We Didn't Fail our Kids!

The adults had a crazy fun Halloween, but we didn't fail our kids! They had fun too. Capri borrowed an adorable kitty cat costume from Aubrie Johnson. Sophie was the most beautiful mermaid ever, except her adult sized wig kept sliding off her head, so we had to bribe her to keep it on for the ward trunk-or-treat because it was the best part of her costume. Maxwell dressed as a ninja, and he carried around a super flimsy sword that he talked me into buying at the costume shop for $12. I think a paper towel tube would have held up longer! Enough candy was collected at the trunk-or-treat on Saturday night to make up for not being able to go through the neighborhood on account of Halloween falling on a Sunday. Always a bummer! Although Vicki and Derek Johnson hosted an awesome Halloween party on Sunday evening that made up for it, and then some.

Can you say "mid-life crisis"?

Really I don't need to add words to this blog because these pictures explain much more than any words could, but I am a woman of many words so I'll do a bit of journaling. Brittany Johnson and I decided it was time for a party, and Halloween was the celebratory time of choice. We had an amazing dinner, but before dinner was officially served Steve and I made our debut as Axl Rose and Slash from the hair band "Guns 'n Roses". When everyone arrived in costume they were quite upset to see their hosts in street clothes. Steve and I pretended to be in a little tiff about our costumes, a tiff which led to a supposed costume protest! As everyone was sitting down to dinner we discreetly slipped away and put our costumes on in record time. We then strutted down the hall to the "Welcome to the Jungle" guitar intro and then lip synced like Simon Cowell was judging! The funniest part about this whole episode is that it was Steve's idea to surprise everyone with our costumes. I love it when he gets a little wild hair, because then I don't feel so immature! I was so impressed with everyone's costumes, and am so glad we got pictures to capture the moment.

We Love our Friends

These are actually two different dinners with friends...because not only do we love our friends, but we love eating out, so we try to do it quite regularly! Girls Nights Out (or some people shorten it to GNO as code) are always a great time, as are couple nights out (which needs no code). Notice how Jared is blurred because he is going in for the kiss!

Team Stryker

Maxwell had the funnest year ever in football. His skills improved and he moved from being all-time center last year (his first year) to running back/wide receiver/lineman. Center is a great position, but he loved being in the action a little bit more! His Dad was a coach (he called himself a glorified cheerleader and back slapper because the other coaches were all ex-football players...Steve plays tennis!). He had the best coaches ever. His head coach played for BYU and in the NFL for a few years, meaning he knows his stuff, but he also helped the kids have tons of fun, and let everyone in on the fun. Their team also had the best sponsor...Stryker Orthopaedics. We're talking high quality t-shirts for players and coaches, beanies for the kids, hats for the coaches, and most important...pizza! I'm not sure how I feel about my little 60 pounder playing tackle next year!

Things I Try to Avoid: Grocery Stores with My Kids!

Things look quite calm and happy in this picture, but notice we are in the produce section, which is at the very BEGINNING of the grocery store. Also notice that we already have an Icee and opened Teddy Grahams in hand!

Hair...Behind the Scenes

Just wanted to give a sneak peek into what Capri hair looks like behind closed doors! Smashed ponytails from naptime, mullets, and curly fauxhawks. It's amazing what a little water can do!

Capri is 2!!

Capri reached a major milestone in October...she lived to see the age of two, which means her Mom somehow kept her cool often enough to let her live! We did low key birthday party...McDonald's happy meals and playland and most importantly, Grandma Pat. For weeks before her birthday all she requested was balloons, and Grandma Pat delivered. She nearly floated away as she held them! She was intent on eating her cake with a knife, and I never stand in the way of a birthday girl's wishes...even if they are a health hazard!! Although Capri has been my mess maker and my trouble maker, she is also one of my favorite little people. She has more spunk and personality than any two year old I have known. I can guarantee that she will add joy and laughter to our lives always.