Thanksgiving - Take 2

Then on Saturday we got together with Benjamin's and Carolyn's families for a real Thanksgiving.  Benjamin and Tami cooked a very yummy turkey, potatoes, gravy, and pumpkin pie.  Carolyn made ambrosia and stuffing and brought a chocolate pie.  I made yams and apples, corn, apple crisp, and bought rolls.  It was all yummy.

I love Thanksgiving!  It is still my favorite holiday.  I'm always glad for an extra opportunity to reflect on blessings and service.

Thanksgiving - Take 1

We had an awesome Thanksgiving!  On Thanksgiving day we made carne asada.  The Sunday before, I asked Juan what he wanted to have because he hates turkey.  He said carne asada.  I asked him what we were going to do if it snowed.  He said he would still cook it.  So, we planned for it and executed the plan.  It was fun!  It turned out to be a beautiful day, like we played outside while he was cooking.  It was only about 60, but the kids had coats on, don't worry. :)  So, we ate carne asada, rice, beans, roasted pumpkin (cubed, cooked in the oven with a little coconut oil and salt), green beans, apple cider.  More of a harvest celebration.

Halloween 2011

Monday was Halloween.  We went over to Aunt Linda's for our "annual" Halloween party with Grandma M.  It was good to see her and visit with her.  We had planned to go over and visit more on Sunday, but we didn't want to take the illness with us, so we got a very short and sweet visit on Monday.  We had dinner and then Juan took the kids trick or treating while we visited.  I tried a new recipe!  I made beef stew inside a pumpkin and cooked it all in the oven.  It was yummy. 

Luz was a...purple butterfly (again)!  This was the 4th year she has worn the same costume.  Best investment ever.  It is the only costume she's ever known.  It is cute and warm and apparently grows along with the child.  I told her this year that it would be her last year as a butterfly.  She said, "Oh good Mom!  I want to be a princess next time." :) 

Ezra was a Tigger, minus the hood.  He is not a hood guy.  He went trick or treating in the stroller.  He is walking quite well, but he doesn't walk much in public yet.

Happy Halloween!

We are pretty much the most awesome parents ever!  Right...we recycle Halloween costumes.  I'm not sure why I even used the plural form of costume, actually.  Luz has had a total of ONE costume in her entire Halloween life...3 years worth.  She was a cute little mariposa again this year. :)  Ezra did not get a costume.  He wore a sleeper and a Jack-o-lantern bib (which I don't think we got a picture of because it was removed once he started trying to eat it).

Happy Birthday to me (cont'd)

And now for the official birthday post:
Saturday - What I really wanted this year for my birthday was to spend some time together and for Juan to work on a list of small things around the house that I've been saving up for him.  He was thrilled, of course, with the idea.  So Saturday, he and Luz played together.
Sunday - Sunday morning my counselors popped in, surprising me with some original mango cupcakes (of which I did not get a picture unfortunately), a book, and a cute card.  Thanks!  Then we got to go to Diego's baby blessing and hang out with our friends Antonio and Veronica.  So fun!  We got home and Samuel cooked dinner.  Thanks Samuel!

 Baby Diego and Mama Veronica

Monday - Juan and Luz played, hung out, and did some errands together.  I got to go to Sam's Club with my friend Tepoe.  Then Juan barbecued hamburgers for me (and the rest of the family).  We had some great ice cream sundaes and I got to open some fabulous gifts.  Thanks to all!

Me, Samuel, and Victoria...all ready to blow out our candles!

Pioneer Day Fun

Here in Utah, Pioneer Day (July 24th) is a big deal.  I haven't really been "into" it before, but after all the fun we had over the 4th of July weekend, I thought we should give it an honest-to-goodness try.   I have come to appreciate the fact that children need to be taught gratitude more now than in years past.  One thing I firmly believe in is that if you appreciate the past, you will be even more grateful for what you have today.  And that is the basis for our historical celebrations this year.

Today I am thinking of the pioneer women and appreciating the pregnant ones.  If I had been a pioneer, I would not have been able to carry my babies to term.  I am in awe of their hardships and sacrifices and grateful for modern medicine.

1. We got up, got ready, and went over to a family breakfast at the Jensen's about 9:30.  Thanks Jensens!  They had pancakes, eggs, sausage, scones with honey butter, fruit, and much more.  They are really awesome.  Thanks for inviting us over!!!

Here is our little pioneer daughter.  I did not make the bonnet, but I did make the skirt!

2. We went over to North Park where there is a Pioneer village.  There were also about a million Pioneer games and crafts.  I am very, very impressed with how well-done everything was.  Provo really knows how to put an event together, even a free one!

 Luz got to ride a live pony carousel.  Fun!

We met up with cousins Victoria and Julianna.  Here are the Pioneer girls in front of the quilt display.

The 3 of us.

Luz and Papa playing a game.

3. We left a little before 2:00 and came home for a nap.

4. Benjamin, Tami & fam came over about 4:30 to play in the water!

 Juan and Luz playing in our newly acquired bigger pool.

5. And then we had a carne asada and played inside for a bit.

6. Later that night, Uncle Sal and Uncle Samuel came into town en route from Rexburg to Burbank.  We had a nice visit.