Halloween

Here is our family with their cousins (Brett's brother and his kids...he is the celtic warrior with his son). Zea was once again the dragon & Taft was an elephant but not just any elephant...he was Ernie's Dad (if you know his stuffed animal he as ALWAYS had you would know what I am talking about). Brett was Seabass (dumb and dumber) or a farmer with is pumpkin...Brett was going for Seabass.

Our first play-date

We finally had our first play-date with friends. We had their cousin, Liam (in blue), over & a little boy in the ward, Garrett (in red). They had a great time. They really needed it & enjoyed themselves. I have realized just how unique it was in Philly to have so many families near us with children the same age as BOTH of my boys. It sure made things easier to just go over to someones house and both of the boys had a playmate. They play with their cousin quite a bit but Zea often just ends up doing his own thing. They are doing fine but it has been another adjustment.

Ward activity...oh yeah!

I had to document the first ward activity in 2 1/2 years that I have gone to where all I had to do was bring a pot of chili. It was SO easy. I didn't even have to arrive early. ;0)

What we have been up to...everyday stuff

Zea was dancing in the office with Grandpa who was playing 80's songs really loud and enjoying every minute of watching Zea dance. He really is such a great Grandpa; he adores his grandchildren!

Just goofy time with brothers. I love moments like this when I hear the boys playing together and laughing hard. These are the moments I wish I could permanently etch into my head to never forget. I am trying but I have already realized things I had forgotten but didn't want to. I am already missing these years with all my kids home and young. I really hope I enjoy them to the fullest.

Grandpa is teaching Zea how to play nicely with a dog. This is their dog, Lily. She is so kind and gentle with the boys. Good thing or Zea would have been bitten for sure by now. I think he thought she was a stuffed animal that moved and he could kick or hit her without it hurting her. He is much better but it was a hard lesson to sink in for him when we first arrived here.

Brett has volunteered to help around the house while he is looking for a job. Here he is building shelves for his parent in the garage. I guess since we are not paying rent we won't charge them. ;0)

The boys were playing outside while Brett worked on the garage. They LOVE the rocks but they are learning that they have to put them back where they got them because they are not just randomly there...it is part of the landscape...they are getting it.

Wii time!

It has become quick the popluar family activity to play the Wii that Brett got for graduation. It really has been a blast because everyone can play together. In fact, don't tell Brett I told you but it has happened a couple of time that we has been beat by his 3 or 4 year old son...and he was really trying. ;0)

Baby Nathan update

Hangin' out with Grandpa.

Here are some cute Pictures of our little man. He is growing up so fast. He has those huge blue eyes that just melt you and a smile that is completely contagious. We sure love him & wish you all could see him growing with us.

Transportation upstairs while doing laundry. He didn't seem to mind. :0)

Hanging out with Grandma in the garage while Dad built shelves & his brothers played.

His first haircut...yes, I finally cut the baby mullet off.

His cousin Zack. Two of the three Clayton boys that were born within a month of each other. At Christmas we can get one with Collin (number three) in it also.

Viva Las Vegas

Taft wanted to hold Nathan in the hotel room at the airport where we stayed the night before we left. Well, Maureen (Brett's mother), me & the boys stayed there. Brett & his dad were already on their second day on the road...thank goodness I didn't have to go with him.

Our last flight out of Philly (as residents at least). It was quite the adjustment to land & see no trees (but palm trees), open view, & especially the sun hitting us right in the eye (I haven't had that for a long time...too many trees in Philly). I felt quite homesick driving to his parents house but after a nice prayer that night, getting my husband back, & time we are doing well & starting to feel at home again. We still miss the people though...that can't be replaced. What a great time in our lives that we will ALWAYS cherish!!!!

Saying good-bye...it stinks!

The Cassell's (Melissa, Helen & Jim...we missed Chris & grandma Helen).
Our last day in Philly we checked out and hung out at Melissa's house until it was time to return the rental care. It was fun to be with everyone but sad also. We miss you all so much (including all the people that are not in these pictures of my last couple days).

The last run

This was my last run in Philly...it still makes me want to cry to say that. We missed you Megan. I will forever miss those runs & you ladies. You have meant so much to me and so have our (sometimes rediculously) early morning runs. Thanks for being such great friends & being patient with my asthmetic self. ;0)

Zea's 3rd birthday & datenight

It was our turn for date-night & it was Zea's birthday, so we combined the two. We had a fun bar-b-que with their friends and our neighbors. We miss you all & our date-nights!

You just have got to love those MASSIVE costco cupcakes.

Our Philly baby (love the Eagles jersey) with our Philly neighbors, the Cassell's, we miss you guys!

Good girlfriends!

We (Jordan, Melissa & I) took what we thought was my last trip to see Tamar in the hospital (except that she ended up delivering Kyle and I went and saw her again...no complaints though). I love you ladies!!!

Amy called me and told me that she wanted to get a pedicure and didn't want to go alone...darn...I HAD to go with her ;0) Thanks again lady for the cute purple toenails. I miss you.

Baltimore trip/Orioles ballgame

Cute boys!! Brett's parents took us to Baltimore for a few days while they were there on business. We went to an Orioles game while we were there. Not the Phillies but it was a lot of fun. :0)

My wonderful in-laws.

I know...he is adorable! ;0)

My handsome husband!

Nathan go pretty fussy, so, I walked around the ball park with him until he finally fell asleep.

Zea was cold...of course (at least one member of my family will feel right at home in Vegas) & Taft was either up to bat or dancing to the music. We all had a great time, though at the game.

The boys half of the hotel room. They gave us a suite. One side was our bed & bathroom, this was the otherside, seperated by a small wall and a entertainment center with a T.V. facing each way. I think this was the boys favorite part of the trip. They just ran in circles around the wall/TV & watch cartoons. We all truly enjoyed the break before we had to hit the packing thing hard.

Boatride through the bay with Grandpa, Dad & Mom.

Where the boys slept. They had a blast!

Last day of school...ever & Graduation!

I couldn't flip this picture but here is Brett leaving for his last day of school...ever. We were pretty excited and sang our "smarty pants" song for him before he left (the boys & I always sang that song to him before he left for exams...it's from "Between the Lions" if you don't know what I am talking about).

I know...I look pretty hot! What can I say...first thing in the morning & I just got back from running...nice!

Watching graduation...don't you just love the spiky hair!

Way to go, honey! We are so proud of you.

Emma's party & fun at the park

Emma Griffitts birthday at the park. Like how Zea is eyeing those cupcakes!

The water was turned on & I forgot to bring suits. The boys just played their shorts/diaper until Zea got sick of that also and was streaking it for a bit (until I realized what had happened that is). I will not be posting those pictures but it was pretty funny. We miss you all!!!