First Grizzlies Game

Last night we took the kids to their first Grizzlies hockey game. Even though it was a miserable loss as far as the actual score, the kids had a great time. Parker loved watching the zamboni. We were able to get front row seats (which was a first for all of us), so Grizzbee (the mascot) even skated over and waved at Parker. (Parker, ever the shy one, immediately sank down to hide!)

During warm-ups, one of the players even tossed a puck over for the kids. I think he tossed it over to Parker, actually, but he was too shy to claim it. McKenzie was quite pleased, though, and has bragged about it all day. She even plans to bring it to school and ask to show it to her class.

Then Parker grabbed my camera... it was amusing to see him try really hard to take pictures of what he liked. The giant inflatable grizzly was a definite hit (I believe I deleted at least 15 pictures of it!). Before it was inflated, though, Parker was concerned: "Mom, is the polar bear dead?"

I can't even count how many blurry zamboni pictures were on my camera!

He actually managed to get a few good shots of the action as well, though. I might let him use my camera more often.

Still, I had to take my camera back from time to time. I'm sure I should use the word "manly" instead of "sweet" when describing this, but too bad, I think it's sweet. We had a good time, and both kids said they would like to go to another hockey game sometime. Daddy would say, "We're training them right!"

The Leonardo

Every once in awhile, it pays to have connections. Chris's brother, Wes, works for a company called Test Out, which celebrated its 20th anniversary by renting out The Leonardo, a new museum in downtown Salt Lake. The kids were more than impressed by the live band, the exhibits, and of course the selection of treats!The green screen was a big hit with all the kids. (At one point, McKenzie said, "This place is so much fun I just want to live here!") Making Santa "dance" was also a huge hit. Parker wanted to try it, but when it was his turn he was too shy with everyone watching him.

Parker had two chocolate ice cream cones. His shirt is still in the washing machine!

Yeah, we ate a lot of sugar and started feeling weird. (Because we're usually quite normal, of course!)

McKenzie joining the impromptu conga line.

I thought this was funny - Lacie, in her white dress, was definitely not safe near Parker! All in all, a very tiring night. I think the museum might be a tad boring for the kids without the music, their cousins, and all the treats, but this time it was great for them. They were completely exhausted by the time we got home!

11-11-11

Today my old roommate, Aryelle, got married in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. We were happy to be invited to the sealing. I would have loved to get a picture with the bride, but we couldn't stay long enough to get a turn. Nevertheless, it was a very neat reminder of how important marriage is.

So glad I married my best friend, too. I like to remind him he's stuck with me forever!

Halloween

Happy Halloween! The morning started out with the Halloween parade at Kenzie's school. This was the best picture I got, since the kids marched by so quickly, but once Kenzie spotted Parker and I she waved happily. Parker was enthralled with this procession, and really yelled for the M&M, Iron Man, and the kid dressed as a Lego. Go figure. Parker was a zookeeper this year. He was so excited about that hat! Here's McKenzie trying to show off her Barbie fairy wings, although they're actually hard to see in this picture. We also sprayed her with glitter spray and she wore lots of eyeshadow. (She spent a fair amount of time admiring herself in the mirror!)

The cutest trick-or-treaters, ready for Daddy to take them through the neighborhood.

Once home, Parker immediately dumped his bucket out. (This morning he commented, "Holy crabs! How I get so much candy?") Now I'm off to pilfer another piece!

Pumpkin Time

Ah, what a fun time of year. Thank you Grandma Susan for the goofy lips!

We carved pumpkins last night, and Parker dictated, "Triangle eyes, triangle nose, and mouth!" He was very happy, and then wanted to take a picture with him making a scary face.

Kenzie needed to make a scary face, too, of course. She picked the largest pumpkin, and determined she'd make it a rabbit. (Don't tell her it looks more like a cat, since she's happy!)

Isn't this cute? (I do mean my family, not just the pumpkins). We had to stick the pumpkins on the back porch for now, since there's been several pumpkin-smashing incidents in the neighborhood. Better to keep them safe.

Happy Halloween!!

Putt-Putt

Not many people are as cool as I am. They call this "mini-golf" instead of the correct term, which is of course, "putt-putt." (And now you know. You're welcome!)

Today was the first time we armed the kiddos with golf clubs, and we weren't disappointed. It was hilarious to watch. McKenzie really used her hips and swung with gusto, only hitting one ball into the water. Parker just ran with the ball, hitting it numerous times until he reached the hole. He was constantly ahead of us, yelling for us to hurry up and join him!

I was impressed Parker was excited to go on the airplanes. Just a few months ago he was terrified of a similar ride at Jungle Jim's and refused to get on it. It probably helped that McKenzie was able to ride with him, but he's still much braver than he was.

I thought this was a sweet picture. This place (Trafalga in Lehi) was definitely geared towards little kids - I think I would use the word "dinky" to describe a lot of things, but the kids had a blast. Kenzie rode the go-karts with me and cheered the entire time (although they were a little fast for Parker - he spent his ride with his face buried in Daddy's shoulder!) Still, he told me, "I just have a good day!" and he cried to leave, so we'll have to take them back soon!

Set Apart

Tonight Grandma and Grandpa Arnold were set apart as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (for the second time!). They will spend this week in the MTC, and then we'll briefly see them before they head off to Tahiti next Monday for 2 years. I thought I would take a picture so in two years I can compare and see how much the kiddos have grown. They will sure miss their grandparents, but we know from prior experience the blessings that come.