Halloween 2008

Look at these two Demon Darlings!

Watch out Edward, there's a new Dashing Vampire in the town!

This "Skele-rocker Girl" has style and grace!

This is one Motley Crew!  Colten, Daimon, Ellie, baby Ely, Raylynn

WHERE HAS OCTOBER GONE???

Life has been so busy the blogging has been put on the back burner for October. Let me touch on the highlights!

Daimon and Ellie went camping with Grandpa and Grandma Spratley. They caught 3 rainbow trout (thanks grandma and grandpa for the fishing poles). Grandpa cleaned them and had them ready in a bag, all I had to do was the cooking.

Kelly got a new calling..... Young Women's Miamaid Advisor. I am excited to be working with the youth. This is my first time in YW since I was one myself! They are an amazing group of girls and I can't wait to get to know them better.

Ben has nearly completed his BIG moving project at work and they are officially in "The New Building." (since Ben was back and forth between two buildings these past few months we started referring to them as "The New" and "The Old" building so I would know which location he was at). I am SO PROUD of Ben and his hard work and success in this project. It was such a long and involved process and he deserves much praise for his capabilities! I am ecstatic to have his time all to myself and the kids again...... except during normal business hours!

Kelly, Daimon and Ellie flew to Utah for our cousin Tara's wedding (In the rush of packing I forgot the camera, this is what happens when Benny doesn't travel with us!) We saw tons of immediate and extended family(SO FUN!), attended Hayden's 3rd birthday party, had lunch at Nana's school, saw the witches at Gardner Village, went to the pumpkin patch with Auntie Dana, Uncle Ricky, Hayden and baby Carston, met Auntie Emily's new man Charles, and of course....the wedding and reception. Ellie was a flower girl and looked like a princess complete with tiara. She performed a dance at the reception with the bridesmaids and was absolutely adorable. She was very brave to perform in front of so many people.... she only learned the dance the night before! Daimon had a surprise performance of his own. After 20 minutes of cajoling, begging and pleading our cousin Ben Bloomfield finally convinced Daimon to serenade the crowd with some Phantom of The Opera. He stood Daimon up on a table and Daimon belted it out with his eyes closed so he wouldn't be too embarrased! Nana paid Daimon and Ellie to help with some jobs and Poppy played "The Money Game" with them, each came home with a stash of cash. This came in handy for Daimon, he chose to spend $2.00 of his money on a can of cranberry juice on the plane. I think this is "SKYWAY ROBBERY"! They already charge $15.00 per checked bag and now you don't even get a free beverage? At least the flight attendant slipped the kids a free granola bar. It was so fun to see all the family. Thanks Auntie Audrey for letting us bunk with you and having the house sparkling!

That's October in a nut shell. Tonight is the big night..... HALLOWEEN! I can't wait to see Daimon and Ellie in their costumes!

Tara's Wedding

YEAH!! Everyone was jumping for joy on Tara's special day

The Queen and the Princess...... happily ever after!

Grandpa Stays The Night

Sadly this will be one of the last times we get to enjoy "Pop's" company for the next 18 months. He and Grandma Jeanine are leaving for their mission to Guatemala. This is such an exciting time for them. They will be returning to the same area Pop's served his mission in when he was 19. How lucky are the people of Guatemala to have such wonderful people who are so passionate about their faith share their lives. The church will be utilizing Pop's Spanish and Jeanine's nursing abilities to teach some of the brightest young minds in Guatemala. They will be working with youth who have completed high school and are seeking a career in the medical profession. I am sure they will be very successful in sharing the light of Christ with these gifted youth and will show them the love of our savior through service. Good luck Pop's and Jeanine, we LOVE you!

Primary Program

Don't they look adorable all dressed up? Yes, I know we are a little biased but if you can't brag about your own childen who can you brag about? The primary children all did a wonderful job and the spirit was so strong. Can you believe they got over 200 children to sit reverently for over an hour? That is one of life's small miracles!

Daimon's Family B-Day Party at the PPP

We celebrated all the family birthday's in September at Peter Piper! That included Daimon, uncle Josh, uncle Russ and cousin Justin. Grandma Teri and Papa Jim surprised Daimon with a shiny new bike. He was so excited about it, he took it for a spin right there in the parking lot. He sure is lucky to have such generous grandparents and such a loving family! Aunt Nicci brought Krispy Kreme's for dessert... those were a big hit too!

Daimon's B-Day Party at School

Daimon chose to bring bags of plain M&M's for his birthday treat! The kids were very excited and Daimon raced around the room passing the treat out and saying to all the kids "Don't worry we have plenty for everyone, I brought 48 bags of M&M's!" It was sooo cute, I couldn't stop laughing!

Do I still get my Money?

Ellie's has been losing her baby teeth lately.  One of them was misplaced, so this is the note she left for the tooth fairy.  She did this all on her own...

-To Tooth Girl

I have lost my tooth in the garbage.  Can I still get money?

-Ellie Brown

Newport Weekend Get-A-Way

As if these two didn't get enough beach time this summer... A surprise weekend get a way was so much fun! Thanks Daddy for taking us all along!

Costa Mesa Omelette Parlor

Ben's last minute business trip to Newport Beach turned into a really fun surprise get a way for me and the kids. We enjoyed a weekend of total relaxation lounging at the pool and hangin' at the beach. We also got to go visit my friend Miss from H.S. and spend the day together while the kids played. Benny worked and we played but he was able to join us for a part of the fun! As always when I am involved we had to EAT some great food to make it a great weekend. This was one of the favorite new breakfast places we found. Their homemade breakfast potatoes were amazing as was the rest of their fare. Daimon was our entertainment during the meal while demonstrating how to "put the moves" on a girl. Ben and I could not stop laughing. This kid has a great mind and you never know where it's going to take you... somewhere unexpected to be sure!