Youth 2000

Ella is bossy.  Maybe it's because she's the oldest.  Or maybe because she was the ONLY child for almost 7 years.  Dustin and I have to have talks with her about not being so bossy with her friends; that sometimes others would like to be in charge. 

This year Ella was chosen to be on her schools student council; ie: Youth 2000.  Why?  She was chosen because of her leadership skills.  And that makes me super proud.

Ella IS bossy, but she leads.  When I peak outside while she is playing with friends, I see a line of kids running around behind her. 

This year for Youth 2000 she gets an opportunity to build these leadership skills that she is already showing.  One girl and on boy from each class (3rd, 4th and 5th) make up the student council.  They have meetings once a month.  They are going to participate in community service.  Each Friday she will wear a special youth 2000 shirt so that all other students know they can come to her for help of any kind.  These youth 2000 kids are the schools examples of how to act and treat others, and Ella takes this very seriously. She has already told me of opportunities she has had to help other kids that need it.

The Youth 2000 put on the schools Veterans day assembly this week.  She wore her best dress, had a part, and passed out flowers to the veterans in attendance.

 Dad, Parker and I loved seeing her in action!

Rrrr Mateys

                                 HALLOWEEN 2013!

Ella and Parker both sported the pirate costume this year.  It was fun having them match. 
Ella dressed up for dance and for a school party and parade.
The kids went trick-or-treating to dads work where they scored big time.
Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa Alleys house and then Grandma and Grandpa Bensons house.
Finally, we all went out with cousins and did the neighborhood.

2 Years

Parker is 2 years old!!  This is one of my favorite ages.  Ella didn't hit the terribles until 3.  So 2 is a good age in my mind.

The best part of his birthday was that he wasn't sick like he was last year.  He had fun, LOVED the attention and was a good boy.

We started the day by making birthday pancakes.  He is not so sure what the deal is with the candles.

MINIONS!!

 Playing with presents.  He got blocks, cars, cars, car pillow case, a police car, cars and more cars.  He also got clothes (boring) and a book (didn't care about it because there were CARS everywhere)

 He got to lay in moms bed and watch Cars!

Zoey and Parker got into a fight and were both upset.

 Blue frosting.  Mmmmmm.  Stains blue.

 This is my favorite picture of the day.  Parker looked around at everyone, and when he saw they were all looking and smiling at him, and he got huge eyes, a huge grin and realized it was all about him.  He was so happy and excited at this point.

 

 We absolutely love this kid!!

Fall Fun

The Agoon

Ok, Ella does not call it "The Agoon" anymore.  But the name has kind of stuck for us.  We went to Lagoon back in September for my work.  The kids are so good each year that we keep taking them.
Ella's favorite ride again: Wicked.  Mine, too!
Parker liked 50% of the rides he went on.  He loved the choo-choo, hated the Merry-Go-Round.

This year Aunt Nat came with us. 

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Its Autumn!

Autumn sometimes comes and goes before I know what has happened.  Last year by the time I thought about going to see the leaves, they were already on the ground.  So when we had a warm sunny day with nothing going on we took a trip to the canyon.

Plus, I got some 2 year pictures of Parker!
(Parker is such a camera stinker.  He refused to look at me when I am taking pictures.  And if by chance he happens to look in my general direction, he WILL NOT smile.  I had Dustin off to the side feeding him goldfish and treats to keep him sitting and not screaming.  I did a lot of yelling to no avail. I took over 150 shots and maybe 2 were looking right at me.  I'm sure our family looked like the circus was in town.)

 

I love this one because it looks like he is praying haha.  I think he was just begging for more fish.

 

Ella looks so old lately.

 

My 3 loves.  I was yelling at Parker to stop eating his dads hair.

 

 Ella loved climbing to the cave and beyond.  Parker didnt like the feel of the rocks slipping.

 Yes!!!!  I got 1 pictures of both kids looking at me and neither were crying.  Happy day! 

Dustin said he likes the candid ones better anyway- it shows their personalities and that if I wanted a perfect smiling family I could go to Hobby Lobby and buy a frame with a professional family.  So here are some others as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ella update

Ella is so busy now-a-days.  She loves 3rd grade, but hates the homework because there is a lot of it.

Here she is on her 1st day of 3rd grade. 

 

 

She also started her 4th year of dance.  She loved competitive dance so much last year we are doing it again.  I am impressed everytime I see her because she is a complete natural.  Those aren't my genes in action!

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Ella also is doing awesome with piano.  I get so happy watching her play.  Sometimes we do duets together and it is the best!  I love playing and I am so glad she does as well. 

Finally, Ella is still the best big sister.  Her brother watches everything she does and he shadows her every movement.