Quick Update

Life has been one big blur lately, so I just wanted to quickly update what is going on with us (sorry, no pictures - haven't really thought to pick up the camera - or even try to find it).

First - Chris' Grandfather passed away Saturday the 21st. Because he had been living with us, I was a little worried about how this would all happen - Would it be a traumatic experience? Would Allison be the one to find him? That kind of thing. But in the end, it was the best possible way for him to go - with only his son in the house with him - and we are so happy that he is now in a better place where he's no longer in pain. It was a blessing for us to be able to care for him his last couple months, but I knew that he was ready to go.

After he passed, our house became the meeting place for the family. We had at least 10 people at our house almost every night - usually more like 20 - last week. It was really great to spend so much time with Chris' family and I'm so grateful we have a home that people feel comfortable coming to.

Second - As if things weren't busy enough at our house, Chris also had surgery last Tuesday. We ended up staying in Bellevue Monday night since we had to be at the Surgery Center at 6:30am on Tuesday. It was the first of two surgeries....and it was a bit rougher than we expected. He ended up staying under observation for about 4 hours longer than expected because every time he closed his eyes his oxygen level would drop - that was NOT fun. Poor guy. Also the recovery has been very difficult for him. The doctor said he would only need 2 or 3 days...but he still wasn't able to go back to work today. We go to see the doctor on Thursday, so we will check and make sure everything is okay.

Third - Thursday was THANKSGIVING! And this year it was at our house - my first time being in charge! The turkey turned out pretty good and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves in our crowded little house, so I've decided it was a success! Not sure if I would be up to doing it EVERY year...but at least I know I can do it.

So, that's what's been going on with us. Life is starting to calm down and I will spend the week getting my house back in order. I'm actually having a hard time knowing what to do with myself now - our life was so strict with making sure his grandpa had his meds at certain times and being there with him if he needed us, it's just so strange to not have to think about any of that. I'm sure we will adjust.

Cutie!

As I was cleaning Allison's room yesterday, she decided we needed to do a photo shoot. She told me when and how I need to take each picture and then she would pose for me. So cute! Here are some of my favorites...

Looks like she took charge of the camera on this one.

Later on in the day I was out in our living room visiting with a friend, and this is how Allison came out to greet us - she called it her crown. (Notice the outfit change - I swear I saw this kid in AT LEAST three different outfits yesterday)

Then last night we had a bunch of people over - two of Chris' brothers came to see their grandpa and have dinner with us and then my brother came to visit, too. It was a blast! I thought Mark and Mia were really cute riding on Allison's tricycle together...

Kendall's Birthday

My niece Kendall turned 10 YEARS OLD on Thursday. Has it really been 10 years already? That just seems crazy - although I was a senior in High School when she was born and my 10-year reunion is coming up so it MUST be true (although I'd like to pretend it isn't).

For her birthday we met up at McDonald's for a quick dinner (she'll have her REAL family party on Sunday...but this was just for the actual day). Here she is pretending to blow out her candles (wouldn't want to get kicked out of McDonalds).

Allison was more interested in the ring on the top of the cupcakes than the actual cupcake.

Kendall was VERY excited about getting an I-Pod touch for her birthday.

And she seems to think Sara's card is pretty funny - they usually are!

We got her bead pets...I'm sure she will enjoy making those..

Birthday girl - all grown up!

Baby Hailee!

Little baby Hailee was blessed last Sunday so Allison and I got to go and be there for it (Chris was still sick - yuck!). Isn't she the cutest baby ever?

Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year! First, on the Wednesday before Halloween we went to our Ward's Halloween Carnival. Allison was scared for the first solid hour, but once she decided she was okay, she had a blast! Here's out little cowgirl (she's already told me she wants to be a cowgirl AGAIN next year)!

Heather and I dressed up as cats. Heather put a picture of a goldfish in a fishbowl over her pregnant tummy and told everyone she'd eaten the fish. It was pretty cute.

Here's Heather, me and Teonie...it was a fun night!

Allison spent the majority of her time coloring in the little kids room - since it wasn't scary.

On Halloween, Allison and I went to my brother Kevin's house for a Halloween Party with my family.

We made caramel apples...

And all the kids were super cute in their costumes (Mia's missing in this picture, but she was a monkey just like her big brother)...

We took the little ones trick-or-treating...

Trust me...they had a lot more fun than it appears in this picture!

After most of the party had quieted down, the kids and I had fun messing around with the camera. They instructed me how they wanted pictures taken and I even let them take a few of each other. Am I the coolest mom/aunt or what?

Best buds...Mark and Allison

EXTREME closeup!

Overall, Halloween was AWESOME this year and tons of fun now that Allison is in to it. I'm hoping next year she will be over her "scared" phase and we can really enjoy the season a little more.

Pretty Girl

Here's just some random pics of Allison. She was so cute the other day at church I made her go outside and do a little photo shoot with me.

This day she insisted on having her hair pulled back AND wearing a headband. This kid definitely knows what she wants - and she does look cute!