Oops! Almost Forgot Soccer!

With all my catching up, somehow I omitted soccer. I wouldn't mind, but have tons of photos... and besides Reagan would be heartbroken. After all, soccer is her favorite (at least when it is in season!). Actually, this is the first year Reagan has been very competitive about soccer. Her team was awesome and only lost once. That one time was devastating to her though and she cried even! Wonder where she gets that competitive spirit from?!
Reagan played hard and made lots of goals this season...and Mom or not I have to say she was one of the best players on the team! Her coach like to keep her back and play defense, but she liked being in the middle of the action and scoring.
Loving bulldog blue this season! (Hunter was eagle green so we thought this was pretty funny!)

Yeah for team work!

Reagan could kick far!

Reagan love for soccer also stemmed from her love of being with friends! Hanging out with Ashlyn and Anna and Denim were definitely a plus!

I love soccer!

What We've Been Doing...

So, sometimes life comes at you and it seems like you can't keep up. That has been me recently...besides being tired, I have taken on some new responsibilities at work. I really enjoyed it, but am glad it has come to a close. I have worked the last 8 weeks as not only an ER nurse, but has the hospital's Employee Health and Infection Control nurse. I got to put on flu shot clinics, travel to PHX for a mandatory reporting conference, and do employee physicals...and that was just for starters. I really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot.

The last two weeks, I have also gotten to work as the Community Health nurse and work at the Teen Clinic, educating and preparing teens for real world experiences including the "S" word and STDs. It was a good experience...it makes me just that much more resolved to be open with my kids about these topics. It was obvious that most of the kids I talked with had no parental education or influence on these subjects....which is so sad.

Jason is finishing up his history class and his English Literature class. He can't wait and is threatening to take a break. This semester has done him in he says! Jason also has been keeping busy with Scouts, getting them to camp outs and of course cooking for them. Oh, don't forget the Model A....Jason's Dad's old car is here at our house and Jason is starting on it as his next "project".

Reagan's soccer has ended, but she is still keeping busy with dance, gymnastics, and piano...and school and friends...and all the other things she loves like Ranger rides, dove hunting, and just hanging out with Mom, Dad, and Travis. She really is a big to help to Mom, even though it is not always her favorite thing to do.

Travis is 3 going on 7. He thinks he is grown up and is ready for school. He wants so bad to go with Reagan. It is cute! He is a bit bored with Mom during the day, but enjoys spending time out working in the shop with Dad. He is our official "egg collector" and is in charge of the chicken eggs--which he takes very seriously and does numerous times a day. Travis has taken to being friends with Dad and is even trying to eat foods that Dad eats...like squash and even mashed potatoes! (Amazing for the boy with the texture issues!)

Too cute! What a mighty hunter!

Life may be busy, but together we are keeping it fun!

Despite our busy-ness, we manage to have fun. We went to Tucson for Veterans Day and took the kids to the zoo. They love it! The animals are all up close and it was perfect weather. Reagan also got to spend her birthday money--at Build-a-Bear of course! Travis thought building his puppy was cool too! Mom and Dad were just glad for a day out of town-together!

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving! I mean Happy Turkey Day! This Thanksgiving brought cool weather and lots of delicious food. We joined the Ford and Larson family at Gram's for our first meal. The kids loved spending time playing in her fun back yard with their cousins. "Did you know that grass isn't even real? It is great for my cartwheels!" Reagan said. Travis took his footballs and enjoyed just chasing the big kids. There were cousin races and some swinging...then there was yummy food, including the best giblet gravy you'll ever eat. We couldn't get too stuffed though... because before too long it was off to Tanya and Bruce's for the Cole feast. We had fun eating and laughing...I love how Thanksgiving is just simply that...just being together, thankful for your biggest blessings--your family. We are so blessed to have both families so near and get to share our holidays and lives with them. Turkey bones anyone?! Gross boys!Don't be naughty Travis...he has that guilty look!The race is on!These boys are too cute! No posing required--just swinging at Grams!

Crazy cousins!

Reagan's Piano Recital

Reagan has a new piano teacher this year, Mrs. Innes. So when recital time arrived, Reagan was a bit nervous. Lucky for her, she had a what she called "an easy song" and memorized it in one day. (Practice for Reagan is a bit of a chore, but she is so musical when she just applies herself--the silly girl!) That night, Reagan was excited to get all dolled up and ready to go. She played her piece just like she lives... full of life and excitement. She was so proud because she "didn't even mess up once." Reagan was excited to even see a few fans in the audience including Nana and Grandmother. Then, we listened to the rest of Mrs. Innes's students...there were lots, but it was fun to see/hear all the talent.
Good job Reagan! We are so proud of you and your musical talents!

Skipping off the stage as quickly as possible! Silly girl!

Happy Halloween--Larson Style!

The festivities began early in the week with Daddy carving pumpkins with Reagan and Travis. (Mom was bummed to miss out but had to work). The kids had fun and even cleaned their pumpkins themselves! Good job!

EEWWW.....feels funny!

Reagan wanted to cut her own if course!"Easy pumpkin faces" as Daddy calls them...

Halloween was like a night of never ending candy. Needless to say, the kids loved every minute of it! First, it was off to our Stake Center for Trunk or Treating and dinner. The kids made the round once and managed to get a ton of candy. They had fun seeing their friends and comparing costumes. Travis just had to be Buzz and Reagan agreed (after much convincing by her Dad) to be Boo Peep. (He promised to let her use Roxy as her sheep, but when the night came--Roxy had to stay home and guard the house....Reagan was bummed but understood!) Travis was excited to meet a boy who was Buzz, too... and named Travis. We enjoyed some yummy hot dogs and root beer and then it was off to Trick or Treat Nana and then the Trunk or Treating with the cousins at their church....and more candy! Reagan ran and made the rounds a couple of times I think. Travis and I enjoyed some homemade doughnuts and Dad had fun seeing old friends. It was a fun and busy night....lucky for us our candy high kept us going!

To Infinity and Beyond--Travis Turns 3!

October 13, 2010
Travis could wait to be 3! When his actual birthday arrived, he had a "mini party" with just Mom, Dad, and Reagan. He got what he had been asking for for weeks "a talking Buzz":

Reagan chose the Handy Manny playset for Travis which was an instant hit...and he still plays with it daily!"Its like Etch from the movie!" We had lots of fun celebrating together!

October 16, 2010

For months, Travis begged for a Toy Story party(or "Stoy Story"as he would say). Finally, the big day came and Travis was so excited! He started out in his Buzz costume, but I think he managed to wiggle out if before any of the guests even arrived! (And before I could get a picture of course!)

We ate lots of Daddy's good cooking and then played space and cowboy games. All went well...but the pinata was utter chaos. (I think we'll pass on those in the future especially with so many little boys around!)

I made Travis's cake....Toy Story and fondant! A great combination! I turned out cute if I do say so myself.

Travis also wanted aliens...so we made these cute cupcakes which he and Reagan helped decorate.

Travis was thrilled with his gifts. He loved all the Toy Story presents, especially his new lunch box and back pack. He was so excited to get hunting clothes and a new hat! He also loved his new quilts from Joy and Nana!

Travis loved his party and is already planning next year....dinosaurs he says!