Trick or Treat 2011

Halloween!

For halloween this year, Emerson was a bumble bee, Atticus was a ninja, Putty was the friendly mail dog, graham was a zombie (Emerson did his make-up) and I was once again an American Indian.

The kids came home with so much candy this year. I'm mean and make them turn their candies into me and I put them in a big bowl and put it on top of the fridge where they can't reach it. They can have a couple of candies a day....If they remember. Out of sight, out of mind!

Halloween Decorations

I love decorating the house for Halloween. Almost as much as I like decorating for Christmas...Almost!

pumpkin carving!

Taylor Swift

Months ago it was announced that Taylor Swift was coming to San Diego. Emerson loves Taylor (because of her Emerson has taken up guitar lessons) and she of coarse wanted to go to the concert! So, I made her pay for half the ticket and her and 4 of her best friends made plans to go to the concert.

The day came and it was finally time. They got together to coordinate their outfits and make a banner in hopes that Taylor Swift would see them.

It was seriously the loudest concert I have ever been to. The arena was packed with little girls screaming and jumping with excitement. I like Taylor Swift too but I wasn't expecting a spectacular concert but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a great concert and best of all Emerson had the greatest time. She said it was her "best day ever, so far"!

Marcus Farewell

Marcus finally went on his mission. After 6 weeks of buying shoes, shirts pants, passports, immunizations, dentist appoint, doctor's appointment and packing, it was time to go!!! On October 12th, Marcus reported to the Provo Missionary Training Center. He will be there until December and then he will fly to Madagascar to serve his mission.

Even though he didn't want one, we had a farewell party for him. His parents and sister Michelle flew down to be with him his last week here and sent him off.

It was bitter-sweet. We knew and felt it was time but it was hard to say goodbye for 2 years. Bye Marcus, I hope you will grow to love giant spiders, no electricity and eclectic foods. Word of advice...don't ask what you are eating. Just smile, say thank you and swallow it like a good little missionary!

USC/U of U game

My friends, who are uber Utah fans flew down to watch the USC v. U of U game.

the build-up:
This trip has been planned for 9 months. We decided to not go to Peach Days for this game. Peach Days is a festival in Brigham city that celebrates peaches every year. I loved it when I was growing up and Graham has never gone to this and has been wanting to for years. Every year we try to go but something always comes up. Anyway, this year was going to be no different. I gave Graham a choice between USC or Peach Days...He jumped at the game. So, everyone is excited for this game because we this is the first time Utah is in the same conference, first game of the season and we get to hangout together for the weekend. Can you tell something is coming?

So, about a month ago, Graham realized the game is on the same weekend as our Stake conference. Panick stricken, Graham calls Salt Lake to see if conference can be changed...the answer was no. What to do?!! Graham concocts an idea! "Since the game starts at 7:30, I'll schedule the priesthood session early and bail out of the Saturday leadership session and I will make it to the game by the end of 1st quarter."! Wait for it.......

Morning of the game, Graham calls me and tells me he thought the game started at 7:30 but he didn't realize that was EASTERN TIME ZONE!!!! In fact the game actually starts at 4:30. Priesthood session starts at 3:oo. The session lasts 1 1/2hrs. The drive from San Diego to Los Angeles=2 hrs with no traffic. Do the math there is no way he will make it to ANY PART OF THE GAME! He ends our conversation with "let me figure this out and I'll call you back with a plan." What?? What plan, Graham? You are NOT going to see the game!!!! Once again, let me remind you, this man runs a city AND a stake!!!

This once housed Reggie Bush's Heisman. It's just sitting there empty with all the other Heismans. Even OJ Simpsons heisman was there. So sad!

Emerson went to the game with me since Graham couldn't make it. It was her first football game and she loved it! It made me feel better that I got to watch it with her.

Final Score 14/24 SC won. Graham, 0