Halloween!!!

 Dorothy!!

 Pinocchio!! 

 Why don't i have my five year olds eye lashes???

 "I'm a real boy." A HUGE thanks to Alexis at PERSIA LOU. You saved my life and created just what I had in mind.  I seriously loved their costumes this year.

 Kyle scared Ella by jumping out from behind a tree.

 Passing out candy at the trunk or treat.

 Luke thought it was awesome that everyone was handing him candy. He also got so many compliments on his costume. Thanks Lexi.

After the trunk or treat we did REAL trick or treating. It is my favorite. It was so cute this year, Ella just kept saying, "I love this, it is so fun." As she ran from house to house. It was magical, and it brought me back to when I was a kid. It was just so fun to see how excited she was. I just loved every minute of it. I love my little ones and all the joys they bring. Holiday are 10x better when you have kids.

 Just waiting. 

 At the end of the night. Luke was slightly frazzled. He also had a death grip on his suckers, he knew we would be confiscating them.

 The only picture of these crazies that we could get.

 Slightly better with Nolan

These could couldn't be any cuter.

All things pumpkin

 Wow, I can't believe the holidays are already here. Can you? We had fun doing all the Halloween stuff this year. We went to a pumpkin patch with pre-picked pumpkins to do the bounce houses, petting zoo, and swings. We also went to the gilcrese orchard to pick pumpkins and that was fun too. It is a real pumpkin patch, and you can go there all year round to pick whatever is in season at the time. It is only five minutes from our house.

Ella and luke loved the slide and when on it about 20 times. This is the only picture I have of Ella here because she was so busy. 

 Luke petting the goats, then he hit it so we decided to take him out. Little pill.

 Luke on the swing, it was hilarious to watch!

Matching plaid!

After my whole family went to red robin and Luke enjoyed some ranch.

 We painted and carved pumpkins at my mom's house. Ella painted polka dots and her little pumpkin.

 So happy to finally get started.

 Luke was pretty unsure about all this pumpkin business. He did do a good job on his pumpkin

Ella helping carve, but would not touch the insides.

 Impossible to get a decent picture. But still cute.

  The orchard!!!

Ella trying to find her perfect little pumpkin.

 Luke mostly kissed and sat on them:)

Primary Program

 This happens to be on my favorite Sunday's all year.

The Primary Program.

Always Adorable.

Ella had a little part and after last year, she burst into tears when it came time to do her part, I wasn't holding my breath. She gets so nervous talking in front of large crowds, but I can't blame her. I don't even like to do that. 

I am happy to report this year was much different. She walked right up and did her part perfectly. I was so proud of her. I love the little voices over the pulpit. I wanted to squeeze her right then and there. Luke sat on the bench the whole time yelling her name until Stewart finally had to take him out. 

She smiled and waved to us the whole time, and blew a few kisses too.

She asked to wear these glasses to the program.

 Grammy and Ashlyn came too!

I wanted a picture of just the kids but Luke kept running out, so Stewart had to hold him in it. As you can see, he is trying to get away so he can run off and throw more rocks.

Happy 5th Birthday Ella

Happy Birthday Ella Hazel!

(Luke had to get in on some of the action)

Ella had a great birthday this year. She only gets a friends birthday party every other year, and this year it was princess themed. Surprising, no! We decided to have it at her little dance studio. Everything turned out so cute and she was beaming all day. I let her invite a few friends and it was just so cute. 

This is how her party went down:

Glitter make up

dance lesson

story time

dress up

tea party

cake

presents

Her cakes she was dying to have. She spotted them at the store a few months ago and never forgot about them. 

Story time

These little girls couldn't be any cuter

She was so excited for presents

Tea party time

Her cute little friends. 

The actual birthday:

We wanted to sing to her on her actual birthday, so we settled for doughnuts since her party was the next day. How cute is that girl?? I just love her.

(Grandpa and Grandma Christensen)

We went to dinner at the place Ella decided on, Olive garden (her fav.)

I got to spend one on one time with the birthday girl during the day. Thanks to my mom who kept Luke. For the last three months Ella has been asking for a build a bear. I told her she could get one when her birthday rolled around and she got some money. Thinking she would forget. She didn't. So off we went. She had so much fun picking everything out. It was so cute to watch her and see how excited she was. She has been waiting to turn five and was extremely excited.

Getting Heart Rose ( her bear's name) all dressed.

She carried her all around the mall and was darling.

Grammy surprised Ella the morning of her birthday with flowers and balloon's. Ella loves, loves flowers and was over the moon when she saw Grammy. 

My sweet big brown eyed girl,

I am so grateful to you and that you made me a mother five years ago. I remember the day you were born and your dad and I just couldn't get over how cute you were. We just kept saying over and over again, "man, she is so cute." You have always been such a good little girl. You have such an even temperament and for that I am thankful. I always tell you Dad that you are the perfect child. And them more time passes the more i think that is true. You have always listened so well and you are so good to you little brother. You love all things girl.

You love to color and draw

You love to sing

You love to make up games and play

You love playing with your dad

You love flowers and are always wanting to buy or pick some. 

All you teachers (school and church) always talk about how smart and well behaved you are.

You love to dance and have family dance parties

You love family hugs

You love book

You love dance class.... 

and the list could go on and on.

You started pre-school again this year and love it. Although it has been pretty much just a review for you. You have started reading your little books and I am amazed at how fast you learn. You also started taking piano lessons a few months ago and have done wonderful. You already know more than me. My little bugs, I love you so much. I love you huge brown eyes and adorable smile. Thank you for being part of our family.