Calling all princesses!!!

About a week ago I was driving through the Chick fil-A drive thru and noticed a sign about a prince and princess night. I got home, looked it up, and made reservations for our family. The girls were so excited. It worked out perfectly that they are both planning on being princesses for Halloween (well, Audrey's technically a fairy, but that's close enough). Chick fil-A had reserved us a table for our time slot and the tables and chairs were covered with linens. The girls were very impressed! Our table even was labeled with our name. There was also a "real" princess walking around and talking to everyone. The girls were thrilled to get a picture with her and of course the Chick fil-A cow. :) I think the highlight of the night was the free ice cream they got at the end. It was low key, but fancy enough to make theses princesses feel special. And we actually purchased costumes this year, so I was happy to have them used more than once.

 

 

We had to make sure to catch a picture of our prince as well:

I love it when I discover fun little community activities like these!

Pledge of Allegiance

This smart girl came home from preschool today waving the American flag. She was quite excited that she's learned the Pledge of Allegiance and passed it off with her teacher. Her prize is her very own American flag. Yay, for success at school!

Conference Weekend

We enjoyed General Conference this weekend. We enjoy listening to our prophets, apostles, and other leaders. The kids thought it was pretty fun to eat popcorn while watching conference this morning (it was like a movie night, but earlier in the day):

Peek-a-Boo

Working hard!

Kisses

Kisses from Audrey are the best!

Ian the Artist

I love when Ian colors on the ground like this:

Such a cutie! Another perk, he stayed happy and entertained while Mom fixed dinner.

3rd Tooth

Someone came home from school SUPER-EXCITED today. It's been a dream of hers since she watched her friends in kindergarten lose a tooth at school. Rachel didn't lose her first tooth until 1st grade. And now it's almost been a year since she did that. She was very excited to come home today and have her tooth in a treasure box. And this tooth has caused a lot of drama. It's been just hanging there for weeks, driving Andy and I crazy. But she'd flip out if we'd suggest pulling it out, so we finally just stopped trying a few days ago. We're grateful we don't have to go the weekend looking at her very loose tooth. We're also excited that she's so happy with herself. She's dreamed of a day like today for quite awhile!

Boys Trip to Utah

Andy did some recruiting at BYU at the beginning of September. He took Ian with him on his trip, since this would be the last time Ian could fly free. Luckily this recruiting trip went much better than their trip back in March. Everything went smoothly, no one was sick, no flights were delayed, and I think everyone had a good time. The timing of this one was extra special since Andy and Ian got to meet Elsa (who was born in August). A lot of us back here in Texas were jealous of the opportunity they got! Here are a few pictures of they fun they had in Utah:

Meeting Elsa:

 

 

 

 Grandma with Liam and Ian:

Playing at the King's house:

Fun at the aquarium:

 

 

A cheesy pictures sent to a Mommy who's missing her boy:

Checking out the big tractor at Isaac's football practice:

Grandma taking them for a wagon ride (Ian was upset because Daddy wasn't going):

Loves for Liam:

At the airport ready to head back home:

I'm glad they got the chance to go up and see family. I remember the days back when I used to go and we'd just pay for my ticket and Rachel would tag along as a freebie. Crazy how time has flown by and now the tradition is to just send one of the kids. Although by March it will just be Andy who will be going, Ian will no longer be free. It's fun to have these chances and these memories to make. The girls and I enjoyed some girl time while the boys were away. But as always, we were glad to see them come home.

Playing in the Rain

This afternoon we arrived home from church and were actually getting a good rainstorm. It has been months since we have seen rain like this and the girls were excited. So, they quickly changed out of their Sunday best and put on their swimsuits to go play in the rain:

 

 

 

Ian insisted on joining them:

  

I love this picture:

 

 

 

Rachel helping Ian get back to Mommy to get dry:

The kids definitely had fun playing in the rain. Our sidewalk makes a good stream during heavy downpours and has been enjoyed by our kids for years!