Purple Princess Domination

Caelyn had her last soccer game on Saturday. Her little team went undefeated (even though we don't keep score). She had so much fun and they got cute little necklaces and a trophy. Thank you to her coach and all her friends for a great season!!

Thorner Halloween Festival

We attended the school Halloween festival and Caelyn wore her costume. She was so excited to run around and show off her dress. She was soo cute. There were lots of cute costumes and creative ones too!! Can't wait for trick or treating!!

Notre Dame vs BYU

Five years ago Teddy and I went to Notre Dame for a football game and to see the campus. It was such an amazing place and full of so much football tradition we decided we would take our children when they were a freshman so they could get a taste of what a major university is like and see why they are working so hard in school to get in to one. So, Payton being the eldest was first up and we took our trip to none other than the BYU game. We stayed in Chicago for a night and enjoyed the city and then spent two days in South Bend going to the pep rally, walking out on the field and walking thru the tunnel the players run out of. We got to shake their hands on their traditional walk thru campus to the stadium. It was packed with tons of fans and we got a kick out of the BYU dads and sons. Not too many BYU women around. It was a great game and a real nail biter but ND pulled it out. I can't wait for two years when it is Sadie's turn. We are already planning the weekend!!

Another Soccer star

This year Caelyn started AYSO soccer. It has been with anticipation as we wondered is she going to be an offensive force like her sister Payton or a defensive beast like her sister Sadie. We even had the girl's entire soccer team show up for opening day to see Caelyn's debute. Well, so far she has been a little of both. She does a great job taking the ball and scoring and is determined to stop any breakaways or kicks from the other team. For every goal she scores her daddy throws her up and she has learned that is all the incentive she needs. It has been fun to watch and we will see if she goes down the same road as her big sisters.

Go Steelers/Raiders

This year the Steelers came to Oakland and little Zeke loves the Steelers. He likes the Raiders but loves the Steelers. For his birthday we bought him tickets for the game and it finally came. Teddy was nervouse taking him into the black hole wearing Steeler gear so he convinced him to get both jerseys and have them sewn together. So sweet Grandma Abby did us the honors and created the duo-jersey for game day. I guess he was quite the hit at the game and lots of people were taking pictures of him and with him and his jersey. Teddy said there were tons of both fans and that it was a relatively calm crowd for it being a sell out crowd. The Raiders won, much to the disappointment of Zeke but it was a great game!!

First Day of School

I have to say for me, the first day of school is the best day of the year!! It was like Christmas for me the night before. It is the day all my kids and my husband are back to school and I have the whole day free for gym time, cleaning and quiet!! I love the beginning of the chaos of school, sports, homework, etc.... This year Payton started high school at Highland. She was so nervous and scared. It is a whole new world for her. Sadie started junior high in 7th grade. She has such attitude that she fits right in. Nothing intimidates that kid. Zeke is in 5th grade at Thorner and is too cool. The first day I walked them to class and he said "bye mom" and took off. I guess boys don't need their mothers. Caelyn is in first grade and is so happy with her class and teacher. No more crying everyday, thank goodness!! She started her Magnet classes with gymnastics and tap and is already showing me her routines. It will be fun to see her perform this year.

Our First Loose Tooth

Well, Caelyn finally had a loose tooth which seemed like it was forever. She wouldn't let anyone touch it. Finally the day I took this picture it was barely hanging on and she was freaking out it was going to hurt if I pulled it. A few hours later she took a bite of a plum and out it came. She was soooo happy!!

Titanic 100th Anniversary

My boss was kind enough to purchase tickets to a huge fundraiser for Organ donation here in Bakersfield that was in honor of the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic. They treated us to an 11 course meal that mirrored the meal they had the night the ship sunk. There were actors dressed as the Captain and the infamous Molly Brown. We had to dress in period dress and it was sooo fun. Here are a few pictures that were taken at the event and at home before we left. Teddy and I rented our outfits for the big event and felt so fancy. Here are pictures of the dining room, the menu, some of the characters and a few of my coworkers and I. It was so much fun!!

Easter

Here are a few pictures of the kids and their Easter baskets and Easter Egg hunt at the Alvarado's house. They were busy looking for the eggs with money in them. It was a fun Easter with lots of food to eat and candy to be had!!

Spring Break

This spring I couldn't take more than 5 days off so we went to the beach instead of Utah. It was a lot of fun with the cousins and friends. They all had a good time. We even had a Hunger Games party while we were there with shirt decorating, cookies and a tracker jacker pinata. It went by so fast!!