Wicked

On September 21st we saw Wicked at the Smith Center.  It was my first time seeing this musical and I absolutely LOVED it!  It was really incredible.  Drew, Mia and I joined the Stuart family, Aikele Family, and Holmes family for dinner at Outback Steakhouse before the show.  It was great to see it with such wonderful friends.

Mia and Katelyn

Jaci, Mia, and Katelyn

Clark, Tyler, Ashley, Jaci, Mia, Katelyn, and Jake

Kristen, Melissa, and Jana

Cole's Baptism

On Saturday September 1st Cole was baptized.  There were 7 kids, just from our ward, baptized that day so it was super crowded, but it was nice to be surrounded by so many people that love and support Cole.

We are so proud of Cole.  He's an amazing boy.  

It wouldn't be a trip to church without a climb of their favorite tree.

The First Day of School

August 27th was the first day of school.  Mia started the 5th Grade (her last year in elementary) and Cole started 3rd Grade.  We took a few photos before walking to the bus stop.

 Cole with his good friend Conner.

Ready to start a new year.  

The following week Luke started his last year of Preschool.  Such a cute boy!

Friend Farewell

Two of my dear friends moved this summer.  Both Kaydee and Jen moved to the area the same time we did, so we had a great chance to get to know them.  I was really sad to see them go, but excited for them in their new adventures!  So to wish them well, we had a Girls Night Out and promised we would always stay in touch.

Dinner

And Zipline down Fremont Street.

Cole's 8th Birthday

Cole's birthday is always competing with the first day of school.  So this year we decided to have his party a week before the actual big day, to get a jump on things.  He wanted an "Old West" theme this year, and I was super excited about that.  I love the Wild West.

Here's his invitation:

I got a bunch of harmonica western songs, and of course "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" song off iTunes and had them playing when the kids first entered the house.  

As the kids were arriving, I gave them a matching game to play.  They had to try to match the old west word or phrase with its current meaning.  It was pretty tricky.  I tested it out on Drew the night before.  He got them all right, but it was a challenge.  

After a while the kids were getting stumped, so I read a story (that I made up) using a bunch of the phrases to help them figure them out.

It ended up being a great way to keep the kid occupied while we were waiting for everyone to arrive.

We had to take our OUTLAW photo to remember this great day!

Then it was time to play some games and have fun.

We started off with cattle herding.  The kids were divided into two teams and had to guide their three balloons around the obstacles and bring them safely back home.  It was a fun little relay.

Next we taught the kids how to lasso.  Thank you YOUTUBE for helping me with that one.  Each of the kids got their own lasso and practiced roping the horse.  

Next we went panning for GOLD.  I spray painted a lot of little rocks with gold spray paint and threw them in the kiddie pool with a bunch of dirt and other rocks.  The kids LOVED this one.  All the gold they collected, they were able to take home.

Then it was back inside for PIN THE MUSTACHE ON THE OUTLAW.  It was really funny. 

Then of course we had to do a pinata.  

Lots of attempts, but ultimately Cole was successful.

I made this cute horse cake and Cole just loved it.

Thank you to all his friends for a wonderful party!

 Happy Birthday Cole!