Fall Festivities

This past weekend we were busy with lots of fun activities.  Saturday we told the kids that we were taking them somewhere fun, and that it was a surprise!  Porter was so excited, it was fun.  We need to make things a "surprise" more often.  We took them to Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point.  It was the perfect family atmosphere.

Porter's favorite attraction was the huge pirate ship, he loved it.  Tyson didn't really care about anything particular, (although he was pretty mesmerized by a puppet show)  he was quite content to be outside in the cool night running around freely.

Then Friday night we had an awesome Halloween party at my sister-in-law Jamie's house, with lots of family and friends.  They had the basement decorated fun, we had a TON of yummy food, and then lots of games for the kids to play.  It was a great night, and I think it should be added to the Fall traditions in Santaquin!

We dressed up as a pirate, captain hook, and mr smee!

Games included plinko? board, fishing for prizes, musical chairs, donut on a string, and guess what food is inside the bag.

A Christmas Tradition

Every year at Christmas time my sister-in-law, Lisa hosts the annual Gingerbread House activity.  She hand makes every single gingerbread house for all of the kids.  The kids have fun decorating their houses, and chowing down on the candy.  They then gather around to listen to the traditional story of the Gingerbread man.  After that they go to the oven to get the gingerbread man cookies out, only to discover they have run away!  The kids then run as fast as they can throughout the house to find the missing gingerbread men.  They are always found decorated and individually wrapped for each child.  We have been doing this for years now, and I know the kids look forward to it each year.  Thanks, Lisa for all the hard work and time you put into making this event happen every Christmas.  What a lucky group of kids!

The night started out with a bunch of kids getting down to some Christmas music.

The set-up

There was a choice of gingerbread houses.... (the popular choice)

...and a choice of gingerbread trains... what my child chose

Busy at work

Porter making his train, GREAT picture, but I only took one.  :)  Sorry bud!

And the kids that opted out... Michelle Bell

And Tyson!  (I guess Stephen should be included in this group but I missed his picture!)

The end results!  Aren't they cute?

And the woman behind it all!!!!!!!

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

We headed over to Hanauma Bay for some snorkeling, which is always a favorite. Our favorite finds were a turtle and an octopus, we caught that on film.  Also, if you are ever at a beach in Hawaii, do not I repeat DO NOT feed the birds.  They will harass for as long as you stay.

Honolulu Zoo & Dolphins

Mickey took Porter too see the dolphins at a hotel in town.  Then Jared and I took the kids to the Honolulu zoo. That was really a lot of fun, especially the monkeys... they sang.  It was the craziest thing, I wish I had it on camera.

Lazy days in Hawaii

Jared went golfing with Elder Gilchrist so the kids and I spent the day at the pool.  And this last picture is about how Porter looks at the end of each day... beat!

Ko'olina Beach Resort

The Ko'olina Lagoons are by far my favorite beaches in Oahu.  They are in my opinion the most beautiful, they are kept up really nice, there aren't weirdos, and best of all, the waves are big where you are fearing for your kids' lives the whole time.  It is very family friendly.  We have spent three or four days here, and I love it.  They have these great hut covers throughout the beach which provides shade from the sun when you need it, which is especially nice with a baby.

Polynesian Cultural Center "The Breath of Life"

This time we just went to the night show since last time we were still on jet lag and by the time the night show came we all crashed during it.  We probably did this a little too early in the trip again, we thought all was well since the kids took super long naps but we still lost them.  Usually if Porter is tired he will get fussy and cranky, but tonight he just laid down and fell asleep. We enjoyed it and 2 sleeping kids actually made for an enjoyable night!

Halloween 2010

Porter was an airplane (world's most difficult costume to find, by the way!).... and Tyson was the pilot.  They were pretty much darling if I do say so myself!  The candy is already gone and I am glad for that- not a fan of kid sugar highs- wow!