An "Incredible" Halloween

I banned the twins from one piecer's, but didn't include Eric or myself.  We went all out this year and dressed up as Mr. & Mrs. Incredible for our ward trunk or treat.  In the words of Leighton, we looked "ridiculous!"  I made sure we had a few pictures to document the occasion because I doubt Eric will ever get in a costume again.  He was a good sport.  My costume was very uncomfortable - getting me coming and going, and choked me when I sat down or tried to "stretch."  One piecer's are overrated!  Elasti Girl must not have ever had to use the bathroom.

Jackson loved his  Gangsta costume!  He felt like king of the world.  

Kennedy said this was the most embarrassing costume ever!  She's a Viking Opera Singer and a pretty cute blondie if I do say so myself.  I told her it was an awesome, original costume.  However when a Nordic Viking couple walked into the trunk or treat, she turned to me and said, "Real  original, Mom."  I give up.

Boston was the best Superman ever!  He wore his costume today from sun up to sun down.  He was out riding his bike before school and his cape was flowing with the sun shining down on him and I had one of those moments where I wanted to freeze time.

Leighton was very comfortable in his Ghost Buster's costume.  Technically, it is one piece but is far from a Power Ranger or Batman costume.  This is a grown man's costume (one size fits all) made out of cotton, not spandex.  

We went trick or treating in the Highland Glen neighborhood, exhausting the kids after a couple streets.  Once that bag started feeling full, they were done.  We hung out with the Beckstead's, said hello to the Crompton's and our old neighbors, Ray & Sheri Chase, and called it a night. 

Happy Halloween!

Craziness

I have been a bit overwhelmed so my blogging has gone to the way side the past couple weeks.  Just wanted to post pictures from some of the craziness.  

Jackson's Hitler moustache at the Harvest Festival.

Boston's sprayed hair and moustache.  The kids had such a fun time and look forward to this event all year.

Kennedy's volleyball

The missionaries sharing their talents over dinner.  Elder M (can't spell his last name) had an amazing, smoothing voice and played the guitar too.  We were all mesmerized.

The much anticipated "Rain Gutter Regatta."  Jackson's boat was the Jolly Roger and Leighton's was the U.S.A.  Grandpa Bateman helped them paint and construct them.  He is priceless.

Their methods differ...and the winner...

A boy named Zack but Jackson's method worked a little better than Leighton's as they came in 2nd and 3rd.

Grandma and Grandpa Bateman are their biggest fans.

Eric and I are just trying to keep our heads above the water.  Luckily we had swimming lessons.

Area 51

The Beckstead's held their annual "Party at the Patch" Friday night by borrowing our van and picking up our kids and taking them to the local pumpkin patch.  When the kids walked in with these life-size aliens, I knew they had a great time.  Pam said they struggled to find somewhere for the aliens to sit for the ride home.  In the words of Pam, "Good Times!"

Leighton was thrilled to take "Andrew" for a ride.

The rest of the evening was spent dressing their friends and posing them.

Jackson loved "Bob" a bit too much because not long after this, he got real skinny.

Andrew and Bob just chillin.  Notice the wall art?  Jackson created that with blue painters tape a couple months ago.  It says "Extreme."  I thought it was done tastefully so I left it.  I am getting soft.

Leighton and Andrew cuddling.

In true Boston form, "Kevin" is getting a punch to the gut.  Notice the tape?  He had to have wall art too.

The kids call this "Bob, Kevin and Andrew's first day of school."

Jackson lost steam and turned Bob over to Kennedy.  Bob is a cross-dresser.  

I couldn't believe how long the kids were entertained by these.  However, I was totally freaked out in the middle of the night walking down the hallway and running into them.  I think Bob, Kevin and Andrew may make an appearance at the Beckstead household.  I'm sure they would make a great addition!

BYU Game

Friday we drove to Provo so the kids and Eric could go to their 1st BYU home game.  Eric has never been a spectator in the BYU stadium.  We couldn't have attended a more exciting game. The kids joined right in with the fight song and followed the game like pros.  Eric was a typical guy at a football game - lots of eating and analyzing the game but was especially impressed with the cheerleaders.  Nice to know I've got an all American.

Cousin Luke met us at the stadium.  The boys treated him like royalty, fighting over who got to sit by him.

Kennedy isn't much of a football fan but I think she enjoyed this game.

 The Cougars won in the final minute, beating Utah State 24 - 20.  Everyone in the stadium was on their feet and when the last second ticked away, they rushed the field.  We observed from a far.  Hopefully someday we will be watching the boys actually play ON the field.

Saturday we met the Hannum's at their house where Kari made a gourmet breakfast and then we headed out to burn some calories by hiking Stewart Falls up by Sundance.  Three years ago we did this hike with the kids and there were lots of tears and whining - none this time around!  Everyone did great.  Kari was leading the pack with her newfound work out routine.  The men brought up the rear but survived.  When you get to the top and dip your head in the freezing cold waterfall, it's all worth it.

Hard to beat the fall colors in Utah with the mountains.

Kari and the boys.  I didn't notice Jackson's accessory until I posted this but decided it's par for the course.

Jackson showing us how far he's come.

As close as Eric will ever get to dunking James in Utah water.

Kennedy and Grace after dipping their heads.

Kari and I showing what we're made of.  Don't mess with us.

Three years ago (see picture below), we took a picture in this spot.  I am glad we are where we are today, but seeing the kids smaller makes me want to freeze time.

James, Grace and Kari love our family like their own.  We love them!

It won't be much longer until Kennedy will be picking me up.  She's set to be at least 5'10".  So excited to expand my closet.

Shannon and Dave were so nice to host not only our family but my parents and my brother Tony and his family.  She made amazing meals and went with the flow like she does this every weekend.  I know it's a lot of work to not only take care of your own family, but crazy when you have 14 extra mouths to feed and bodies to house.  It was fun to hang out and watch conference together and relaxing to go out as adults to Sundance Foundry Grill.  The above picture was of the kids when conference was on.  They were all sitting so nicely, drawing and creating works of art.  My camera failed me but thought I'd post to show I tried.

Shannon had a Lehi Rollermills puzzle that took the majority of Saturday for her to put together with a little help from Kennedy and Allison.  I have ants in my pants because I couldn't focus on it for more than 10 minutes at a time.

Proof we were actually watching conference.  The "smart" men went downstairs and watching it without kids, in comfy chairs and on the big screen.

The life

We ended Sunday evening by sharing a meal with the Hannum's.  Eric stayed the night with them while the kids and I headed out around 7:30 pm.  Eric works in Elko, Nevada, all this week. The weekend went way too fast.  Utah this time of year is dreamy along with spending quality time with friends and family.