Stacko Uno/Jenga

So, one day Marissa and Cerena decided it would be fun to play Jenga with the Stacko Uno blocks! It was amazing how long this tower remained standing! It literally swayed back and forth till I was certain it would crash to the table, then simply stop wobbling at all. Check out the foundation. . .

Cerena and Marissa have very different Jenga styles. Cerena's style changed throughout the game. At first, she held the tower still while she carefully pulled a block out. After we explained that holding the tower was sorta cheating, she completely changed her tactics. She chose a block and pulled it out so fast, we hardly knew that she had begun before she was done. That is when the tower would get to rocking back and forth and we just knew that was the end. . . when suddenly Marissa got another turn!

Marissa was very careful, tapping to find any loose blocks before gently sliding it out of the tower.

However, all the care in the world couldn't protect the tower from Cerena's wild approach for too long. Everyone jumps when the tower comes crashing down!

The girls had a great time playing their game!

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!