Caitlyn

Caitlyn just had her first orchestra concert and she did great. She's in intermediate orchestra even though she just started this year. Imagine my surprise when she walked out on the stage and sat right in the front first seat. I thought I was going to have to search for her but we were able to see her with no problem. We're always do period r of his confident she is. Later when I asked why she had that seat she said "nobody else wanted to sit there, so I did!" :-)

Thanksgiving 2014

We had a great Thanksgiving this year with just our family. Mom put on do much hard work to make the event special for the kids. She had plenty of new games including pool, ping pong, and badminton. It kept the kids busy for hours and they enjoyed each other's company. It was the perfect way to spend the day.
Then it was of to black Friday shopping for Laura, Abby, Melissa and I. Black Friday never fails to disappoint, and I
It's because we have so much fun together.

Girls time

Since Melissa and Laura were in town we took a little time to get a pedicure. It's fun having some time without the kids together

Standage reunion

For the first time in years we had a Standard Family party and it was so much fun! It was great to see so many faces again. Melissa and Steve and aunt Carla and uncle Paul cams into town for the event and it was great seeing them as well. It wouldn't have been complete without uncle Don's homemade rootbeer.We'll definitely have to make this a more regular event.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We were able to go back up to the Polar Express and the kids were so excited. Nathan must have been traumatized by our recent trip to Knotts Berry Farm because he kept asking if it had twists and turns and if it would go slow or fast. We reassured him that it would go slow and no twist and turns which made him quite comfortable. The kids enjoyed the ride and getting there Bell from Santa. We did something a little different this year and stayed overnight in Flagstaff. The kids LOVE staying in hotels so they really enjoyed this part. In the morning we got breakfast  and headed off to the lava tubes for a little hike. Nathan got about three steps in before he realized that he did not think it was a good experience and to be perfectly honest I was not very comfortable either so we waited outside with Alison while Caitlin and Chad explored a little bit inside. It didn't take them long to realize that it was really far really cold. We headed back to Flagstaff and got some lunch; then headed home. All in all it was a great trip even though it was short

Alison- 4th birthday

Allison just had her 4th birthday and it was a lot of fun. she started her day off with presents and then off to preschool for her birthday celebration. We had lunch at Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate too. I told her she didn't have to take a nap but she laid down to watch a movie and fell asleep. After that she painted her present from her friend Cardon and waited for dad to get home so we can have another party. we had one of her favorites: homemade macaroni and cheese and then she was able to open up a couple more presents including her new bike.
she had another party at Grandma's house and then on Saturday she had her birthday party with Maya and her friends. it was an Under the Sea/Ariel birthday party. everyone got to decorate their own treasure box and then go on a treasure hunt. at the end of the treasure hunt was the pinata waiting for them.
she's had a great time over the past few days and we're ready to call the birthday "done".