Brian's 32nd Birthday

I find it rather fitting for Brian to have a fall birthday.  The rest of us are in the summer time, so it's nice to break things up and have cake in November, too.  Additionally, it's football season, and Brian is a big BYU football fan.  So, he always gets a football cake!  This year, I added "Y" brownies to the party.

I'm thinking he's getting too old to "light the Y".  Next year, we will have to cut it a few candles short.

By the time we got back from dinner and had dessert, Sadie was tired and grouchy.  She would have NOTHING to do with singing the happy birthday song!

October in a Nutshell

We have a general rule in our house that when you turn five, you are too big to ride in the stroller.  On occasion, we let that rule slide (tantrums trump to save my sanity!).  So, we improvise, and, Carson climbs in the bottom of the stroller.  

So, are we playing basketball, baseball, or dress up??

"My Chew-yo!"  (I'm regretting ever sharing my Costco treat with this cute boy.)

When the only TV is in mommy and daddy's room, and, there's a HUGE cabinet in the living room, where you normally play...you spend a lot of time on mommy and daddy's bed watching Disney Channel.

Papa Dale and Grammy Tammy BBQ'd in Dana Point, so we went down and camped overnight.  Complete with a tent, sleeping bags, and s'mores!

Carson is always looking for an opportunity to build something!

On the first, cold, rainy day of fall, this is how I found Carson napping.  (Hey, he was asleep!)

Just doing homework.

 I've been promising the kids we can get an ice cream if we make it back to Main Street without tantrums.  After 6 months of Disney passes, I finally paid up.  And, boy, was I glad! (The trick is to leave without squeezing in one.more.ride.)

We love it when the Hursts come to town!  Disneyland fun!

Sadie has been watching a particular movie lately.

I went to a bridal shower for my cousin and had the wonderful opportunity of seeing my great-aunts! I love Aunt Barbara and Aunt Joy!

Carson decided he was too big for diapers.  So, he started potty training.  It went well for a few days, but, now, it's a struggle.  And, just for the record, I learned my lesson with the first two about potty training young.  I did NOT initiate this one!

Morgan cracks me up!  She's always curious about what it was like "way back in the nineteens!"  So, she asked her dad a few questions and wrote a little report about it.

This guy could do Thomas puzzles all day long. (And, some days, he does!)

Another Disney trip.  We will sure miss our passes!

 I just love his smile in this picture.  Love my Carson Dude!

For Halloween, we were in Arizona.  We went trick-or-treating with the Hursts.  Such a fun time!  (More on Daddy's work party, the Halloween Fairy and the ward trunk-or-treat later.)

September Happenings

Daddy happened to work late on Talk Like a Pirate Day, so we headed over to Krispy Kreme for some FREE donuts!  (After waiting in line 45 minutes, I was lucky to get this picture!)

Grammy Tammy sent the kids home with a Spooky Box.  The kids loved playing with their masks and the game!  Thanks!

I learned that Carson can now open the refrigerator, and, have relocated the milk.  :)

I FINALLY made it to the 21st century!  Brian promised (5+ years ago) when he passed his FINAL actuarial exam (results came in July!), I could get a smart phone.  Then, rumors started to spread that the new iPhone would be released in September.  So, I (im)patiently waited for its release!  I LOVE the 5s!  The finger touch feature is awesome!  (right: the evolution of cell phones in our family)

  Papa Dale loaned us his little BBQ.  On Sunday afternoons, Brian enjoys cooking a nice dinner on the grill.  We started a new tradition and, when Daddy BBQ's, we have s'mores!

Carson hasn't quite perfected the art of dressing himself, but, he's trying!

Family Photos 2013 (March)

My friend, Aubrey Antis (http://www.antisphotography.com), who is an amazing real estate photographer, wanted to try out family photo shoots.  So, she took a few shots for us.  Unfortunately, the only pics with the entire family also have the letter N in them, courtesy of a Mother's Day gift for my mom. (I've included Mom's gift at the bottom--my maiden name is GINOS, pronounced Guinness.)

Morgan, 6 3/4 years

Carson, 20 months

Sadie, 4 3/4 years

The Ginos Family--these are each mounted to canvas and hanging on my mom's wall.  The best alternative to a family picture when we live in 3 states.