Wrong place, wrong time...twice!

Merry Christmas to me! I was just trying to buy some holiday cheer..in the name of soup, salad, and bread bowls… for a Santiago party tonight…and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time…twice. I was sitting in the suburban waiting until traffic cleared, so I could start my inching back to the house (big storm and no four-wheel drive). A truck, trying to pull into Costco didn’t break soon enough, and plowed right into my door. Vehicle still drivable, no injuries, just a plain bummer. At home, I unloaded the Costco ‘cheer’ and proceeded on to the new local grocery store (similar distance from our Santa Rosa house to Safeway) so happy that the store was close and this errand wouldn’t take too long. I sat at the light and was finally able to reach Mark to tell him about the bad luck at Costco. Just then, a little Jetta in the same position on my left, plowed into the door behind me. This time it was more traumatic. Maybe because I saw it coming and the car had some good speed. Turns out she was intending to go straight, but didn't want to run a red light, so she turned. Both doors are jammed shut. What a sight...me climbing over the console getting out the passenger side. Dinner was good tonight!

Halloween

I was so happy about the kids recycling costumes or coming up with really inexpensive ones. I think I only spent money on Sadie’s witch hat and tutu. Sadie was the winner of the ‘Who Can Change Their Mind the Most’ for their costumes. Sadie was a witch for dance and preschool. A ‘Let’s Go Cheer‘ cheerleader costume for the morning of Halloween and a ballerina butterfly the rest of the day. My sisters came over with their families and we had a yummy dinner and walked a few blocks trick or treating. Fun times! (If you couldn't tell, Makenna was a painter)

Jay Bear, Hota, Jayson Frank

Jayson has come out of his shell since we moved to Utah. He is still really sensitive (to food, feelings, clothing, Sadie bugging him, etc) but can express his feelings better. He is easy going and enjoys the simple pleasures in ‘his’ world...like popcycles, jumping on the tramp, video games, kicking back, blowing bubbles, traveling around to watch Cade and Kenna’s sports...just a go-with-the-flow kid. He doesn’t hesitate though, to beat up Sadie if she is in his space or otherwise ‘deserves it’. He loves to ride on ‘the course’ with his ATV. He is very athletic. Check out this video! Please tilt head to the left!!

Caden

Cade is certainly growing up too fast. He’s loving sports. Baseball continued into the fall, and he played football. He helps out a ton. He and Makenna rotate mowing the lawn. He keeps a meticulously clean room and looks forward to us finishing the basement so he doesn’t have to share with ‘messy’ Jay. Jayson inherited my tidiness. He knows where everything is because it’s laying out where he can see it. Cade is loving boy scouts..(started in Sept). Cade's Jr.Knights football team won the 5th grade championship. He tried out for a Jr. Flash basketball team and made it! He loves anything "BYU" or cougs. We've decked his (and Jay's) room out with BYU stuff. You'd be surprised what you can find at the local Walgreens.

BYU vs Utah State

We went to Logan for the football game against Utah State. We stayed in an old, but cute resort in the canyon. Mark took Cade and Kenna to the game, while I stayed back with the littles. I tested out my camera, the kids watched movies and had room service, and I organized pics on the computer. Fun time actually, for me! I wasn’t the manager on duty. I just got a kick out of seeing the name ‘Paulette’.

Dog Update

If living in Utah, Mark having a new job, building a house, dealing with many significant home warranty items, and just having tough times didn’t drive us to marriage counseling, these dogs will.

First Day of School

Jay and Caden are the elementary schoolers, 1st and 5th grade . Caden starts at 8am and is out by 2.15. He was on Jay’s schedule of 9.15-3.30, but all of his buddies had the earlier schedule. We were able to switch him and coordinate some carpooling. Sadie is at a nearby preschool. She doesn't go long enough..but loves her time there.
Sadie's pic is actually from picture day.