentine's Dinner



Valentine's Day this year was a little bit different for us than it has been in years past. Today, Craig and I had our little family sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a very interesting experience. Brayden cried through the entire ceremony. The whole situation was quite amusing to me, so I couldn't keep from laughing. The part that I remember the most was when the gentleman that would perform the ceremony mentioned to us that a quick sqeeze when you are holding someone's hand translates into a silent "I love you".

After the ceremony, a lot of friends and family met at my parents' church for dinner. I was impressed by how many people I know that came to support us. Many family members were there and even neighbor's from the first neighborhood that I lived in came.

Craig, Matt, CJ

Courteney, Tori

Paul, Teri

Teri, Kira, Travis

Grandma Larsen, Grandma Furse

Brayden was absolutely adorable. He loved the attention from everyone. Today is definately a day to remember.

Playing at the Rec. Center

In a shimmering moment of sophistication and maturity, a group of us decided to go play around in one of the classrooms at the nearby recreation center.

In the above two pictures, we each posed with the workout balls. In the top you'll find Travis, Dean and Craig. Below that you find Haylie, me, Kira and her friend, Katelyn Ashby.

Here, Dean is attempting to do yoga on top of a tall platform. He wasn't very successful.

Below is a video of some of Travis' break dancing moves. He's pretty good.

Next is a video of a worm race. The four contestants are Craig, Kira, Dean and Travis. Even though both Kira and Dean try to cheat, Craig is the clear winner. Travis didn't even try.

I'm really glad we didn't get caught by anyone that worked there because I doubt they would have appreciated what we were doing. However, we had a ton of fun. It was nice to play like an immature teenager again.

Bowling Double Date

We went bowling this evening with Kira and Travis. We were all striking a pose as we showcased our mad bowling skills.

We had a blast! I really enjoy hanging out with my sister and our boys.