Sam's Birthday

Wow! My first born turned 12 yrs old on Oct. 16th 2011. What an important year for him. He recieved the Aaronic preisthood and his first temple recomend on his birthday! What a special birthday! We were able to celebrate in style at Planet Play. They had a ton of fun playing games, eating pizza, and doing various attractions. It was a fun party! Thanks to those who could come to either or both and make it special. For Sam's birthday we gave him a new bike. It was much needed since his last bike was given to him about 5-6 years ago.

Sam also got a friend party at our house. A few friends came and they played capture the flag, maffia, mind games, and ninja. We ate pizza and ice cream and cake. I asked Sam if he wanted a theme. No theme for him. He's getting too big. Sad, Sad. My boy is growing up too fast. It was a fun party though. I think they all had a good time.

Sam is having a lot of first with this birthday. First time going to priesthood session of confrence. First time getting the priesthood. First time going to young mens or scouts. First friend birthday party at our house. First temple recommend. First time going to the temple (we're going there soon, I hope).

odds and ends

Back in Aug. We went to a Starwars Party at the library. It was a lot of fun. They had games and crafts for the kids. Ammon came in second place for the costume contest. He went as Han Solo. He had fun coming up with his costume. First place was a little girl dressed as Yoda. Sam wanted to go, but was at scout camp.

In Sept. I took Bella and Shahayla and her Mom, Tonya, to tempel square. They have lived here most their lives and have never been. It was a nice outing with just us girls.

Also in Sept. Samuel went on his first backpacking campout. I was so scared for him. Thankgoodness Al went with him. I think that pack wieghs almost as much as he does. It was an extremely difficult hike and he did pretty good for his first time. Dad on the other hand twisted his ankle on the way up. Ouch!

A couple weeks ago we went to see the witches at gardner village. My kids look forward to going there every year. It was a georgeous October day. This witch was just dieing to get a picture with my kids! Joshy wasn't too sure and didn't want to get too close.

These pictures didn't turn out so good. I don't think my flash was on. But I had to add them anyway because they make me laugh. Gideon got his first taste of some colorful buble gum. Some how he had opened his from grandma and thought it was great! One big one in his mouth, and one in each hand. Taking turns from hand to hand licking the different buble gum. He was quite the mess, along with the carpet. But ohhh the joy from that baby!



One fall day in Oct. we (Joshy, Bella, and I) decided to gather the leaves and have some fall fun. They had fun running and jumping in the leaves. And then burying each other in them.


Gideon didn't know quite what to think of the leaves. He was a little scared at first.





Last night for family night we carved our pumpkins. Bella and Ammon designed the faces. Sam and Dad cut them. We all helped get out the goo, and I separated the seeds for roasting.