And They Lived..

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Grandma Faye Ball and her little Lily Faye. We named Lily after my Grandmother because she is one of the kindest and sweetest women I know. I hope Lily will always know what a honor it is to carry my Grandmother's name.

Four generations of women. My mother's mother, my mother, me and my daughter.

Our Angels!

Uncle Jackson (holding Ty), "Uncle" Joey, Bishop Carlson, Uncle Matt, Uncle Elvin

Brother Cragun, Daddy, Lily, Grandpa Ball and Grandpa Burt.

Our Family.

Daddy's girl.

We had a great morning Saturday blessing Lily. We did it at home which was really nice and relaxing. I wish all of my favorite people could have been there, but we had almost everyone that lives locally. We took a ton of pictures so I just posted a few of my favorites.

All Hallows Eve

Princess Leia, R2D2, Yoda, Han Solo frozen in carbonite and Darth Vadar.

What a crazy day on Saturday. But a lot of fun. We got a lot of comments on our costumes. I love the theme idea. As long as our kids are willing to be seen with us and coordinate I am all about that. One year I am sure we will no longer be cool enough to hang with. But, this year at least Luke LOVED IT!

Thriller!

Brenda and Robbie-Knight and Lady in Waiting

Nate and Becca-Zombie Bride and Groom.

Annie and Matthew-Nurse and Doctor.

Me and Jake-Han Solo frozen in carbonite and Princess Leia

Joey and Sarah-The woodcutter and Little Red Riding Hood

We had a really great time at our friends Halloween party Friday night. No kids and lots of fun and laughter, dancing, games. Jake and his hilarious friends busted out into the thriller dance (Sarah send me that picture). So fun and a much needed night out without the kids.

Pumpkins

Our annual homage to the cougs. Even if their season was not what we were hoping for.

Batman and Luke's design.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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.

Monday, October 19, 2009

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!