pumpkin decorating

Instead of carving pumpkins this year we decided to paint them.

This may be another NEW tradition, because it is so much more

enjoyable for the kids! THEY can actually decorate the pumpkins.

The kids decided to have a witch and a pirate this year.

Kaipo gave the ideafor his, but mom and dad painted

the majority of the pirate,most of his painting is on the back.

On the other hand, Ame did paint most of hers.

They are saying, HAPPY HALLOWEEN, hence the wierd

expression on AMe's face!

The cute hanging pumpkin spider was made

by Kaipo at preschool.

Ame really wanted a hat for her witch,

so mom ran to the $$ store this morning a luckily found one.

Now they are complete and decorating the front porch,

awaiting all the trick-or-treater in just a few days!

another empty space

This girl is losing teeth all over her mouth, and is breaking the Tooth Fairies Bank! On our way home from Provo last night, Ame was like... this thing sure is wobbly. I think I'm gonna pull it out. I gave her a napkin for better ease to grip the tooth, and sure enough she pulled it right out! That was tooth #5. She still has one more loose tooth in her mouth. Who knows how soon SHE will pull that one out!

Color Me Mine

Ame's cousin Ella had her 7 year birthday party at a place called Color Me Mine, which is a paint-your-own ceramics studio. It was a very cool place, with unique pieces such as vases and cookie jars, platters and bowls, dolphins and fairies, dogs and cats, you name it. For the party, the girls had a choice between a mermaid or a fairy. They got to choose what colors they wanted to use and away they went. Ame chose a fairy. In a few days (after they have been baked) their masterpieces will be ready to be picked up. Quinn's sister, Haruko ,was very kind to let her daughter Ella invite all the girls from her 1st grade class, plus her cousins. This was one loud and crazy group! But what a great idea for a young girls birthday party.
And of course, HSM was the cake choice.

We sure love cousin Ella and think she is such a cutie!

Reflections

Take a few minutes to reflect on our Savior. Go here...
http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/
thanks Katie (and Julie) for sharing this with me.
I have been touched!

HSM3 surprise

So a few days ago, I decided to SURPRISE Ame and Kaipo,

by getting on Fandango and buying tickets for

High School Musical 3.

I told them I had a surpise for them on Friday,

but they would have to wait until then to find out what it was.

Kaipo hated the idea of not knowing,

and Ame just asked a lot of questions

tryingto figure it out!

I think Ame did figure it out, but they

were both super excited anyway!!

We had some time to waste, so we hit the arcade.
This was Kaipo's first time in a Movie Theatre.
We don't have dollar movies close, but
I figured as much as these two are into this show,
I could slurge and take them on a date!
And the show did NOT disappoint.
Kaipo was out of his seat most of the time dancing,
and Ame was trying hard to sing along to all the NEW songs!

It is so fun to make your kids day, especially with

things they don't get to experience very often!

FORE!!

Quinn played in his PGA Professional Ability Test (PAT) yesterday. Below are the 3 others that were in his group. He told me about his day and about the other guys who were pros at golf courses in the state, and then there was him. Each of them had taken golf lessons and had been golfing serious since they were kids...and then, once again, there was Quinn, whose only lessons have been taking video of his swing in our garage.

In order to become a PGA Professional the 1st step is to shoot a score of 75 at a golf course, in order to qualify. I was soo impressed, when he called me afterwards, to hear he was able to shoot a 69 and easily qualify. On top of that, he tied for 3rd place out of 40 in his round, with the winner shooting 66.

As for now, he is not sure if he wants to become a professional. Especially when our Stake President, who is a golf pro and owner of a local golf course, has counseled Quinn that a pro is so busy running the course that he rarely gets time to play, which is what Quinn really likes to do. Besides that, our Stake President says it costs about $10,000 to become fully certified.

Right now, Quinn has gotten so good so fast that he still is thinking about what he could do if he actually focused on golf more than what he is now doing. I don't know what the future holds for Quinn, but to see him succeed to this level, in something HE is so passionate about, makes me so proud of him. If only I had this much passion and drive about something! Way to go honey!!

TP game

I had a few people ask me about the TP/camping game I mentioned playing at our grandma social. You may have heard of it already. It is the one where you pass around a toilet paper roll and tell everyone to pretend we are taking an over-night camping trip and to tear off as much TP as they think they will need. Then they have to count how many squares of TP they have and that is how many 'things' they have to share with the group about themselves. It is quite funny when some keep winding and winding the toilet paper roll, then end up with A LOT to share! It is a real fun game and a great opportunity to learn about the others in your group!!

Some get real personal and others go through simple things like their kids names & other quite easy things to share.

FHE Treat

We have Family Home Evening on Sundays,

because QUinn teaches on Monday nights.

After a great lesson on

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,

from the kids, we enjoyed THIS treat!

The kids inhaled their candied-caramel apples,

b4 mom thought of taking a picture.

We found Milky Way, Twix and M&M's

to make a great candy coating for the apples!

It seems as though we are adding NEW traditions,

along the journey of our lives.

2 definite keepers from this Halloween Season

(so far) are:

The Pumpkin Patch

and

Homemade Candy Apples

LOVED it!

Quinn and I aren't real consistant with date night,

with each other. We are more regular with our kids,

maybe cuz it is easier for one of us to go on a little

outting with one of the kids, then to get a babysitter

and MAKE ALONE TIME (Sad, I know).

But we did it tonight,

and everything about it was superb!

We try to use our happenings book,

as much as possible,

So we tried a new place and we LOVED it!!

For anyone living locally it was:

Rickenbacker's Bistro (4282 South 1650 west)

It is a bit pricey, but soo worth it, especially with the

discount from happenings-buy one get one free.

We got awesome appetizers and even better entree's.

NO pictures to show for our great evening,

but what more does a girl need than...

a date with HER MAN

and an oh so satified belly!!

I came home with a BIG smile on my face

and a much happier mommy!

thanks again gma and gpa Asplund

I FINALLY spent some of my birthday $$,

and wanted to show what YOU bought me.Hungry Hipp0 Game

High School Musical Puzzle

mini Operation Game

Hannah Montana Singing Microphone

I saved a little $$ to buy some clothes too.

Thanks again and I LOVE YOU!!!

What is YOUR take??

So I was having a conversation with a close friend of mine about the topic of "sleep-overs". It came up because Ame had one last night at our GOOD friends house, the Robinson's. The friend I was discussing this with said her husband is Sooo against it, even with cousins! I said that Ame has only slept over with grandparents, cousins and her friend Savannah (or them at our house). Now I wouldn't just let my kids go to ANY friends house, especially one that I didn't know REALLY well, but to say NO to the whole idea?! My sisters stake actually brought this up in their stake conference and said NO SLEEPOVERS! I do understand the reasoning behind it, sometimes, but I think it should be left up to the parents discretion. Sleepovers bring back so many fond memories of MY childhood, both as I was younger and even as I grew older. I know that times are very different now days, than they were 20+ years ago (man that makes me feel old), but I think saying NO *period* may be just a little too extreme!!

What are YOUR thoughts???????

Adopted Grandma Social

Our Young Women adopted grandma's in our ward,

and, as the Personal Progress Advisor, I was given the

opportunity to plan a get-to-know-you social.

I was sad I didn't get any pictures from the actual

event, but we had a great time.

Had simple, but fun fall decorations

Played: 2 truths & 1 lie and

T.P./camping/tell about yourself-game

Frosted halloween cookies

Ate LOTS of treats

Drank hot cocoa & wassail

The grandmas, YW and leaders had fun getting

to know each other, socializing and becoming even sweeter!

computer time

We found some old CD's of toddler games that Ame

used when she was younger, and this reader rabbit

one has become Kaipo's favorite!

He is always asking to play it now.

That means we have one more person

fighting for time on the computer!

But I am excited for his new found interest,

of which he feels VERY proud.

I AM GETTING BIGGER, he says :)

Family Night

My sister and I decided it would be fun to ALL

go visit a Pumpkin Patch for Family Night.

The first place Karli got an address was JUST

an open field of pumpkins. We were looking for

a little more than that, and at this place we

found a great time!!

It was SUPER cold though. I had brought beenies and gloves

for the kids, but was grateful that QUinn decided to

stop at Walmart on our way (even though I didn't want to)

and pick up a few extras.

We got to take a hayride out to another pumkin patch.

Which was quite the adventure, having just had a storm.

The tractor driver kept teasing that he was stuck in the

mud. I am very glad he was just joking!

**********************

Here's LeAnne with her cute family (minus Jason).

She was brave to come along with all 4 of her kids, without

Jason. I was very impressed at how well behaved her

children were. They're such good examples!

We missed you, Jason!

Kaipo talked this kids ear off the whole time!

His family owns the place, and Kaipo had soo

many questions for him.
This boy was very cute with Kaipo.

I told Kaipo he was the expert, so he still think

that is his name.

Here's Kaipo and Ryan having fun in the mud!
We are all in search for the perfect pumpkin!
Kaipo is sitting on the pumpkin he has claimed.

Ash was soo cold, but still had fun (I think).

He wanted to get down and run, but his boots were

just a little too big and kept coming off.

Our tour guide let everyone take a guess at the

weight of the largest pumpkin ever(between 500-2000lbs)

It was somewhere around 1600 and LeAnne guessed

1500, so she won and got to take an extra special pumpkin

home as a prize (Jake is keeping special watch over it).

SO now we have a large collection of pumpkins

decorating our home (some from the 1st

pumpkin patch visit and the rest from last night).

OOPS!!

I feel soo bad!

I killed our 1st family pets.

I thought I did the few simple things

needed to keep the goldfish alive, but

apparently not!

The food I got said right on the bottle-

helps maintain clear water, but the water

did not stay clear. So Monday morning

I took them out, put them in another glass

and got clean water in their homes.

I was told by the fish lady at Wal-mart to

not use tap water, only distilled.

So I used the filtered water from out fridge.

Well this morning, Kaipo was looking at them

and said "mommy they're floating".

YES they were! Sideways.

Ame was way more sad than Kaipo.

We said goodbye to Sunny and Pepper

and down the toilet they went.

After talking with a neighbor, I think I found out

I probably froze them, using cold water straight from the fridge.

I vaguely remember my sister-in-law telling me

to let the water sit over night B4 putting them in

the clean water.

OOPS! I neglected THAT step.

All I can think is good thing we didn't get bunnies first!

HE did IT!

Kaleo, is Quinn's brother, just younger than him.

I think many in the family, didn't think HE would

ever take the plunge into marriage.

But he did and we were so glad to be apart of THEIR special day!

And here are the guys...patiently waiting!!

Keilani is the youngest niece and got to be the flower girl.

She was very cute!

Quinn's beautiful sisters.
And the bride and groom saying their I DO's.
notice the best-man and grooms-men are
not wearing the flower leis in this picture,
as they were above.
As the bridesmaids came in, they were
each given a lei by the guys.
the ceremony from a distance (as I chased
my boys around in the back).

The casual wedding atmosphere felt as though it
should have been on a beach, rather than in a
church with the rain coming down outside
and the temps in the 40's.
But it was still so beautiful!
The reception was full of cultural entertainment.
Quinn's mom invited native american dancers.

Kaipo was quite intrigued by the

eagle dancer.

And the hoop dancer was very cool, as well.

Quinn's older sister, Kuulei and her son, Kekoa

shared a musical number.

She sang, while Koa played the Ukulele.
They have quite the talented family!

Quinn's uncle catered the food and also had

Polynesian dancers.

I may be partial, but I thought the best

entertainment was our very own Tahitian Dancer!

Ame did an awesome job, even though she said

she would be to nervous to dance in front of her cousins!
**************************

Of course everyone was running behind,

so pictures didn't get taken until AFTER the reception.

We snapped a quick family photo.
I wish I would have gotten one of the WHOLE family,

but I am sure I can get a copy from someone.

Kaipo waiting patiently for the wedding to start

and practicing his SHAKA.

I'm not sure, but it looks like Ash

is trying to copy his bro.

Ame and her two cousins-Ella and Olivia(not pictured)

decided to dress alike, since their

other cousin got to be the flower girl.

The video below is of a special family song.

It was Quinn's grand-fathers favorite.

They sang the 1st verse in Hawaiian.

Quinn and his dad also sang it at

Kaipo's blessing (in Maui).

Ame shakin' her tahitian bootie

A Few of the Unexpected

We woke up to THIS, this morning!

For those who live in Utah, this sight is no surprise,

but for those who live in warmer climate...

aren't YOU jealous!

I knew it was suppose to rain/snow a few inches,

with the storm we got that started rolling in on Friday.

We got a good amount of rain yesterday, so I was hoping

that was it. But no.

At least the kids are excited!!

I am just happy it didn't come yesterday/last night and

interrupt the wedding and commute we had to Provo.

Speaking of the wedding (the next blog will be about that),

another thing I didn't expect was to come home

with PETS!
Introducing our 1st family pet...

Sunny and Pepper

And the last unexpected thing to happen was this...

Ame was running around, being crazy with

the cousins @the wedding and fell of the stage.

Now she has a BIG FAT lip!

An EXTRA early morning

Today was National WALK YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL Day

(I'm not sure where or how they come up with these days)

but it made for a fun, refreshing morning.

-Ame, Garritt, and Jackson-

After my EARLY morning run, I got the kids up and going

a little early, so we could meet our neighbors to

walk to school together!

I expected to see A LOT of people out walking,

but that wasn't the case. It was quite COLD this morning

so maybe that kept others from

WALKING THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL,

but not us!

The Pumpkin Patch

My preschool class takes a fieldtrip once a month,

and THIS one was extra exciting!

We got to visit a pumpkin patch.

I got to pick out my very own pumpkin.

I chose a huge one!

I also picked out a gigantic one to take home,

for my sister

and a baby one for my brother.

It was perfect weather and we had a great time!

We even got Krispy Kreme donuts & chocolate milk.
My brother Ash came along too,
even though it was right in the middle of HIS nap time.
We got to find candy in the hay pile.
THAT was cool!
Here is my class, plus 2 other classes.
We all go together when we have a fieldtrip.
Our teacher told us all to put our hands on our hips.
I have quite the pose, don't I??
This was a much anticipated trip,
and it was so worth it!
Now our hand-picked pumpkins are decorating
the steps in front of my house.