Special Events

The week of October 9th was a very fun-filled, eventful one. We had my parents and my Grandparents come and stay with us for the special occasions of Stephen's birthday, Kate's blessing and Jane's Baptism. We went to the Huntington Gardens, Santa Anita Racetrack, out to eat and in celebration of Stephen's birthday, to Griffith Park for a pony and train ride!

On a quarter ride at the mall

Our two cowgirls. 

 Mary wasn't liking the idea of being alone, so she ended up riding the one hooked to the walker.

Our Cowboy

They got Stephen all saddled up and sent him out first. He was a little surprised to be out on a horse all alone!

Baby Kate's Blessing and Jane's Baptism

We had a very special day for our family on October 9th. We started off the day by wishing Stephen a happy Birthday (we had celebrated the day before), and then Kelly gave Kate a name and a blessing in Sacrament meeting, and that night Jane was blessed and confirmed.

We had my parents, my Grandparents, Kelly's sister, Kelly's cousin and his wife and their twins attend the baby blessing.

Jane has looked forward to this day for many years! She was very excited to be baptized and confirmed a member of the church. She is such a special girl and has such a pure testimony of the gospel. We love her very much!

These two girls have grown up with Jane. All the mamas were pregnant at the same time and  the girls are just a few months apart in age. Jane was the last one to be baptized.

Jane with two more of her friends

Fun with Grandparents!

Grandpa was willing to tackle the mess of carving pumpkins! This year we carved little mini ones that Grandma bought for them.

Breakfast at the Santa Anita Horse racing track.

My Grandparents, the kids Great-Grandparents!

8 is GREAT!

Jane had a fabulous Birthday this year! She was so excited to turn 8! We had a party for her where she invited some of her closest friends. It was an evening garden party and was a lot of fun.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

We discovered hardwood under our carpet in our front room. We pulled it up ourselves, removed the nails and staples, emptied the room of everything, including the grand piano, and hired a man from a friends referral to refinish it. It turned out beautifully!

Kate

Our little monkey, Kate, just lounging the day away!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Mary!

Mary had been waiting to turn 3 to receive a "new", gently used bike (from Jane). It took her a few days to get the hang of pedaling and now she is a pro!!

It seems like only yesterday when Mary was just the size of Kate! Out of all the kids, she has grown up the fastest.

Her pink Strawberry Cake!

Mary the big sister

Open house at the Firestation

A few Saturdays, one of the local fire stations held a free open house for the public. I took the kids and they has a blast! They climbed into a fire truck, met some firemen and got to take home some coloring books, water bottles and pamphlets about emergency preparedness.