Green Belts

Darrin and Haylee have worked hard in their karate classes to promote to green belts this month. Darrin had to break a cinder block at Friday night's ceremony in order to advance. Being a child, Haylee had to break a 1" board. She actually broke three at a time in her class, but I suppose the instructor wanted to go easy on her in front of everyone at the ceremony. This is a picture of the new green belts with Sensei Houston, a 7th degree Black belt! Here are the videos of their breaks:

Our Cuties in Costume

I'm finally posting Halloween pictures. Preston has been on an Indiana Jones kick since April. We showed the first movie to the kids in preparation for the 4th one to come out. He loved it, and probably loves the theme music even more. We bought the costume at Walmart, but the hat was flimsy, so I ordered a better one online. After all, it's the hat that really matters, right?

As I mentioned earlier, trying to find the right one for Hannah was a challenge, but the "free" spy costume was a hit with her. Can't beat that! Watch out, that briefcase shoots darts!

Haylee was so great when discussing costume options. She was willing to be a cowgirl for the 3rd year in a row. After convincing her that the hat was getting too small for her head and that I was willing to come up with something else, we began looking. Nothing excited her. She's in between the little girl stuff and the teen stuff, so buying anything for her right now is a challenge. She saw a picture of a chef costume and started piecing stuff together from around the house. When I asked her if she was sure that was what she wanted to be, she replied, "Why would I want to be anything else when the chef outfit won't cost us anything?" I was so proud! I gave her a big hug for being so mature.

Hannah's Big Day

Our little girl turned 8 and was baptized on November 1st. We're so proud of her decision to follow Jesus Christ. She has been reading her scriptures and preparing herself for this important step. She is a great example to her brother and sister and all those around her.
The baptismal service involved 4 other children in our stake area, one of which was a friend in Hannah's Primary class, Sydney.

Darrin performed the baptism and confirmation of Hannah and then bore a brief testimony. I tried to sing "I Know He Lives", but ended up crying because I looked at Hannah & she was crying! I bore a spoken testimony of the Savior and the ordinance of baptism instead and then presented Hannah with a journal full of testimonies from my parents and siblings who couldn't attend.

We held a brunch reception with Sydney's family at their home. Hannah was glad that many of her Church friends were there to celebrate. Here is a picture of Hannah and Sydney that we used for invitations:

Afterwards, we changed clothes and headed to the local bowling alley for her birthday party with friends from both church and school. Next, we picked up Wendy's burgers as Hannah's requested birthday dinner. Then headed to pick out a basketball goal for her gift. (which is finally assembled in time for the season practices) She certainly had a big day and much to be grateful for!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Character Award

Each nine weeks, the teachers select a few students who have show great character traits. Hannah was awarded "Responsibility", which doesn't surprise us at all. She'd receive that award at home, too! Congratulations, girl!

Enjoying the Fall

Leaves are falling all around- red, yellow, orange & brown.


I'm still in awe of the beauty that surrounds me each day. I try not to take for granted the magnificent trees as I drive around. The leaves are almost gone now but we did get some time outdoors before the limbs were bare. The kids had fun raking leaves into piles and then jumping. I didn't have fun treating the grass and leaf stains on their pants, though! Preston likes to find the "spotted" leaves when we're out on walks.




I had to pull out my camera phone one day as the colors were showing up. Here are some of those shots (not great ones) :

Here is what it looks like to approach our house. Our house is the one behind the red tree that's almost lost it's leaves. (The kids were raking under it.) Our neighbors with the silver car have two amazing trees that turn that bright yellow that almost glows at nighttime.


Here is what the kids see on their bus drive to school each day:

Here is what I see driving down the highway to do some shopping:

Pretty amazing artwork, huh? And that was just the beginning of a NC Fall.