WARNING: Many posts ahead

Just a little warning for the faint at heart. . . there are SEVEN (yes, that's right, SEVEN) posts for one little tiny day. Please allow me to explain. There seems to be some sort of vortex, black hole, gremlin type thing that happens between my camera and this computer. Any pictures not immediately used just evaporate into thin cyberspace! POOF!!! My first remedy to a problem is always to put it off till tomorrow, but my camera was filling up, so I had to make room by downloading the pictures. I had two choices . . . one hideously LONG blog posting, or several (SEVEN, to be exact) shorter postings. I went with the latter. Enjoy. Oh! And you may want to do so quickly because more are on the way!

We just celebrated Rachelle's 18th birthday!!!! I tried to persuade her to put this one off for just one more year, but she simply could not be prevailed upon. Why MUST our children grow up anyway? Oh yeah! So they can serve missions, go to college, get married, bring grandchildren into the world, and become amazing adults! So, go ahead, turn 18, Rachelle. I guess it is ok, THIS TIME! Jessica, the first two pictures are for you. We know how you love pictures of food. Rachelle requested chicken florentine for dinner. Garlic bread and broccoli were served on the side. Mmmm-mmmmmm-good!

Nichole's 'pumpkin smash' was such a hit, Rachelle requested one for her birthday. Rob is determined to layer two pumpkin pies with an ice cream filling. It worked beautifully for him once years ago. I think we prefer the smash to an actual layered cake type dessert.

We had to really hustle to light all the candles. The pie was sliding off rather quickly. Hurry everyone. . . sing. . .sing. . .sing.

Once the song was sung, Rob dumped his concoction into the big bowl where it officially became 'smash'. Our favorite part. Nichole nearly forgot her tradition. For those of you who haven't heard, several years ago, Nichole quietly slid Rachelle's birthday cake over to rest in front of her as we sang the happy birthday song. Sadly, some of us became a little confused, and actually sange Nichole's name. We all had a big laugh, then put the cake in front of its rightful owner and sang to RACHELLE. Ever since that day, we gt a picture of Nichole attempting to 'steal' someone else's birthday cake. No one is exempt. It happens to all of us. Beware, Nichole, beware.

Rachelle has learned to be a little feisty when needed. Especially when the old sad face ploy doesn't work.

I happened to just set the camera on the table and caught Esther waiting patiently for her birthday smash. She looks positively bored. But really cute!

Happy birthday Rachelle! Maybe we can persuade you to hold off on 19 just a little longer?

Trick or Treat

Such cuties on Halloween (actually, this was Friday night--since Halloween fell on Sunday, our Ward hosted a Trunk or Treat night). Introducing our little mime and fairie! We loved this costume! She was so adorable. Of course, she was given way too much candy.

Same story with the fairie princess.

Jazmin (aka Tinkerbell) came over to show us her costume. Great job Selena! I love how the leaves just frame her so beautifully!

Cynthia and Devon! Thanks for smiling. . . . FINALLY!

Exercise

Marissa has decided to whip us into shape. We call her our "Personal Trainer". Here, she is challenging Rob to a push-up contest.

Excellent form. . . both of them! Marissa really is very strong. . .

I can't remember if Rob did more, or if he started over. . . maybe Marissa will tell us on her blog?

Bumblebee Tuna

So, Jamie has been coming home singing songs from her choir class. One of their warm up songs is the Bumblebee tuna song (is there really such a song?). Cerena picked right up on that one, and decided (with Dad's help) to use it to get a can of tuna all to herself. Needless to say, it worked!

Cerena also likes Rachelle!

Turn your volume way up. . . you MIGHT be able to hear her sing the tuna song. . .

A little sweetness goes a long way

As mentioned in my last blog, the girls recently participated in a Primary Program. Primary programs are very special in our church. This is the time when children get to show the songs and lessons they have been learning throughout the year. Each of the girls had her very own part and did an excellent job. It really is one of my favorite meetings of the entire year.

This picture was just so sweet, I had to include it!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Esther and Cerena absolutely LOVE it when their cousin Jazmin comes to play! Sometimes they can be the silliest girls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. (Just a few words by way of disclaimer. . .Rob took the old Christmas tree out for a skit he did at a Church activity. It has been safely stored away till we have a chance to enjoy Thanksgiving first.)

Jessica, we decided to try for some really cool action shots just for you. . . .

This is what happens after a long day at church. . . especially when that long day at church also involves a Primary Program in which all three girls had a part of their very own.

Notice how Ivy tries to sneak into some of these pictures. . . she is pretty good at action sometimes too! I love Jazmin's unintentional ballet pose. It actually looks rather pro, doesn't it Cynthia?

Um, this next one looks rather familiar. . . too bad I am not very adept at editing my blogs. . .

This next little series is so dang funny. . . I had to put it all in. Esther is such a camera ham!!!!

Not one to be outdone by her sister in anything. . . especialy silliness. . . . . . . . . . . . . The girls really had too much fun creating these blog photos, especially since we got crazy in the "Quiet Room".

In the end, I believe it is true. . . girls just wannna have fun!

Field Trip

The little ones had their first field trip last week. And what fun it was!!! A trip to a farm with hay rides, a tractor, and a pumpkin patch! Rob was able to meet up with Esther at the farm. She definitely had a wonderful time! Um, is it safe to drive that big tractor with just one hand?
The sun was in her eyes, but this picture turned out so dang cute! Just a little pumpkin patch fairie!

Each of the girls got to pick out and bring home her very own pumpkin. There were so many to choose from. . . big ones, small ones, fat ones, skinny ones. The girls were so proud of their pumpkins. Esther was delighted to find out that Cerena had chosen a pumpkin the same size as hers. The pumpkins were not the only things measured. . . look how tall Esther has grown!

Again, the sun was right in her eyes! Poor thing. Eventually, the sun hid behind the clouds and we got to see her beautiful smile once again!