"Time to scriptures!"

We usually read scriptures and have a family prayer in the evening before bed. We do like Dallin's family did and just read one verse each. It's doable with the kids so small, but sometimes even that is hard for them to sit through. We finally bought enough books for everyone to have their own (just the cheap paperback version). It's great because the older kids can follow along and the younger ones feel like they're so big to be included. Connor gets so excited when it's "Time to scriptures! Time to prayers!"

These are a couple of Connor's favorite accessories lately...a backwards hat and a stethoscope. He likes to be called "Dr. Connor."

School Fall Festival 2009

Last night was the annual school fall festival. The kids always look forward to it and we had a great time. On the way there Savannah was running down a hill and went down face first on the pavement. She got her forehead and nose pretty good.

Zach loves the "bouncy houses"

Savannah got to ride a pony and was SO excited.

Connor would have played with the ducks all night...

We got balloon animals from a clown in Jacob's classroom. Jacob & Zach got swords.

Savannah is TERRIFIED of clowns, so she stayed at the back of the room hiding behind Dallin while I got her request, a green doggie. Mint green is her new favorite color.

All 3 kids doing the "sweet treat walk." (Savannah is in the back of the picture)

The kids left with Dallin after an hour or so and I stayed to volunteer for both of the boys class booths.

This is Savannah's face this morning. Poor nose. Today we have Primary Activity Day and tomorrow is the Primary Program at church. Both Zach & Savannah have their parts memorized. Jacob's is longer. They're all doing a great job!

Space Derby Weekend

This weekend was super busy, but lots of fun! On Saturday morning Dallin and I drove to San Antonio to attend a temple session for a good friend. It was really nice to be there and we were happy we could go. The kids had an awesome babysitter and had fun too.

We went out to ride bikes again and Connor insisted on wearing a helmet. He was so proud to be like the big kids (wearing Zach's helmet).

I had to document this picture because Zach & Savannah have become the best of friends the last couple of months. I never thought I would see that day...and it's been nice. They love to play together and Savannah begs Zach to play the second he gets home from school. And he usually will.

On Saturday evening was the Cub Scout Space Derby. Jacob was so proud to get to carry the flag. I wish I had my good camera, but it's getting fixed right now.

Dallin had been helping Jacob a little every evening to make his rocket.

Connor has been doing better at listening, but I knew he's bolt if I let him out of his stroller. So he was stuck. Once the races started he was totally enthralled. He loved shouting, "3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF!!!"

Th boys counting down. Zach LOVED the races and totally got into it (he and Jacob are under the "finish").

Jacob's rocket was having a problem making it to the end. Dallin finally switched out the rubberband and he won 2nd place in his heat. That was his favorite part of the night...

After the races were over they did pack meeting awards. Jacob earned his Wolf badge, a gold and silver arrow point, some beads, and a music belt loop. He got to help pin the "Mom pin" on me. Great job Jacob!!!

Savannah had a great time playing with her friend Libby. They were "puppies" for most of the evening...

It was a fun time...thanks scout leaders!

Zach's thoughts on old men

Dallin: "We have 3 nice young men at our house, don't we?"

Jacob: "We have 4 young men!"

Dallin: "Oh, am I young?"

Zach: "No."

Dallin: "Who is an old man?"

Zach: "Grandpa Strong."

Dallin: "What about Grandpa LeSueur?"

Zach: "No, he's only half old man."

Dallin: "Why only half?"

Zach: "He's only 55. You have to be in your 60's to be an old man."

So to all of you in your 60's, congratulations on being "Zach old."

Big wheels

The weather here has been Texas-crazy, like always. One day you're freezing in a thick coat and the next day you're sweating in your shorts. It warmed up again and we've been playing outside again. Our backyard is infested with fire ants. There were like 12 mounds and I stepped in a pile that didn't even have a mound yet (and got a million bites). So the backyard is off-limits for a few days. Connor loves to go around in circles on the driveway. He still can't pedal yet, but has a great time anyway. Savannah loves finding her rolie-polie "friends" and naming them all. Here is a quote from yesterday:
"Oh, look at my cute little polie friend. I named it Rolie Mommy. Isn't she so cute? Whoops! Uh-oh, I just smashed her. I better find a new one to call Rolie. Maybe this one won't get smashed."

Connor loves his older siblings and always tries so hard to be just like them. He wants to be part of every conversation, even when he has no clue what we're talking about. His new favorite words when he really likes something are "beautiful" and "delicious."

We've been a little sick since my mom was here, but still keeping busy. We've had parent-teacher conferences, cub scout stuff, piano, church callings, dance class, homework, Zach's first spelling test (which he was actually excited about), etc. Tomorrow Dallin & I are going to the temple in San Antonio and then it's the Cub Scout Space Derby!

Grandma LeSueur's Visit!

Grandma LeSueur came to visit this week! We had so much fun having her here. She came on Monday while the boys were at school. Grandma did Family Home Evening that night, an object lesson about doing good things on Sunday. She used a "sundae" and put lots of good things, but then poured mustard all over it.

Grandma got to see Super Connor watching his favorite Super Why...

I was so sad...something happened to my camera and most of my pictures from this week are really blurry. I need to get it fixed.

On Wednesday the boys got to miss school to do some fun things. We all went to Savannah's dance class and then to McDonald's for lunch. Connor finally made it up to the slide in the playplace, with the help of Savannah.

Then we went to the Texas Memorial Museum for a while...

Connor LOVES the ABC's right now and Grandma got her fill of it...

Savannah was Grandma's little shadow all week, and had to be next to her no matter what she was doing...

We celebrated Grandma's birthday a little early. Savannah helped make the cake!

On Friday Dallin and I went on a date. We went on a "Bat Watching Tour" downtown. It was pretty chilly that day, and even colder on the boat. But it was fun to get out and do something different for a change.

While we were gone the kids and Grandma made "ghost-es" for the trees out front...

The river was so high from all the rain we've had! There were actually rapids under the walking bridge. My kids were disappointed that they couldn't play all over the rocks like we usually do. But it was neat to see it like that! Grandma flew home on Saturday afternoon. Thanks for the visit!!!

Here is a video clip from the park. For those familiar with the Round Rock park the "Round Rock" is a little ways up the river to the right of where Jacob is standing.

The face of ASU

This is a picture of my computer screen today. My brother Steven made the front "page" of the AZCentral Sports section. He is the ultimate ASU fan...too bad it wasn't a happy picture of them winning. But I guess losing is okay if it gets you this...

It's already October!

I can't believe it's October...time is flying by. We've been really busy, but mostly with just day to day things like church callings, cub scouts, school stuff, etc. It was nice to relax at home today and enjoy General Conference. Here are some random pictures from this week...

I found this in my scriptures a few weeks ago. I have no clue where I got it...some object lesson at one point in time. But it's so realistic looking and we knew Zach would love it. So I told him I had a surprise for if he behaved really well. It took a few days and then...

A million dollar bill!!! He was dumbfounded when he saw it. I told him it was fake, and he almost didn't believe me for a whole day because it looks so real (the back looks just as authentic). Now he just thinks it's really cool.

Yesterday was a milestone for Connor. Normally he screams and thrashes through his whole haircut. He'll actually start crying when he sees me bring out the clippers. Well yesterday he saw Dallin get in the chair and he said "Connor buboy haircut." He decided he's a big boy and he did great! Not one cry the whole time and totally cooperated. Awesome for me. This picture is proof because he's never been smiling at the end. Ever.

I got a fun package in the mail on Friday from my cousin Melanie. It was my "handmade item" that I'd won on her blog a few months ago. My kids were so excited because we decorated for Halloween yesterday and they were happy to have something new up. Connor has been walking around the house saying "B-O-O says boo!" Thanks Melanie!!!

And for you three that won my handmade item...it's coming someday. I promise.

We're excited to see Grandma tomorrow! My mom is flying in for the week and the kids can't wait!!!