Family Home Evening Refreshments

Kemiah wanted to have rice krispie treats for part of her birthday so we ended up doing it for Monday night refreshments (her birthday is on Wednesday). The kids wanted to "make" stuff so we sat down after lunch and got creative. I obviously don't make these often enough because they didn't turn out quite right (too dry). The kids each sat at their spots with their wax paper and Halloween candy. They made something and then decorated it. It was fun to watch and see what they each came up with.

 

Camdilyn enjoyed the dry cereal.

Candy bowl/crown thing.

Blob with candy on it.

I thought she was done.

Finished butterfly.

Harmonie's candy blob.

Finished castle.

Finished kitty!

They enjoyed playing together while the others finished up.

Finished castle and turtle.

What a fun activity for dessert. They enjoyed eating them after family home evening. Good memories.

Halloween

We started the day with jack-o-lantern pancakes. I made some of the batter bright yellow, and the rest of it orange (as best I could). Then I made some faces on the kids pancakes, and I wish I had taken pictures but I really didn't think anything of it. They enjoyed seeing the different faces and I tried to make some scary or mad or funny or happy. Then Ben tried to make a Frankenstein. Then Marissa decided she wanted to try. It was at that point I decided you had to see what she did because it was artistic, of course.

I had used up all the bright yellow so had to change the orange batter to something else. I didn't really want green but the kids didn't really care. Marissa just couldn't help herself and made a cat face and a howling wolf. Just had to share her latest artistic creation.

We spent the rest of the day on school. I had big plans to head to a friend's house for dinner, some trick-or-treating and then stop by another friend's neighborhood for more treats and then go home to enjoy the candy loot. Unfortunately, we are not that dedicated to this holiday so the bad weather (cold, rainy/snowy, windy) caused us to stay home. Kevin took the kids to the store for pizza and candy and a movie. Then we all enjoyed our time together as a family. I guess we'll just enjoy our own tradition.

Almost clear communication.

What else makes the kids feel better?

Ice cream in a sugar cone, of course!

 

 

We all got the flu shot today. What a deal! Fortunately, the kids handled it much better than they usually do. The younger kids had no real issues - a little crying with the stick and then it was over. The older kids didn't make such a fuss and so that was awesome! I decided we all needed a treat so we enjoyed ice cream cones! We all loved them and possibly forgot about our painful arms or legs for just a moment!

Trunk or Treating

Kids love Halloween. I am one of those parents who has a love/hate relationship with this holiday.... so I'll try not to taint their childhood with my opinion.

 

Ben and Marissa have been reading The Ranger's Apprentice series so that's what they decided to be for Halloween. They bought the fabric with their own money so they could make cloaks. I tried to have them sew as much of it as possible so that it would be their's! It was a fun little project and they had a blast!

 

Meet Salt and Pepper. I wish I had made them cardboard "hats" that look like shakers tops but oh well.

M&Ms - they look tasty to me! 

Piglet and Marshmallow. We have had that white sweatsuit since Ben's first trick-or-treating experience, before he was 2 when we lived in Florida. Each of the kids has been Marshmallow so it's a family tradition.

Most of the families had a game at their trunk so it was lots of fun. We enjoyed walking around with friends and the weather was wonderful - sunny and warm for the end of October!

Camdilyn enjoyed walking around while she chewed on a twisler stick still in the package. One end opened and she got a taste of the yummy goodness inside. I hope it washed out of the shirt. She had a great time, even though she doesn't understand the candy concept.

My favorite part was having the kids paired up so they went around with a buddy. Kevin and I hung out with the younger four while the older kids talked with friends and enjoyed a bit of freedom with lots of adults around.

 

When we got home, Kevin took some time to just sit and read some Calvin and Hobbes. It's a great way to pass the time and kids will come and join - we all love Calvin and Hobbes! It was a great activity and a wonderful day!

 

Next year, I think I'll try to borrow or rent some costumes from a family in our ward who are much more creative than I am. I love all the ideas that people share but I just don't work that way. So I'll use their old ideas and my kids will have real costumes instead of clothes with letters taped on.

Don't take my picture!

I wish I had had my camera when her sister brought her to me because she was all smiles. Then I sat her down to take her picture and she wanted nothing to do with me. She was very upset that I was trying to make her sit still - she likes to be on the move most of the time. Fortunately, she didn't choke on the chalk but just get it all over her face and hands, the port-a-crib and a big spot on the floor. Nothing too serious.

 

Little Buddies

These little girls are so cute together, most of the time. Because the older guys are busy with school most of the morning every day, these two have some time to pass on their own. They have gotten really good at "reading" books, coloring, or playing together and staying out of trouble, most of the time. They also enjoy being with Mom whenever possible, playing or reading or tickling or whatever. They are sweet little things and I love them to pieces!

 

She was so excited and cooperated!

Harmonie has been the opposite of Domonique in her personality. Domonique was very shy and reserved and Harmonie is much more out going and friendly. Domonique has come out of that shy shell quite a bit but I was a little worried about her first time at the dentist. She surprised me and did a fantastic job. Today was Harmonie's first time and I wasn't worried about her at all. When it was her turn, she climbed into the chair and sat there ready for anything.

She seemed so little in that great big chair. But she was just happy as could be. They hygienist took her time to show Harmonie all the tools and what they did so that she would know what was going on.

She did a great job and really enjoyed it. I always enjoy taking my kids to the dentist because they all enjoy it, never fuss about it, and we get complimented on good behavior so it is fun for everyone. AND NO CAVITIES! Good job everyone!