Visit from Grandpa and Grandma

We were able to visit last week with Grandpa and Grandma California. They have been visiting the East coast for over 10 years now since Sonnet and I went to college in Virginia, but we were able to fit in some firsts for this trip. The day after they flew in there was a "lawful assembly" in front of the Capitol building in protest to the health care proposal that was being voted on the following day. This was my first time participating in something like this and I must say it was a good experience.

We were also able to take Grandpa and Grandma to the National Zoo. It was freezing, but we had a fun time. Anytime we saw one of these statues we would have to pose for a picture with it. One day I'm sure we will get a picture with all the statues in the park.

We also went to Fort McHenry. Now that was amazing. Learning the History of our Nation and the valiant people who laid their lives on the line so we could be free is always a wonderful experience.
We also were able to get some Parks family pictures while they were here. Grandma use to do photography so I always like to take advantage of her expertise. Here are some nice and silly pictures from that day.

We had so much fun with Grandpa and Grandma California the kids didn't want them to leave. Anna cried the whole way home from dropping them off at the airport. She asked Heavenly Father in her prayers tonight to, "Please help us see Grandma again soon." They are so sweet. Someday...Someday we will live closer to family...Someday...

Jared's Baptism

Our little man was baptized today. I can't believe how big he is. It was a really nice program. One of his Primary teachers spoke on baptism and she said some really nice things about Jared.

(Jared and his primary teacher Sister Hawes)
Kevin baptized Jared and Andy Johnson and Grandpa California were the witnesses. The water was a bit cold so when Jared came up out of the water he had a bit of a shocked look on his face. Anna has been worried for Jared about going under the water so when she saw his face she blurted out the question, "Are you OK Jared?" Jared kind of chuckled and reassured his sister that he was OK.

After Kevin and Jared changed Grandma California and I sang "I Feel My Savior's Love" and then Grandpa California Gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. After his conformation the Primary President and the Bishop welcomed Jared into the ward and bore their testimonies.

(Grandpa and Grandma California)

(Conformation Circle: Sam Wilkinson, Todd Benner, Quin Briggs, Grandpa California, Kevin, Paul Anderson, Andy Johnson, Bishop Rothlisberger)
Jared planned the whole program from the songs to the people involved. He has been looking forward to this for a while. Tonight for prayers he asked Heavenly Father to help him choose the right. After the prayer he turned to me and said, "I really hope I can choose the right." I told him that he already does and we love him so much. He is such a blessing and we are truly blessed to have him as a part of our family.

Trick or Treat

Friday we headed off the the ward Halloween party. We ate some yummy soup and salad and the kids played some games and then went outside for a little trunk or treating. Jared was dressed as OBeOne Kanobee (no idea how to spell that name), Anna was Fancy Nancy, and Audrey was a little birdie.


After the activity we stayed behind to help clean up and I just had to take some pictures of the kids. Did any of you out there ever do this when you were kids?


I remember a wood floor gym and getting some pretty good speed out of these things. I also remember getting in trouble for riding on them as well. Funny how kids find the same things to play with generations down.
Last night we met at some friends house for some pre-trick-or-treating snacks and playing. After a few pictures we headed out into the rainy night for some trick or treating.

The kids made out really well in the candy department and our supply should last through Easter I think. Lots of fun. Hope you all had a great Halloween.

Happy Birthday!

Jared turned 8 on Thursday. We had a nice little family dinner with some friends. Jared wanted pizza and an ice cream cake. So we had frozen pizza (Food Lion is his favorite) and I made a chocolate/vanilla cake/ice cream cake. He loved all his presents from family. Anna wrapped some presents for him and it was sweet to watch her excited face as Jared opened them. It was also funny to watch Jared try to be diplomatic about getting a fairy craft that Anna had made for him. This picture captures it the best.

Aunt Sonnet was the best sending two books to complete a series we had started and Star Wars legos. She was the only one to get an, "Oh man I love you! I love you!" Jared had a great day and we plan on celebrating his birthday along with grandma California's sometime next week with a little good old fashion Maryland duck bowling. Also he will be baptized next Saturday! Wow I can't believe how big he has grown.

Pumpkin Carving

We finally got to our pumpkins this year. We ended up picking them out at the local Giant. We had planned on going to a farm and picking pumpkins, but it rained every Saturday this month. Jared and Anna didn't mind. It seems that picking out pumpkins in a store is just as excited as on a farm. Hear are some pictures from the evening.




Jared chose to carve a storm trooper from Star Wars into his pumpkin and Anna chose a cat. By this I mean they chose Dad to carve a storm trooper and Mom to carve a cat in their respective pumpkins. It was a fun family night.

Nothing in Particular

Nothing in particular has been happening in our neck of the woods. Just regular everyday stuff. Kevin is in the thick of things at school. He takes off every morning around 7:00 and comes home somewhere in the 5:00 hour. Tuesdays and Thursdays he has physical therapy and Wednesdays he has Young Mens. When he is not at school, physical therapy, or Young Mens he is studying whatever test he has that week. Even though he stays busy during the day he takes time every night (except Wednesdays) to read to and put the kids to bed.

They love their time with their dad.
Jared has been counting down the days for his 8th birthday. He gives us hints everyday as to what would make good birthday presents. Anything Star Wars for those who are interested. What a funny kid.
Anna Audrey and I get to hang out during the day. Since it has been warm lately that has included some walks and bike rides on her new bike. Mostly she like to spend her time outside adding to her rock and stick collection.
Audrey is a hoot. She loves her brother and sister. As soon as Jared and Anna go to bed Audrey turns into a little grump. She could spend all day watching and smiling at them. The other day I left her down with Jared and Anna to "play" with them and this is what I found when I went to check on them.

A few days before I had asked Anna to keep and eye on her while I went to get some laundry and this is what I found.

Don't ask. I have no idea.
Audrey has added crawling to her list of talents this past week and we will need to start baby proofing our house. We haven't ever done that before, but I am certain that Audrey would be the one to stick something in an electrical socket. Here are some pictures of her over the past week. She is so darn cute.

Happy Birthday Anna!

Anna woke up Saturday morning so excited for her birthday party. This was her first friend birthday party and she has been counting down the days for about a month now. We planned a cooking birthday party. I saw this idea online somewhere and fell in love with it. After I mentioned cupcake decorating Anna was on board. When her friends got here we went to work decorating their aprons with buttons and sequins. After everyone was done we went to work at the "Pizzeria" making their own mini pizzas. It was funny to watch them pile on the cheese and other toppings.

After the pizzas were in the oven we went to the "Ice Cream Shop" to play a game of pin the ice cream on the cone. They each took a turn adding a "flavor" of ice cream to the top of the same cone.

We then went to the "Bakery" to decorate some cupcakes. Their was more candy topped on the cupcakes than frosting!

After that the girls ate their pizzas and had cake and ice cream and opened up presents.


Anna had so much fun having her friends around and playing with them. She was beaming! Thank you to all who came and to Grandma's, Grandpa's, and Aunts who sent gifts. You all made her day a special one.

Patrick and Jenna's Wedding

 
My cousin, Patrick, got married this weekend here just outside of Baltimore so we got to go. It was a nice service. My Aunt is a retired Reverend and has been able to marry each of her children. She did a nice job. After the ceremony there was a reception with all the traditions. Jared spent most of the evening sitting at the table watching and eating and Anna spent most of the evening dancing. That little girl has some moves! It was really nice to be able to go. The wedding happened really fast due to some health issues in the brides family so we ended up being the only extended family there on the grooms side. We really enjoyed being a part of their special day.

Rubba Dub Dub...

They will probably kill me one day for posting these pictures, but I love them. We have this huge tub and Audrey can sit up now so after playing in the leaves this evening I put them all in the tub.

Yummmm...Peas!

I was feeding Audrey some peas for lunch the other day while Jared and Anna were at the pool with Kevin when the Missionaries knocked on the door. I left Audrey in the highchair and went to answer the door, but since I was home alone we chatted on the front porch. When I came back inside I found this:

Don't you love the "hand caught in the cookie jar" look. I guess she really loves her peas.