San Diego and the Mormon Battalion

 We didn't get to take an extended vacation this summer, but we made the best of our situation and went and visited some dear friends of ours in San Diego.  The Mormon Battalion had been renovated and I had wanted to take the kids there, so it was a perfect thing to do as a family. Philipp and Freddy joined us.  We all loved the presentation in the Battalion. It was nicely done. I highly recommend taking your family to see it.

 Panning for gold

Who needs a washing machine?

Ride 'em cowboy!

The Tidepools

We had a wonderful weekend. Thanks, T and L for hosting us!

The Making of The Incredibles

 

I've been so sick with my pregnancy that everyone kept asking me, how did you manage to make these costumes while you felt so sick. Well, here's the secret. I've wanted to do this for a LONG time. Years actually. 

This year I realized it was the perfect thing to do.  So a few months ago when we were driving by DI (which isn't super close to us here) I said we should go grab the basics for our costumes. At DI everything was color coordinated so it was easy to find enough sweats and shirts for everyone.  I also bought the black pants for the boys and Rebecca. I already owned mine.  Then we didn't do anything about it except buy the iron-on papers that you put in your printer.  My friend Paige printed them out for me because we have the wrong kind of printer.  (Thanks Paige!)

We were at another thrift store waiting for Rebecca who was at an activity at church and I looked in their blankets for an orange one. I got lucky and got a cheap piece of fleece that I cut up into strips.  

 

A few hours before the Trunk-or-treat I decided I better make these costumes or my dream was going to fall apart.  I cut out the Incredibles symbol, ironed them on the shirts, cut up the pants, cut up the belts and cut the masks a little smaller, too. (They were just the Zorro type masks from the party store).  Warren used black socks to make up for a lack of boots, Joseph had boots but his sweats slipped out, oh well. 

We spray painted Rebecca's hair black for the full "Violet" effect.  We combed "Dash's" hair back, tried to spike "Jack-Jack's" hair and tried to turn Warren blond. But as we all agreed, it looked green, so at the last minute he washed it out after all. And that was it! 

Voila, the Incredibles! 

(After the party. Do you like Theo's chocolate covered face?) :)

I think my favorite thing was trick-or-treating on Halloween.  We rounded one corner in our neighborhood and saw some people had a movie screen set up on their driveway.  They were watching "The Incredibles" !!! They were so excited to see us and asked to take our picture.  Everywhere we walked the junior high aged kids would exclaim: "Cool costumes!" or "I LOVE your costumes." Needless to say I was flattered! :)

When we were trick-or-treating Theo kept asking people whether they had a "doggie?" and would bend over to try to see inside their homes to try and spot a dog.  He was adorable and people loved him.  He often said thank you, but had already turned his body around so the people didn't always hear it. but for an 18 month old I was impressed. We had a great Halloween!

Rebecca's Baptism

Rebecca turned 8 and could therefore choose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She made her own choice to do so.  She was ready and excited.  It was a beautiful service.  She sang two songs in front of the whole group in attendance with the two other children who were getting baptized. They sang: "When Jesus Christ was Baptized" and "I Like to Look for Rainbows."   Warren baptized and confirmed her.

 We are so proud of Rebecca and the wonderful daughter and big sister that she is.  She is mature, loving, kind, forgiving and a good friend.  She asks intelligent questions and has developed her own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

 We all love you, Rebecca! It was a beautiful day.