Starbucks dates

I know I'm not the only Mom who enjoys taking their kids to starbucks. In fact, I think it's safe to say most moms enjoy doing that. 

 For some reason the Fall is the perfect time for Starbucks dates so usually once a week we go out for coffee together :)

 In other news, my little lady had school pictures and I was so excited to get them back!

 She has grown up so much it's crazyness. I mean just two years ago this was her:

 Eeek! That hair, those cheeks...she is scrumptious. And growing up so fast. This week Brian has been down in California for business and my Bria has been such a big help. It's fun to see her personality grow and watch her be responsible.
Speaking of Brian being gone, we miss him terribly. It's been a good week with the girls and we've held it together but I can tell I'm running out of steam and ready for a break!

Exhausted!!

To Boise we go!

I have family from both sides in Boise so it's so much fun to go there and be able to see so many cousins. Growing up I was close to my cousins and Brian is always amazed that not only do I know all of them, but that I know their spouses names and all their kids names. It might be more impressive if you knew just how many cousins I have! I love it, family is the best. 

The girls played so well with all their second cousins and were in heaven. 

Reese and Brayden

Bria's favorite swing of all time

 Not only did the girls have a blast, but so did Brian and I. Jenny and Jax flew in too and we got to do some fun date night stuff with all our cousins. First night was a haunted house...

Cousins are the best

There was a really cool shopping place that is new since the last time we visited, they were in the process of setting up an outdoor ice skating rink which sounds pretty sweet.

Warming up by the fire

Aspen, Payten, Bria, and Reese

 Bria and Payten did not waste any time, they got right back to it and were instant best friends. It is so much fun to watch them together.

Halloween night finally arrived and we got all dressed up!

Annie and Daddy Warbucks!!!

My sweet Reese insisted that we call her Annie and corrected us every time we forgot. She didn't stop there, Brian was Daddy WARBUCKS, not just Daddy. Bria was Elsa and I was Minnie Mouse.

 I love that she completely got into character, it cracked me up.

Family pic!

 We went trick or treating on Harrison Blvd. That probably doesn't mean a lot to you but if you live in Boise it's pretty famous. It is by far the busiest street I have ever seen in my life. Every house is decorated and the people sit outside on their porch to hand out candy. Everyone is in costume and cops are even there to patrol traffic. It is quite the event.

My cousin Brad and his family

 The Worsley's did a carnival theme this year and went all out. Seriously, coolest house on the block by far!

My Aunt and Uncle

This came out blurry but it gives you an idea of the coolness...

Fire breather and everything

Emerald City was pretty cool too

Passing out candy with Uncle Nick (my Dad's brother), one of Bria's favorite parts

 Bria loved passing out candy, and on our way home she told me that she thought the guy she handed out candy with was so handsome! Adorable!

Uncle Nick with Jenny (Gerdie and Elliott from ET!)

 Did I mention there was a large amount of babies there? Did I mention I LOVE babies. I LOVE babies.

Penelope! 

 Never have I ever seen a happier baby than this little adorable red head, Penelope. Seriously. I could play with her all day long. Chelsee, you have yourself a sweet little lady right there!

This was even before the crazy crowds came.

Just another Halloween on Harrison Blvd!

We just had the best time there. It was a short trip but so much fun and I'm so grateful for our amazing families, truly blessed.

We did Halloween up real nice!

We did so many different things for Halloween this year and I think the girls really enjoyed it. 

1. Bria had a Halloween party at a friends house. This is her first get together with friends from her elementary school so I was excited for her.

Elsa and Anna, her little friend Leah is so cute.

 2. Brian and I had a Halloween party with some of our friends and the theme was superheros!

Black Widow and the Green Lantern

 3. To keep with tradition we went to one of our favorite pumpkin patches, Lee Farm's.

4. Then two days before Halloween, we traveled to Boise!!! Stay tuned...

Sleeping beauties

I have all these amazing posts in my head but I can't seem to find the time to sit down and write them out. So I just don't post at all.

But I at least need to add pictures so grandparents and aunts and uncles can see the girls and possibly hear a little about what we are up to.

The fall weather has officially arrived and on Wednesday it poured nonstop. That is not an exaggeration. It wasn't just rain, it was heavy downpour ALL DAY LONG. So the cabin fever season has started for sure. 

School continues to go well for Bria and both girls are enjoying their swim lessons. Reese is definitely more timid and doesn't like her face in the water but her teacher is very patient and Reese does get better at every lesson. 

Sweet little Reese waiting patiently in line to jump in

Bria is learning the side breathing technique and is doing well. I think backstroke might be her favorite. I was telling her that she is a better swimmer than I am and she asked if I didn't listen to my swim teacher when I was little. :)

I think after this session of swim lessons are over I will put Reese in gymnastics, I want to try a few different activities to see what she is interested in. 

I will sign Bria up for more swim lessons and possibly add karate or something. 

Brian is busy with work but enjoying it. He is always working on special projects outside of his normal job, I admire his constant ambition and drive to make things better. It's quite impressive.

Things with me are good, I enjoy when I get the chance to volunteer in Bria's class. I get to work with reading groups which is a lot of fun and I like getting to know the other kids. After that I make copies and help her teacher with special projects. I might be weird but that kind of stuff is so much fun to me.

And one of my favorite parts of the evening is checking on my sleeping girls before bed...

Seriously, she is dead asleep. Have no fear, I took it off her head after I snapped the pic.

And I have to include a few cute ones of our little Penelope Josephine!

First time facing forward in our car and she was thrilled

Mischievous girl for sure!

Reese and Penny giving hugs

This week has seemed really long and for some reason kind of rough. Nothing specific but just one of those weeks where everything seems difficult and your children are testing your patience constantly. So, today I want to start our weekend off right. I'm taking my girls to Starbucks for a hot chocolate treat, then to the Dollar Store because I have to get stuff for Bria's Halloween party at school. Then after school the girls and I are going to see Box Trolls! Hoping this helps us bond and fills our love tanks :)

Tomorrow Grammy is coming up! She is staying the night so that Brian and I can go to a Halloween party. The girls are looking forward to some Grammy time and we are going to do some fun Halloween activities while she is here.
Also, Bria got invited to a Halloween party by her friend that she rides the bus with. She is also in Kindergarten but full day so they aren't in the same class. Anyway, Bria is so excited!!
It should be a good weekend!