Happy Thanksgiving

I thought before November was over I better get a post in. Other than a particular episode (which most of you know about and I will explain later) we had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Here is Alli at her Thanksgiving preschool program.
Uncle Stevie was home and made it to the see the program
Here are my sweet kids on Thanksgiving day.
They love Grandma Graham!
Here we all are nice and happy before the "big episode" occurred!

So, we were leaving the Toffoli's house after Thanksgiving and I was putting Zachary in the car and when I stepped off the curb I twisted my ankle. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, I was in so much pain (I was actually doing labor breathing! I'm sure Ryan thought I was being a little dramatic!) I had to be carried in to the house to get the evaluation by everyone there. I hate being the center of attention, but everyone was concerned about me and my foot. And I was in a ton of pain that I'm glad there were so many around to help. When all was said and done, I broke my foot and now am waiting to see a specialist. It is very interesting to be six months pregnant, have to use crutches, have my two kids running around like crazy, and just have to sit on the couch all day. As a side note...There were days that I wished I could put all my cares aside and sit on the couch and watch T.V. and and nap and just do nothing. Well, all I can say is it is not as fun as it sounds. I will be more careful about what I wish for! There will be a post soon of my big belly and broken foot, I have had request! So stay tuned!

Last Halloween Hurrah

Well, here is the picture we found of me at four when I was a clown.

Here is Allison on the same front porch. I think she fits the idea of a clown a little better!
While Allison was at preschool, Zachy and I went to Glendora to do some trick or treating with Auntie Robin. Zachy was so excited to get the candy all to himself!
We took our annual picture with our neighbor Bryan. These are going to be fun pictures to look back on.
By the end of the night the candy was starting to kick in! We took our second annual picture with our friends Tyler and Gavin. I think the kids are still recovering from all the excitment!

Clowning Around!

Here are the only two pictures we took at the church Halloween Party. I've learned from the past to take them right when we get there because the chance of taking one during or after the party is impossible! Still, Allison wouldn't look at the camera because she was too excited about the party, and Zachary was distracted by Ryan's wig!

FYI...the clown costumes came about because Allison and Zachary are at the age that Nora and I were when mom made these costumes for us. I will take pictures of the kids sitting on the porch just like we did 20 plus years ago! Stay tuned.

The Winning Pumpkin

Our neighbor grew a gigantic pumpkin this year and decided to enter it into a contest up north. She ended up winning first place which was $8200.00 (not a misprint!) She was so excited to have won that she had a Halloween party with neighbors and friends. There was a ton of food, Ryan made balloon animals for the kids, and it was a great start to Halloween!

The winning pumpkin!

Ryan doing what he does best!
The kids loved all the Halloween decorations. This witch moved when you got close to it and it scared them at first. After a while they wouldn't leave it alone.
They climbed in bed with Ryan and ended up falling asleep after such a fun party!

They normally don't sleep with us, so I thought it was cute that they fell asleep so fast.

Riley's Apple Farm

Now that my camera is back from its vacation to Texas I am able to post some pictures. I was a little disappointed that I didn't have as many pictures on there as I thought. When Emily was down for that week I think there were so many cameras going that mine took a back seat. I know mom's camera has a ton on hers, now we just need to teach her how to post!

Adoring Big Sister

After baths, I usually let the kids watch a video (and then read books of course!) Allison decided that she wanted to lay on the floor instead of sit on the couch. Not a second later, Zachary got off the couch and sat by Alli on the floor. He kept looking at her and adjusting his hands to get them just like hers. He absolutely adores her. We'll see how long that last!

Birthday Finale

Alli had a great 4th birthday. We finished off the day with Auntie Nora and Uncle Adam coming up. We took pizza to the park for dinner and played until it was dark.

We had a Funfetti Birthday cake, decorated by me (don't be jealous of my decorating skills!)
Alli opened her presents. Now that she is in the dinosaur class, Auntie Nora made her two dinosaur shirts to wear to preschool!
This present is so funny because every time we go to the grocery store Allison begs me to buy her Milano cookies. Of course, I always say no! We have never had these cookies in our house but she must have had them somewhere because she ask for them every time. But being such the nice mom that I am I got them for her birthday and I think you can tell they were just about her favorite gift!
Talking on the phone with her new jammies from Grandma Graham.
Playing one of her new games way past her bedtime. She just about had a meltdown when Uncle Adam almost won. The adults were good sports to let the tired birthday girl win!
Sound asleep at four years old!
One funny side note...We had been doing a countdown to her birthday starting at the beginning of the month. This morning when she woke up she said to me, "Mom, can we start marking off on the calendar until I'm five!"

Birthday Update

Grandma Graham brought over a treat before Alli went to Preschool

We took cupcakes to preschool to share with her friends. Alli was in charge of the sprinkles!
After school her request was Mac&Cheese for lunch and of course she had to wear the birthday hat that was given to her at preschool!
The party's not over yet! Stay tuned!

Feliz Cumpleanos!!

Dora was the first to wish Alli a Happy Birthday this morning! Thanks to Grandma Menlove, this life size balloon has made her day!

Hurray for Preschool!

As usual I have been very sick with this pregnancy, hence not a post for over a month. My life has pretty much consisted of throwing-up and laying on the couch. We were all surviving fine until Ryan had to go back to work last week. He was great entertainment for the kids and a big help to me. But for the past week I was all on my own and lets just say that no one had much fun. But the good news is that preschool started today! We are all a little happier now!

Zachy wouldn't let go of Alli's hand as they walked into the school

Allison is in the Dinosaur class and is way excited!
Saying goodbye.

I promise they did this all on their own!

Proud Mom

Allison is at the age where she enjoys writing letters. A few days ago I walked into the backyard to find that she had written her name in chalk. She did it all on her own and I think she did a great job. Proud mom moment!

Italian Anyone?

Because Ryan loves Italian so much, I found this shirt just for him!

"I miss Uncle Stevie"

Uncle Stevie has moved to Texas and we all miss him!

More Pictures in Utah

Last summer in Utah

This summer in Utah. Notice Allison can't keep her eyes off the froggy slide!
Zachy had fun with Grandma
He thought this was the best game!
Grandma is known for her fun scooters.
Can't wait until next summer!

To Grandma's House We Go!

We just got home from visiting Grandma Menlove in Utah. Even though it was 116 degrees outside, we had a great time! Reading books with GrandmaWe did lots of swimming. This was Alli's favorite place - an indoor water park. She loved the froggy slide. I think because she was in the frog class at preschool!
I promise these were the only swim diapers we could find! We went to the park really EARLY in the morning to avoid the heat, but if you look closely you can still see pretty red cheeks!

I couldn't fit all the pictures I wanted on one post, so there are more to come!