Catching up...

I know you've missed me. And I will try to be a better blogger. I had to hurry and catch up on 2 months worth of stuff. I wasn't very thorough, but you get the idea: we've been having a great time.

Look at this yummy baby! She is 7 months old now! I cannot believe it, but it is true. I am posting pics of her wearing the absolutely adorable, precious hat with interchangeable flowers made by my dear friend Jennifer Keyes. How spoiled I felt upon receiving that package in the mail! What a treasure- all those beautiful hand-made lovelies! You see, Jenn felt sorry for my afore-mentioned dilemma about what types of bows are appropriate for a wee baby, and is helping me embrace the beauty of accessorizing my youngling with style and class. Jen, you are a kind and generous friend. Smoochie, smoochie!

The boys had the wonderful opportunity of having our dear neighbor and friend, Rex Thompson, come speak to their school classes.  Rex served as a Marine in WWII in the battle of Iwo Jima.  When he left for the war, he left his new wife behind expecting their first baby (who he didn't meet until she was almost 2!)  Rex did a phenomenal job of talking to the kids about what it was like for a boy fresh off a church mission to become a soldier, and why war is sometimes necessary.  The way he described his experiences in battle, and then the Japanese people during US occupation made me cry.  The kids were riveted the entire time, and Bennett's class wrote him the sweetest letters.  One girl's said, "I am so glad I got to meet you.  This has been the most special day! I can't wait to go home and write about it in my diary."  He received many thanks from those 3rd graders for defending our country, which I know warmed his heart.  We were all uplifted that day.  I am so grateful for heroes like Rex Thompson and my brother Andy, who have or will serve in the armed forces.  It is no small sacrifice for them and their families.

Speaking of things I am grateful for:

On what may have been the saddest day for 600 North in Logan, the Kirby family drove away, onto their next great adventure in Farmington.  We had a small going-away party for the 3 little neighbor families (who really are like family) the night before the move.  I can't even say how sad I am that these little friends will now see each other only on special occasions, after years of congregating and playing multiple times a day.  And let's not even talk about how much I already miss Julie.  My friend, my friend.  How I love you.

The Halloween festivities took over our lives for a couple of weeks.  I was a little overwhelmed, and sick of it all, but now that I am looking back at the photos, it sure was fun!

Introducing my very favorite Halloween food item ever!  These were simple to make (apple slices with slivered almonds for teeth), and the biggest hit of the party.  May I also note how awesome my family is?  Thank you.

The Lambert donut fry was another raging success this year, thanks to Jason, master donut fryer, and all the awesome friends and family who came to partake. As usual, there were some amazing costumes this year- maybe the best ever. Make sure you click to enlarge the collage so you can get a closer look!

Decorating for the party was a ton of work this year, but well worth it. Bennett had been begging for weeks to have a "Haunted Hogwarts" themed party, and it turned out really fun!

The Paradise Halloweenie Roast is seriously one of my favorite traditions.  This year was as fun as ever!  Thank you, Lawrences, for letting us tag along!

This was the most beautiful fall day imaginable.  We had such a lovely fall this year, lots of warm days to play and do autumn-y stuff.  Here we are at the American West Heritage Center.  It's always a good time jumping off high stuff.  I didn't hate the corn maze this year; we made it through in record time!  (We had a map and followed it diligently.)  Finn went on his first pony ride.  He was seriously the happiest little boy.

Saying Goodbye.

In an earlier post I told of the passing of our sweet Grrr Bessie Lambert on September 21, 2010.  We were able to fly to Bellingham with the Jules Lambert family to attend her funeral.  Here are some photos from the trip.

Everything about traveling was fun to the kids.  From shuttle to elevators to airplanes... it was all a big adventure!

Owen, Jake and Bennett riding the shuttle to meet our outbound plane.

Jason discovered the best mode of transport for the kids through huge airports.    Carry a kid on your carry-on!

The funeral luncheon was lovely thanks to the sisters in Bessie's ward.

Uncle Weston and Uncle Jonny meeting Miss Harper for the first time!

Precious Finn at the cemetery.

Jake and Auntie Heather!

Bennett, Justise and Owen at Saxon Cemetery.

Finn, Jake and cousin Nikolas at Grammy Deb's.

Every child who enters the Lambert family is welcomed with Uncle Jonny's famous balancing trick.  It freaks me out every time.

Playing at Grr Grr's one last time.  This makes me so sad.  This really is the last photo of the kids playing on that rug, by that table, surrounded by all the familiar stuff.  All those things are gone now.

Harper, Jason and Elizabeth on Bessie's front porch.  It is hard to believe we will probably never go back to 2829 Russell Street.

Spending time with Amory.

Spending time at the lake, of course.

Beautiful!

Sad boy outside the Spaghetti Factory in Seattle.

I can't remember why he was sad, but man... he is cute.

Finn's dreams came true getting to ride in a "paypane!"

Such great travelers.  I was very proud.