Shakin' Her Booty

I always hoped that I would someday have a little girl, and that maybe, just maybe, she would love to dance. I got both wishes granted! Quincy loves to strut her stuff. She joined a brand new dance studio this year, Gravity Dance Center. Her BFF signed up with her, and boy, can these two move! They had their first dance recital last week, and then danced again at a craft fair. I think my favorite part of those two nights was watching Quincy and Ainslee grooving to the music of the other dancers while they waited their turn on the sidelines. I love these two girls to pieces. They light up my world!

Aloha!

I cannot even express how fabulous our trip to Hawaii was! We created incredible memories and got some fun pictures. I will admit that there was yelling and tears, but hopefully the kids will forget about that part and just remember the good things. We were able to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, where we had an incredible tour guide. She is a student at BYU-Hawaii majoring in elem-ed, and was so good with the kids! We loved the show after the luau, especially the Hakka and the fire dancers. Quincy became quite the Hakka dancer and might just have to join the BYU football team in doing it. We also visited Pearl Harbor. I was surprised at how good the kids were while we were there. I think they could truly feel how special of a place it was. My very favorite part was just watching the kids play at the beach. Treyson was fearless and loved diving into the water and was an excellent snorkeler. Tanner also loved the water, but was a little more cautious than Trey. Both Quincy and Max got more brave as the week went by, but Max still preferred playing in the sand. Luckily each of the kids were blessed with my skin, and not Nate's. They each came home golden brown and a tad blonder.

I'm so grateful that I got to experience this with my kids. Max is still walking around saying "aloha" and you should see him shake his hips in Quincy's hula skirt! Good times and fun memories. Now, if only I could have some of that Hawaiian sun again. It's freezing in Utah!

The Other Ghost

There was another kind of ghost for Halloween this year at our house--Tanner got baptized and confirmed on Halloween day. We had such a great day with all of our family. We are so lucky to have so many people that care about Tanner and were here to help make his day extra special. Grandpa Esplin gave a great talk about the Holy Ghost that was geared right to Tanner-it was all about baseball. After the baptism, we ate a yummy Costa Vida meal out at the Leavitt Hangar. The kids loved the extra room to run around and just have fun together.

I'm so proud of Tanner and the decision he made to get baptized. As silly as he can be, he has such a sweet, in-tune side. I love the times I catch him wiping at his eyes during a sacrament meeting or at a friends' baptism. I love even more, the chance I get to talk with him after these experiences and talk about what he's feeling. I love this boy of mine.

Ghosts and Goblins

We had such an awesome Halloween! The kids had so much fun being able to trick-or-treat with so many of their cousins (everyone was in town for Tanner's baptism. More on that to come soon!). Quincy has known for a year that she wanted to be a witch. She wasn't too scary, but she sure was cute! When Quincy and her friend Ainslee were asked what Max should be, they said a skunk, because he has stinky diapers. I think they nailed that one! He literally was "stinking cute!" Tanner went with the tough boxer, and Treyson bailed on us and went and played in a baseball tournament. I guess you could say he dressed as a baseball player. Such a fun day and night. Now, if only we could get rid of all of the kids' candy. Mom keeps finding the hiding spots!

Birthdays!

We get to have two birthday celebrations at the end of October! Yea for us! Tanner's 8th birthday was on the 22nd and Max's 2nd birthday was on the 25th.

TANNER

Tanner is such a fun, silly kid. He is known in our family as the teaser, but he also has a very loving, caring side. He excels in school and loves math. Tanner loves to play sports. He plays on a traveling baseball team, called Cedar Stix, and also loves football, basketball, and golf. We love Tanner and are so grateful that he's part of our family.

Crazy hair day on his birthday!
MAX

What do you say about Max? For starters, this boy is loud! He tends to make a lot of noise. Be it with his toys or with his lungs, there is no volume control when it comes to Max. It makes us love him even more! He's been slow to talk, but is finally grasping it, and says new words everyday. Max is probably our busiest baby and is into everything. He loves Mickey Mouse, Dora, and Elmo. He loves to play ball with his big brothers and loves "Ninny" (his name for Quincy). For as wild as this kid is, he gives the best hugs and kisses. I love having him as our caboose. He makes me smile and I love him to pieces.

SUU Homecoming

During Southern Utah University's homecoming, Nate was honored as the Young Alumnus. He was recognized at the annual brunch, where a slide show had been made about him. He was presented a beautiful statue. Nate has loved being able to stay involved with the university. He sits on the National Advisory board, the audit committee, and also as a coordinator for the annual golf fundraiser. He loves attending the various sporting events and supporting SUU however he can. Him and Quincy were able to ride in the parade after the brunch. Quincy loved throwing candy to the spectators. The focus was suppose to be on Nate, but I think Q stole the show. I'm so proud of Nate. He's so generous with his time and talents. Congrats to my man!

Max getting some love from Thor!