Hanging Around

 Hands down one of the best baby presents we have ever been given is our beloved turtle play mat.  This play mat was given to me by my sweet aunt Julene when I had Hyrum. We have loved this toy mat ever since.

In November, we set it up for Brigham to really start to enjoy it.  In these pictures taken in November, Brigham was too busy smiling at mom instead of playing with his toys.  I love spending time loving, smooching and playing with this adorable baby.  My life can't get any better than this.

  I love this sweet little boy of mine.  

Ben Receives His Bear

One thing that our boys have absolutely loved doing is Cub Scouts.  They love learning new things, they love activities, particularly, the skits.

In November of 2016, Ben was able to receive his Bear badge and graduated onto the Webelos pack.  Ben was able to pin the Bear pin on me, his mom, cross the bridge and I put on his new Webelos scarf and he was officially part of the pack.

Ben has loved every minute in Webelos. Our boys have been blessed to have such wonderful scout leaders. 

Best Buddies

 These pictures were taken in November 2016 of two best buddies.

This girl's day isn't complete unless she has held her little brother. She has absolutely loved being a big sister! I hope they are always best friends. 

Hyrum is Twelve

My sweet Hyrum celebrated his 12th birthday in November 2016.  My time with this sweet boy of mine is flying by!

We started the morning off with our traditional blueberry pancakes, complete with whipped cream drawn in the number 12.

Hyrum is growing like crazy.

On the day of his birthday, Lucy, Brigham and I checked Hyrum out for lunch. We took him to our local Subway and enjoyed spending time with our sweet boy.

Later, we went to his school to watch him in his very first performance as a baritone player.  He did great.

That evening, we went to Chili's for dinner. I think Hyrum chose that place because he likes it when he is sung to.  Not to mention, the yummy ice cream and brownie Chili gives you when it is your birthday.

After dinner, we came home and opened presents. Lucy gave Hyrum some books that he had been wanting. 

Ben gave Hyrum some army guys and magic cards he found.

Millie and Court sent Hyrum some books.

Emmy gave Hyrum some new ties for Church and a gun bag. She also found some magic cards to give him, too.

Little Briggy gave Hyrum some bullets.

From us, Hyrum received a new suit for church and a 22.  I don't know who was more excited about this present, Brandon or Hyrum. 

Hyrum also received some sweet cards from Lorri and Dwight, Grandma and Grandpa T. and Papa and Grandma, and Chocolate Grandma.

To finish the night, we sang Happy Birthday to Hyrum. We had cake and ice cream.  It was a great day celebrating our oldest child.

Piano Recital

 The first of November brought a piano recital for Hyrum, Ben and Emily.

All three of my kids worked so hard on practicing their piano.  Some of the songs didn't come easy and they had to work hard to get them ready for the recital.  In fact, each of them received an award for being dedicated to practicing. 

Ben played
 Petite Gavotte by Martha Mier (this was one of my first piano recital pieces).
The Country Fiddler by Old English Morris Dance
Hedwig's Theme by John Wiliams

Hyrum played
Fur Elise by Beethoven
Harry's Wonderous World by John Williams

Emmy played
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations based on Mozart
Home on the Range               Cowboy Ballad
Swinging Along by Franz Behr

All three of the kids did such a wonderful job on their songs. Brandon and I were quite pleased.

The kids' piano ability has improved greatly this year with much practice and a great piano teacher, Calrissa.  We are excited to see what they will learn to play next.

Halloween 2016

 Our family had a wonderful Halloween. It was busy and fun!!

After a quick dinner, the kids were ready to go trick-or-treating.

Lucy insisted her hair needed to be re-curled since it had lost its bounce since the school Halloween Carnival.  

 I had to post some more pictures of our cute little skeleton's first Halloween. 

 It was so much fun.  We bundled up Brigham and away we went. 

Lucy was absolutely hilarious and would make comments as we would go trick-or-treating.   She would comment on the decorations, the candy, sit in people's front porch chairs, all with enthusiasm only Lucy can give.  I wish I would have recorded her in action!

The big kids were polite, and were excited to go trick-or-treating.

We made sure to stop at some of the elderly houses and visit with some of our favorite people.

We then came home and watched part of Hocus Pocus, enjoyed some candy and called it a day! It was a great Halloween.

School Halloween Carnival

Just like last year, I helped plan the Halloween Carnival at the elementary school.
 I had so much help from many members in the community, it was fantastic.

Like always, Lucy was my buddy and came with me.  Of course, she had to wear her costume and have her hair curled! She had fun!

It was great seeing Ben and Emmy do fun things with their friends and classmates like the pop toss,  cupcake walk, donut eating contest, toilet paper toss, etc. and the other fun activities.

Brigham was an angel baby and was happy during the activity.

The carnival was a great addition to our Halloween fun.