Zoe's baptism

Zoe was so happy that it was finally time for her baptism. When they called our ward to go back to the font she practically ran. I was trying to catch up to her. She is so sweet. I love her positive attitude and her love for the gospel. Before baptism she read the Book of Mormon, D&C,  and the Pearl of Great Price. When I asked her if she wanted to read the Book of Mormon again she said, "I want to read the holy bible because I want to read all the scriptures." 

I love my family so much! 

Hike at Butcher Jones

Apparently I'm terrible at taking pictures. We went on a hike with Derek's parents, and several of his aunt and uncle's and also our kids. This was the only picture I have. So sad. I love hiking so much.

Thanksgiving

I made an apple pie from the Celebrations cookbook by Danielle Walker. 

Also a pumpkin cake 

Both turned out delicious! 

Thanks Maeley for providing the only pictures I have from Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving was with my family at Laurel's house. Yummy food and good company.

Turkey trot

Zoe wanted to dress up and cheer me on which was great because she was easy to spot out. 

This was my third 5K turkey trot. This time it was in Gilbert and I also was running for a good time instead of just leisurely running. I ended up finishing with an amazing time. I was at the beginning stages of training for an upcoming half marathon. 

November 2016 random

While Maeley and Zoe her having their piano lessons Chase and I went for a walk. When we came to this horse Chase loved reaching in to pet him. 

Off to go to the movies to see Moana

Zoe's lost tooth, bike, and shoes

So funny she goes from crying to laughing about a lost tooth.

Those new shoes she's wearing definitely play a role in getting Zoe to learn to ride a bike without training wheels. 

We had been trying to get Zoe to learn to ride her bike without training wheels for years. She had no interest, at all! We were at the mall shopping and Zoe saw these Disney Van's and she wanted them. They were on clearance and in her size. She didn't need them but they were cute. Derek said he'd buy them for her only if she learned to ride her bike. Right there in the store she broke down bawling. She was torn between trying something she was afraid of and really wanting the shoes. Finally she calmed down and agreed. When we got home they went out front to start lessons. After only 20 minutes she was doing pretty good. We didn't have much time then so the next day we went over to the empty school parking lot to let her practice. After a quick help to get started she was doing it all by herself. She was so happy! She conquered her fear and got a new pair of shoes while doing it. 

Awards at school

I love to watch my kids succeed especially when they work hard for it. 

Halloween 2016

Zoe as Santa Claus! 

Maeley as a spy 

Chase a ninja

Neighborhood Halloween party

Maeley is now Audrey Hepburn 

Maeley's 

Zoe's 

Chase

Entirely was too much candy. As usual we took candy to the orthodontist. 15 lbs to be exact and they still had each a shoe box full they kept. 

Girls birthdays

Zoe's cake was chocolate and Maeley's was carrot cake with a maple flavored frosting

Zoe was thrilled to get Kit's bed.

A birthday treat at Barnes and Noble.

Maeley finally got Hermione's wand.

And Molly's table and chairs

Maeley with her dolls Emily and Molly.

Zoe's baptism pictures

To say Zoe was happy was an understatement. Derek took these pictures early one morning and it was colder than it had been. It didn't stop her from having a huge smile across her face. 

When we took her shopping for her baptism dress she was very certain of the one she wanted and didn't let anyone else sway her decision. 

Her happiness is contagious.