Reflections/November update

Carter wanted to do the art contest called "Reflections" at school this year. James was a good sport and helped him think of something to do with the theme "diversity means". We just did it the day it was due, printed it on regular paper and figured he wouldn't win anything. A week ago I got a call saying that they would be recognizing Carter at an assembly at school for winning a medal! I kept it quiet so he would be surprised.

He was so excited! The first place kids won actual trophies, then the medal winners were runner ups. They also gave treat bags to those that didn't place.

Happy Boy with his medal!

He and one other girl were the only ones to place in his class. Go Carter!

November had been a pretty chill month with not a lot going on. We had Thanksgiving with the Stephensons this year which means TONS of people. We had over 100, and cooked 5 turkeys. It was crazy! James participated in the "olympics" after the meal and took his team from last to second place by doing a fear factor challenge. They had to eat canned oysters, shell some peanuts, 2 cloves of raw garlic, 1 jalapeno, evaporated milk and a beef buillion cube. So disgusting! He said the buillion cube was what made it horrible. The rest was okay but that just made him sick. Poor guy stunk so bad and was sick the rest of the night. Atleast he won right? haha

Black Friday I was out with the cousins at about 7 am. We got some great deals and were out till about 3. I still had more to get so I came home, got my stuff unpacked, and went back out until 8pm. I was so exhausted but got lots of things I needed! I am trying to get lots done since we leave for England so soon. Crazy!
James had season tickets to BYU basketball this year (thanks again to Sprint) and took the kids one night while I was out with the girls watching Twilight. Doesn't Claire look like such a big girl? I can't even believe it! James said she loved Cosmo the cougar and was blowing kisses to him the entire game. She gave him a mad face when he walked away from her too. She cracks me up.

Last but not least, the boys had been begging to make these wreaths that they had seen being made on sprout tv. While I was at a baby shower, James got all the leaves from our yard and made these cute wreaths. Is my husband awesome or what? They have been hanging proudly in my front hallway this month and always make me smile every time I pass them. I have been pretty sick lately with this baby so I appreciate all the help James is with the kids. He is one in a million! Here's to December and getting Christmas cards, decorations, presents, cleaning, Christmas parties, my birthday and packing all done!! Aaaahhh! Wish me luck!

Preston's birthday

Preston is 5. What?! I think 5 is the age when kids think they are really old. Both Carter and Preston both when they turned 5 talked about all the things they could do now that they were five, like it was magic. We had an early birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse a few days before the big day. He loved being on the saddle. The waitress totally had a crush on him. I don't blame her!

On Sunday we got together with my family and celebrated again. James outdid himself and came up with an angry birds pig cake. Preston is obsessed with Angry birds and can challenge any adult. He is so good at it! We surprised him with the cake until we were ready to sing. He was so excited!

Make a wish!

He got so spoiled on his birthday! Gifts from aunts, grandparents, and us made for quite a huge stash. He wasn't complaining!

We took the kids to Planet Play (even checked Carter out of school which he thought was the greatest thing ever) and had a pizza buffet and played video games. They have been once before with James' cousin Stacey and have not forgotten how fun it was! They found a claw machine (which I have banned since my childhood of wasting so much money and never winning anything) while I was changing Claire's diaper. James won Carter the red sonic in two grabs. Then we had to get the birthday boy something right? About 10 grabs later we finally got him Kung Fu Panda. He couldn't have been happier. Totally worth it. He had a great day and is already planning his next party. So happy Preston is my son. I love him more than words can say. He is more often than not, the bright spot in my day. Anyone that can make me laugh is usually one of my favorite people. He definitely does that often! Love you Presto!

Cornbellys

This was our first year going to Cornbellys and we loved it! I think they had expanded it a lot more this year than previous years so we had lots to do.

Enormous rocking chair

This is my favorite picture ever! haha

The highlight of the day was the bouncy pillows. Claire loved it! She loved it even more that they didn't allow big kids on with her. She bounced and smiled the whole time. It was so cute!

We will definitely be going again next year. Lots of fun!

Baby #4

For all of my friends that aren't on facebook...We are expecting again! Baby #4 will be here the end of June. We are thrilled!! Once again, I can't keep things a secret. This is my last baby so I am hoping this will be my best pregnancy. :) It is also nice because now that I have my girl I honestly don't care what sex I have. If it's a girl, it would be fun for Claire to have a sister. If it's a boy it would be fun for Preston to have a younger brother. I haven't had a boy in so long and they are so dang cute! So either way, it will be great! Yay for babies!!!