Pumpkin Patch

Picking the perfect pumpkin.

Ty really is happy even though he looks pained.

On the hayride.

Best Friends.

Hay slides. The kids LOVED this. Ty couldn't get enough. Luke was even brave enough to go down the giant slide.

Having fun with Daddy.

We had a great time with the Speredons going to the pumpkin patch. Even though it was pretty cold the kids really enjoyed themselves.

This was one of our "Swensen Family Halloweek" activities. Every night the week before Halloween we do an activity together. We have had pumpkin pancakes and watched Casper. We have carved pumpkins, made Halloween cookies, done crafts etc. We have had a great time celebrating the holiday together. I love getting into holidays and finding little ways to have extra fun with my kids.

Star Wars in Concert

Friday night we took Luke to "Star Wars in Concert". We had a great time. Just me, Jake and Luke. Luke was in awe at everything around him. It was such an experience. There were all sorts of memorabilia from the movies to look at in the foyer. Authentic movie weapons, costumes, original sheet music by John Williams. It was really neat. There were also actors walking around in character. It was a memorable night with our little Star Wars fanatic.
The orchestra was so amazing. You found yourself getting wrapped up in the clips from the movies and forgetting the music was live! It was wonderful. There were specials effects, lasers, smoke, fire, the works. Anthony Daniels (the actor who plays C-3PO in the movies) narrated the production. Luke looked at Jake during intermission and said, "BEST CONCERT EVER!"

The largest LED screen on tour.

Father and Son! Showing off our souvenirs, new T-shirts.

Luke was fascinated because they were playing all sorts of Star Wars sound effects before the show.

Surrender! People kept thinking Luke was so adorable. Most of the other little kids around were at least 7 or 8. Then there was little Luke. I forget how young he is, especially to be such a fan.

"You know of the rebellion against the Empire?" Rebel trooper and Rebel X-wing pilots.

"Boba Fett?! Boba Fett?!"

"Arise, Lord Vadar."

Dad and Luke getting blown up on the Trade Federation spaceship. Sorry for all of you not as familiar with the Star Wars universe as we are. In our house, it is a mandatory education. NO ONE knows more about Star Wars than Luke...well for sure no other 4 year old in the world.

Man we look alike! My sweet little boy!

Daddy and Luke. People kept smiling as they saw Luke and Jake playing lightsabers in the courtyard while we were waiting to get in. Luke is so lucky to have such a fun Daddy.

We let him wear his Darth Vadar costume. There were a BUNCH of people dressed up. Most of them kids...some who were what you would call avid fans (that is putting it mildly :). It was an interesting collection of attendees.

Luke on the train on the way there. Sporting his new and currently favorite Star Wars shirt from Aunt Heather.

Dad's 60th Birthday Bash

My father turned 60 this month. My sisters and Mom decided to throw him a big party. We invited old mission companions, lifelong friends and family. I think Dad really enjoyed it. We had a great time too. My sister flew from Kentucky to be with us. I loved being able to see her. I have missed her SO much since moving back to Utah. While we lived in Illinois we saw each other at least every other month. The year long absence has been hard. I was so glad that she got to meet Lily and Lily got to meet her wonderful Aunt. We had a great but short weekend with my family. (During which our camera was ruined...so not too many pics of the festivities, but here are a few of the ones we did get.) By the way-to my family-send me some of the pics you guys got. I am so blessed to have a great family and support system outside of my wonderful husband and kids. Happy Birthday Dad. We love you!


Dad and Aunt Irene.

Grandma and Grandpa Ball.

Matt and Jackson hangin' by the food. I have great brother-in-laws!

Yummy desert table...they are killing me here. I am trying to loose the baby weight.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Gaylene. (My dad's sister...can't you tell?)

Jean and Dave, my parents oldest and dearest friends. SO fun to see them. They were so cool to us girls when we were growing up.

Will Thornley. Dad's mission companion. They told us some really funny stories of my Dad.

Lily Faye and her namesake, my Grandma, Faye Ball.

Bargain Shopping Addict

I have been continuing to do my coupon program through the website grocerysmarts.com. Sometimes the savings is only 40-50%. Better than nothing but not wowing. I have had a few other big time savings trips since I started in June. I had another today and had to share.

From Left to Right:

2 boxes Instant Oatmeal

4 boxes Life cereal

10 boxes granola bars

5 lb bag russet potatoes

3 boxes Duncan Heines Brownie mix

4 boxes popcorn

1 Glad cling wrap

1 Glad freezer bags

5 bags Goldfish crackers

6 boxes Healthy Harvest pasta

1 5lb. bag sugar

2 Welches Juices

6 syrups (4 Aunt Jemima, 2 Log Cabin)

12 Yoplait yogurts

Total: $43.71

Savings: $120

pretty cool huh?

Girlie

The bows finally fit! I am loving dressing up my little girl. Isn't she adorable!

Goodbye Uncle "Jornuh"

We were really sad to see Uncle Jordan move to Florida. Even though we are so happy for him and know it is what is best. My boys got really attached to him while he lived here this summer. Honestly with a new baby and two other kids, Jordan was a lot of help. He helped with household chores, grocery shopping, yard work etc. I relied on him a lot. Heck, he was the one that got to drive me to the hospital when I was in labor. Thanks Jordan for sharing in our life. We love you. Good luck!

New Pictures of Lily

Lily was4 weeks old as of yesterday. One month old tomorrow. I can't believe it. I remember now why those first few weeks with each of my babies are a blur. Sleep deprivation will do that to you. So even though I am trying to learn to juggle three kids, house, laundry, ironing, dinner, yardwork, church callings, time for friends and family, exercising, etc. I am really loving my sweet little girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family.

First Day of School

Trying to get a good picture of Luke before school....had a hard time.

He really wanted to wear his new Star Wars shirt and new Iron Man socks. I was proud of myself that I let him even though they didn't match.

Ty wanted his picture taken too.

I have been meaning to post about Luke's first day of school. I am really pleased with Luke's new school. He LOVES it! Yesterday I got a chance to be the room mom. I love taking time with just one of my kids and doing something with just them. We had a great time together.