Surprise! Kyle is 40!

Kyle turned the big 4-0 on Wednesday, November 26th!  Happy birthday to my favorite man in the world! 

He wasn't too excited about hitting a new decade.  Several months ago he mentioned that I had never thrown him a surprise party, so I would tell him several times when his birthday came up, "You're having a surprise party," or, "Are you ready for your surprise party?"  It was me being a bit of a party pooper, since surprises are much more his thing than mine.  But, as it got closer, I stopped bringing it up.  One day I asked him if he really wanted one.  He told me to please not worry about it, since he knew I was a bit overwhelmed with everything going on.  I told him that was okay with me, if he was sure.  Then I thanked him for letting me off the hook.

But, I didn't really let him get off that easily!  It took a bit of figuring out--with the awesome help of Sara Edge--and we finally concocted a plan that would work.  We were going to be in Utah for Thanksgiving on his actual birthday, so I planned it for the Saturday before.  That same day (the 22nd), we went to the Kroc Center in Coeur D'Alene to celebrate reading the entire Book of Mormon as a family (woo hoo!  So exciting!).  We spent all morning and afternoon there, then came home and got changed then went over to the Edges' for dinner.  (This is the part that was a huge help; I didn't know how else I'd get him out of the house.)  While we were there, the Thomas' came over and decorated and let the other friends who came into the house.  At about 6:20, I told Kyle we'd better get the kids home since they were so tired (which they really were), and we headed home.  We stopped by the church to get something for my Sharing Time lesson the next day so the Edges had time to get to the house before we did. 

Kyle was genuinely surprised!  We had over 30 friends here to shout, "Surprise!" and wish him a happy birthday.  We had his favorite carrot cake and ice cream and visited while the kids played.  It was a fun night.  

The following week, Kyle got to continue his birthday celebrations.  Monday night for FHE, he opened his gifts from all of us.  Wednesday, we gave him little strips of paper that said 40 things we love about daddy, then they went together to make a puzzle.  Also that evening, we arrived at the Rummler's house and sang to him and had ice cream.  Then Friday night when we got to the Romney's, we again celebrated.  Christine had a mint ice cream cake that we all enjoyed!

So, I think it's safe to say, that despite the bummer of turning 40, he had a happy birthday.  We are glad and sure do love our daddy!  As do many, many other people!

New Favorite Spencer Quote

At dinner, I was explaining positive and negative numbers to the kids.  After I explained, I said, somewhat teasingly, "Comprende' Por Favor?"  (I know this isn't correct Spanish, but it's what I said.)

Spencer immediately replied, as if he were offended, "Hey, I am not Korihor!" (As in Book of Mormon fame:).)

Crackin' me up!

10th Birthday Party!

I can't believe our beautiful girl from heaven is 10!  Seems hard to believe, yet there she is, becoming such a beautiful young lady.  She celebrated Saturday, November 15th, with eight of her friends at a Polka Dot Party.  (She LOVES all things polka dots.) (Her actual birthday was November 18.)

Jeanessa, Paisley, Emersyn, Dalaina, Olivia, Kenzie, Coalie, and Sara Edge all came to help her celebrate.  We played Twister, popped polka-dot balloons filled with prizes, painted our finger nails (with polka dots, of course)!, opened presents and had cake and ice cream.  The girls also found time to jump on the trampoline and play hide and seek. 

Here they are playing Twister and popping balloons:).

Painting nails and showing off the finished product.

I made her a polka dot cake, inside and out.  (It had colored cake balls on the inside, although they didn't turn out as bright as the cake on Pinterest:).)  Emersyn came a little early and the two girls put the finishing touches on the cake.  Here they are decorating, then Kylene blowing out the candles.

 Looks like I accidentally made collages twice!  So, here are a few duplicates, just for fun...

Happy 10th Birthday, Kylene!!

October Fun

The McCombie's had a great pumpkin patch/fall party in their garden during Priesthood session the first weekend on October.  So much fun!

Some of our favorite families at the Pumpkin Patch party.

Silly kids!

Silly Andon; and, two ladies I hope I can be like when I grow up:).

Snowdon had spirit week the second week of October.  Kylene enjoyed Crazy Hair Day.

 The last day of Spirit Week was our first annual Snowdon Pride $tride: a fundraiser that turned into a great spirit building opportunity for the school.  I helped a lot on the committee and we ended up raising over $14,000 for the school!  The kids loved the t-shirts, each class made a banner, and they all loved the walk/run and activity stations.  It was a beautiful day weather-wise, too, so everything came together well. 

Andon and Skyler got a hold of a couple of my scarves and turned themselves into Maori warriors.  They had a ball laughing and dancing and wrestling.  So hilarious.

Playing one afternoon with my two preschoolers.

We had the Thomas' over for dinner one evening.  We always have a wonderful time with them.  The kids love playing together and the adults have a great time talking.   They are moving to California in a few weeks and we are going to miss them so dearly.  I wish I could make them not move!  We truly cherish their friendship.

Skyler and I had a great six weeks of soccer.  I enjoyed coaching his cute team of 5 & 6 year olds.  My favorite part was how proud Skyler was that I was his coach.  April & Landon Thomas were on our team as well, which we loved.

 Spencer & Kylene playing in the leaves at the last soccer game of the season.

 Pumpkin carving time...

Spencer's Tender Heart

This past week Spencer's teacher's dog passed away.  This was in addition to many other challenges she has been going through.  When he got home from school that afternoon, I suggested we make a card for her and give her a little treat.  He wrote the following note to her, completely by himself.  It melted my heart, and gave me a glimpse into his tender heart.