Happy Happy Birthday!

Last week was the big man's 30th birthday! I think he was a little embarrassed and just wanted the day to pass by, but hello... it's your 30th birthday, so you have to celebrate it BIG! We were hoping to get away and go somewhere to celebrate his birthday, but we were just a little too busy, so we'll just have to wait. :(

As a result, we celebrated with our little family by going out to eat at Claim Jumper's and then had a little birthday party with the family. Blaine's birthday is two days after Halloween, so we were kind of sugared out from all the candy and junk. But I surprised him and made him a cake. It's not the prettiest, but hey... it's a cake, right?


The kids trying to blow out his candles.


We partied so hard, that I found this little guy passed out on the floor.
Lately, he's been doing this a lot. When I don't hear him, it's usually because he's passed out or causing trouble.
I wish I could do this... When I get tired, just pass out on the floor. Oh the joys of being a kid.


Happy Birthday Blaine! Hope you had a very special day! We love you and hope that the 30's treats you well as the 20's did!

Happy Halloween!

This year was another eventful and fun Halloween! Sometimes I think I overkill it a little, but I know that the kids won't stay young forever, so I try to do as many things as I can. But in the end I pay for it and just have to lay low and rest for about a week after.

This year my girl was Cinderella and my boy was a cute little skeleton. Emi says skeleton kind of funny, so when she does say it, it comes out sounding like "Satan." So when people ask what her brother is for Halloween, they think he's Satan.




We also had some Halloween fun at Schnepf Farms with the Palfreemans.






Then finally, Halloween Party at the Abeggs.
Emi showing off her pumpkin.


Brenden swinging in the swing with his buddy, Carter.


The kids bobbing for apples.


Everyone happy with their candy. I'm pretty amazed that we were able to get this group shot. Must be the candy...


My family has had another successful Halloween. Thanks to everyone for all the Halloween fun!!!

Desert Botanical Garden: Pumpkin Festival

Two weeks ago we were invited to the Desert Botanical Garden to go to their pumpkin festival. We have never been there because... I don't know why we haven't been there, but it's such a fun place to go.

Our friend Eli and Emi holding hands to go on the hayride.


A little family picture on the hayride that took us to the pumpkin patch.




Emi posing in the hay maze. Isn't supposed to be a corn maze? I just realized that right now.


Brenden happy with the pumpkins.




The kids got to pick a pumpkin and decorate it to take home. Emi decorated her pumpkin all by herself.


They had a blue grass band playing at the pumpkin patch field. I thought I was back in TN. Brenden loved it and had so much fun dancing. The band was great because if they saw you dancing, they would throw beads for you to wear; therefore, my little girl danced hard because she loves her jewelry.


Group picture of everyone!


Thank you so much Polly and Eli for inviting us! We had such a nice time. Definitely going to try to make this a tradition for the years to come.

Fall Trip to Tennessee

In the beginning of October, the kids and I decided to go back to Tennessee for two weeks to visit my family. I guess this was more of MY vacation than for anyone else in the family. It was good to kick back and relax and have mom take over for a little while. I think I kicked back and relaxed a little too much because at the end of my trip my mom threw out her back and she needed her cane to help her walk. hahaha... Sorry Mom! :(

The best part of going back to TN was seeing all the leaves change colors. Now I've had my full dose of Fall. I loved it! We mostly let the kids play with the leaves outside in the backyard. They loved having so much room to run around and get CRAZY!

Emi and her Grandpa


Rolling around in the grass. I'm so sorry, seems like my son never has any pants on.


The beautiful tree in my parents backyard changing colors. I miss my seasons...


Brenden's best friend, Piko




While we were there, we went to the Knoxville Zoo with Baachan.

I'm not sure if we'll be able to go to a pumpkin patch this year, but this counts right even though it was at the zoo?




Then we went to Dollywood while we were there. We didn't get to see Dolly there this time. Emi has been there so many times but she couldn't ever remember going. She said that her three favorite places to go is first, Disneyland, second, Dollywood, third, Chuck E Cheese. She's lucky because we went to all three.

The best thing about Dollywood was that there was a bunch of kiddie rides that I could just leave my kids on and let them ride. It's so nice that Brenden is finally getting old enough to do things by himself.




Then we rode on my favorite ride in the world, "Barrel of Fun". Happiness...


Pictures from Chuck E Cheese
Emi protecting her little brother.


Me with the little monster.


Emi’s sad face at the airport because we were leaving TN. This girl cracks me up… I think she was making fun of me because I was in tears saying goodbye to my family. (Playing with my iPhone again.)


Thanks Baachan and Grandpa for the fun trip! We are so lucky that we get to see you AGAIN in a month! Can't wait! Love you!