Blackwell Family: 2015

Bear Canyon... in the Snow November 18th

I have been dying to get out in the mountains, but the weather has not been cooperating. Today called for sunshine and 40's. I called my go to hiking buddy, and asked if she was up for a hike. I asked her to find a hike, and as always, she delivered!

Just up American Fork Canyon, we found some good powder to tromp through.

The snow gave me the opportunity to try out my new insulated boots.

It was gorgeous out there!

The snow frosted the trees, and the sky's let in just enough light to make it all glimmer.

And this...

... this is one of the reasons life is good!

Thanks DaNae!

Barefoot in the Snow, Both Ways November 16th

Yes, I make my kids walk to school in the snow.

WHAT???

They like it... I think.

Overnight Camp Out / Freeze-out November

Max got to go on a camp out with the boy scouts. Because Reece is the scout leader, he GOT to go too.

The weather was calling for near freezing temperatures, so I spent the day getting them all packed and ready for the cold. I was a little nervous to send them out but they were not worried one little bit.

After they boys were out of site, I took the kids for some food. We decided on Wendy's, and it ended up being a great choice. Well, no one got food poisoning, so that's great... right?

Here's the crew:

Here are the boys after a very cold night in the woods.

They look pretty happy, (well Max looks happy,) and they're still alive...

...Success!!!

I guess because I packed the bags, I get to unpack them... hehee.

While I unpacked, Reece showered, and Max slept. Isabel and Joe played outside with friends.

Joseph wanted to go for a bike ride, so when I was done putting things away I took him to the park. We got to swing for a bit at the park and then we rode back home.

When we got home I decided to try my luck at the long board...

...Another success!

Take a Hike! November 12th

Just another day in the dark and dreary world...

My friend Juli asked me if I'd like to go for a walk. I was hesitant because I had just played ball and didn't want to be chilled. It ended up being warmer than I had anticipated, and the views were stunning.

Thanks for the invite Casper!

Reading Time November 9th

I love that the kids like to read before school in the morning.

I also love the outfits that Joseph chooses to read in.

Where does he come up with this stuff???

Halloween 2015 ?October 31st? :)

Like I said earlier, Isabel wanted to be Cinderella...

(and of course, she had to have sparkly, high heel, shoes!)

Here's the whole gang at our ward trunk or treat on Friday

... Cinderella, Old man, and Navy SEAL

Halloween night we drove out to St. George to be with the cousins. Mavis and Stan and family played the Alice in Wonderland crew.

They looked amazing!!!

Last but not least, I had to give a shout out to me and my mad decorating skills.

Hahahahaha!!!

When we lived in Fresno everyone would always decorate their mantle all fun for the holidays. I decided that I liked it so much that I would start decorating mine. Not to bad! AND... I kinda like it all decorated!

Until next year...

...Happy Halloween!!!

Provo River Halloween Cruise October 29th

So, my friend Melanie puts on a Halloween and Christmas river boat thing, and she hooked us up with some tickets.

The only day we had time to go looked like this:

We didn't let the weather stop us from having a great time!

A little cold, but we were still smiling at the end.

This was my ideal way to warm up,

Sweet potato smash fries!

Great family time tonight!

Max's Playoff Game October 28th

Max had a great season. He played both sides of the ball this year but really enjoyed playing Corner back on defense. It was sad to see this season come to an end as the boys lost tonight, but we'll work hard and come back even stronger next year.

Way to go Tigers!!!

After the game Whitney and Scott came to the house for some hot cocoa, and Isabel got a hold of the camera.

WHAT???

It was a long day!

Mr. Cool October 25th

So... Joseph is always doing things a little out of the ordinary.

Today he put on his shades and rocked the Joe-cool look.

(He even said the prayer with them on. Sorry, I couldn't help but snap a picture)

If you ever need a pick me up, this kid is the go to.

He gives great hugs, and knows how to give some crazy amazing compliments!

Love you to the moon Joseph!

Another Day at the Park October 24th

Sometimes we play with the children...

Today was a fun day!

Highlights:

-Isabel got tackled by Joe and landed on her face. (She only cried for a second.)

-We had sprinting races and found out that Max is the fastest one in our family

-Joseph caught about a 60 yard pass with his face. Touchdown!

I love to see the children playing and having fun together.

The Halloween Costume October 23rd through 29th (here and there)

Isabel wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween this year. I decided that it would be a great time to learn how to sew. HA! This was the never-ending project. I'm just glad it looked half way decent when it was finished.

My friend DaNae's sister, helped me cut out the pattern. Then I sewed the pieces together, and prayed I did it right. I did have to take out a few stitches, but eventually I got it.

Next came the sparkle-fest. The tulle for the skirt was loaded with sparkle power, and I was pinning for days to get just the right look.

Turns out, I was supposed to sew the skirt on before putting in the zipper, but I like to do things the hard way, so I did the zipper first. I have heard horror stories about zippers so I was a bit nervous. Come to find out... I'm a zipper expert! Hahaha. After installing a near perfect zipper, I sewed the top onto the skirt.... backwards! IDIOT!

Finished product: