The great pumpkin carve

These cute kids have been waiting for days to carve their pumpkins. Tonight was finally the night. Reece was home in good time, and we had a small gap of time when neither one of us had something else going on. The kids were so excited, and Joe was more than happy to sit in his chair to watch. Both kids wanted a spectacular design, but both were persuaded to go traditional. Here's some photos:













Both Max and Isabel were hesitant to stick their hands into the goo. I told them that if they ever wanted to carve pumpkins again that they better be willing to get a little dirty. They both dug right in after that.They did a good job, but Reece and I did have to help a little bit.

Lil Joe

Princess Bell

Big Max

So glad that we were able to squeeze in that 30 min. of pumpkin time. It was great fun!

status

I lost the charger for my camera, or should I say "misplaced." I'm sure I'll find it sooner or later, hopefully sooner.

Not much going on in the Blackwell house. Maximus got to go on a field trip at school to the pumpkin patch. Isabel will also get to go, her field trip is tomorrow, and she is so excited!!! She has been counting the days since Thursday, and when she woke up this morning to find out it was Sunday she was overwhelmed with joy. Not because she would get to go to primary today, but because today being Sunday meant that tomorrow was Monday, and she would be able to ride the bus on her long awaited field trip to the pumpkin patch. Cutest girl!

Max had his last football game of the season, I think over all he enjoyed the experience. After the game on Saturday, he acknowledged that his team had lost but then stated "sometimes it's not just about if you win the game, as long as you have a fun time, right mom?" I agreed and was pleased that he had learned the concept of having "fun" while playing sports. Now if only I could learn that we all might be a little happier After "mom plays basketball." Te-he. Anyhow, Max asked if he could play football again next year, and so it looks like tons more fun to come.

Today, I am going to attempt to make a robe for Max's Halloween costume. I am sure it will turn out fine, but if not I can always go shopping tomorrow. This year for Halloween the children will all be star wars characters. Max: Luke Skywalker, Isabel: Princess leah (who else), and Joseph: Yoda. I usually love to get into character with the children, but have not planned a costume, so unless by some divine intervention, I will probably be wearing my Tigger costume. I also want Reece to play along and be Chewbacca, but again...no costume.

Right now I am blogging (with no pictures...boo hoo) and trying to come up with a meal plan for the week. I love the fall weather, and being in Provo this year, instead of Henderson, we are really feeling the cool fall air. We also get to watch all the beautiful trees change colors...we love it! Fall is a great time to start making chili once a week again. My family loves some good home made chili over rice with cheese and sour cream on top, and of course frito scoops to shovel it in.

Trying to stay on task with the goals I have in life. Will continue to blog as a source of journaling, and hope that my family will have a way to look back on these in the future. Also I really don't like blogging with out my pictures so until I find that battery charger...

Bonfire!

Well isn't this fun!!! We were blessed to be invited to our friends bonfire on Monday night for dinner and F.H.E. So much fun! I just took a bunch of random pictures to try and capture the fun.

These boys are definitely their daddy's boys!

"Bula-Bula"

And for the finale:
Mmmmmmm Smores!

A big thank you to the Dayton's! In attendance: Daytons (of course), Nordfelts, Tuckers, Blacks, and Blackwells (minus Reece). We had an awesome time, and look forward to many more bonfires in the future! (wink, wink)

30???

Well I did it. I turned 30 and I didn't die! I enjoyed a wonderful day filled with birthday wishes (my parents were on vacation in Ireland, but they still called to wish me a happy birthday!), basketball (great start to a great day), Jamba Juice (thanks to Tawnya), Crooks (sorry about your appendix Ryan), dinner (Cocolito's, pretty yummy), and a movie (The Proposal). Thank you to my wonderful husband who made sure that I had a great day. I only wish that I didn't hate birthday's so much.

So My sisters have close birthdays to mine. Sharley the 25th, and Mavis Oct 1st. On Sharley's birthday she went to Disneyland, and Mavis and family went with. So fun! (I was invited and could've gone, but wanted to save money.) So anywho, being that we were all busy on birthdays, we decided to go to Dad and Moms house this last weekend to celebrate. We had a blast, and I'm sorry that we don't live closer to them because it's always so much fun. Here are all the pictures of our fun (4 day) weekend.

Swimming of course

Isabel

Maximus

So, while swimming, in the "hot tub-pool," the kids decided to get violent.

Sharley - the victim
Max - gunner #1

Isabel - gunner #2

Attack!

Sharley's last ditch effort: Use Isabel as a shield.

After the guns were put away, the parents decided to join the kiddo's in the pool. Jo-Jo and I were out on the sidelines due to a constant runny nose. (not me, Joseph)

Here's Joe throwing the ball with my dad.










Catch Papa!



here's the live footage:

Here's my mom playing "Marco - Polo."
Way to go mom, you got Isabel.

Here's a short clip of the Marco-polo action

Saturday night we had an awesome turkey dinner with the family, after which we got to open a few gifts. Dad and mom got the three of us a new outfit, so of course we had to try it on and take a picture. Thanks Mom, so cute!
We also got a few souvenirs from the Ireland trip (not pictured) one of my gifts included a Irish flute. Also my parents got to make t-shirts on one stop, so we all got one of a kind, hand made (printed) t-shirts from limerick. Thanks guys!

Every night in New Harmony this trip, we watched a star wars movie. I swear my child is now obsessed. It was cool to see the old movies again. I forgot how much I like the E-woks. Good times!

Here's Jo-Jo snuggling with my dad before bed time.

Star Wars!!!

Crazy kid!

Sunday We got to sit down, relax, and enjoy General Conference. It was amazing! Those men and women that speak to us every six months are truly inspired, and have some crazy strong testimonies! We love the prophet!

Jo-Jo was excited, he got to color with the big kids.

How can I leave this out:

aaarrrrrghhhhhh!

Sunday night dinner: Spare ribs! Mmmmmmmmm!



Who knew? I guess my kids love ribs. Thanks Mom!

Wow, that was a busy weekend. What else can I say besides... I love my family. I am grateful that my parents love us and love having us at their home. We had a great weekend of swimming, laughing, movies, playing wii, and good ole fun!

Until next year... viva la "30 ! "

Football

Hey...I finally remembered my camera, and even with it around my neck I forgot to start taking pictures until half way through the game. Luckily I decided to take a video shot right on this next play:


Can you believe it??? Our little max took the ball in for a touch down. His run was about half the length of the field, he was so excited! The team we played today was really good. Max scored one of the only two touchdowns. I don't even know what the final score was, but I think we lost by 1 touch down bringing the teams record to 1w, 2L.

Max loves being on a "team." They are all first and second grade, and you can definitely tell by the way they act. :) Reece is the assistant coach, and he thinks it's really difficult to keep all the kids heads on the game. He still has fun (I think)We have quite a few more games to come, so hopefully there will be lots more pictures.