House Boat Trip

We had the opportunity to go with some good friends the Andersons on a House Boat Trip to the Florida Keys. In November (Wed-Sun) We had such a blast. It was absolutely amazing and everything we had hoped for. We enjoyed beautiful sunsets went fishing and saw lot of ocean life. Before we headed out to sea we were able to see and touch a Manati. They love fresh water and we gave him the hose to drink from. On the First day we also saw some Dolphins swimming by our boat and they followed us. It was so fun to see the Animals in their natural habitat. The kids got to jump off the top off the boat, even Gabe worked up the courage to jump, but only if Dad was in the water waiting. After his first jump, he went several more times. On the Second day we were fortunate to see both Nurse sharks and Hammer Head Sharks. They looked small but were neat to look at. While Josh was fishing, he even managed to hook one of the Hammer Heads, but of course the line broke and he was unable to bring it in. For bait, we used both squid and Shrimp, it worked really well, and we discovered that Gabe really, really, really likes to fish. It was seldom that we didn't see him with a pole in his hand patiently looking over the side of the boat, waiting for his next catch. He was able to catch a couple blow fish, and a few Gar, as well as several fish I can't name. It was so cool stand on top of the boat and watch the Hamm er Head Sharks swim around us, at one point there were four of them. We watched them all evening until it was too dark to see. The third day we went to a local hangout called Ocean View, otherwise known as the OV. We anchored our boat just off shore and shutteled in with the motor boat. The OV is a very quaint and carribean stylehangout. We ate Dolphin Fingers and swam in their pool. Over all it was just extremely relaxing. Where the boat was anchored was the same place we saw the Hammer Head sharks. Just as we were tying our motorboat up to the houseboat, Bella decided it was a good time to spit her pacifier out and it landed in the ocean. David without thinking about it jumped in to rescue the pacifier, as it was our only one. It was only after, that he realized that he was in the exact area as the sharks. So although there werent any present just then, he still likes to claim that he swam with the sharks. That night, we stayed up late, laying on the top of the boat, watching stars. The children all sang primary songs and hymns, as we were able to look up in amazement at the heavens. The final day was Sunday, so we finished our trip and headed back home to attend church. We had such a wonderful time, and grew to love the Andersons even more than we already did. We are so grateful to them for inviting us to participate in that activity with them, and we now look forward to this being an annual excursion. We love you Andersons.

Look what I can DO.....

Michael had learned to write his name. We are so proud of him. He is our first to be able to write his name at this age. I guess that's what happens when they go to school 5 days a week. They will be able to read out of preschool. The schools here so much more advanced. Michael even has homework three days of the week. He is finally enjoying going to school, but as soon as he gets home he wants lunch, then takes a 2-3hr. nap. He sure gets tuckered. We are glad that he likes it and loves his teacher.

Halloween 2009

This was our first year we didn't have to bundle the kids and didn't have to run out of the warm car to run to house to house. This Halloween we sat in our shorts and flip flops and enjoyed the warmth. When we started Trick-or treating we discovered that in South Florida you don't have to knock on peoples doors to get the candy. Everybody sets up lawn chairs in their front lawn and hands out the candy. It saved a lot of time not having to knock on doors.

We went to a friends house and set up camp outside in their driveway and had pizza and had a snow cone machine and the kids enjoyed some haunted house in the neighborhood.

We had a great time.

My camera died was wasn't able to take more pictures.

All the girls

The Big Girls.

I tried some wigs for fun. Purple is not my color. I took off the wig by the end of the night. I felt so weird and it itched.

Kyndra scary girl

Hailee- mid-night fairy

Gabe- He used Michaels costume from last year.

We were able to wear it like shorts and no shoes. And he went trick-or treat without his shoes..

Michael- Karate kid

When we signed him up for karate class. We received a free uniform. It worked our perfect.

Josh- thinking he's to old to dress up. I had him hand out the candy at our ward party.

David wasn't able to go with us to our Ward party on Friday night. Josh was a big help. This was his first year to hand out the candy.

Trick-or-Treat

Halloween Dinner

We started this tradition about three years ago, But this year was different. We didn't have family around. We usually have my family over. (Rinallo's) We had our Bishop and his family over. They also enjoy Halloween time. They have three girls and a boy. We have become good friends and their girls are about Josh and Kyndras age. And their son Jake is a year older then Gabe. We are so happy that they able to share this night with us .

Thanks Pickards......

Mike, Val, Sierra, Samantha, Sommer,and Jake

We had Stack of Bones (ribs) ,Eye Ball Salad (frog eyed salad),
Creepy Crawler Casserole ( baked pototoes)
Vampire Juice ( shirely temple.) and Pumkin Bars. Yum, Yum

We ended the night and had Family Home Evening.

The pickards and the Westovers

Sommer and Bella

Thumb Sucker

Our First . Too Cute

The kids decided to play dress up with Isabella. Then she fell a sleep. She just started sucking her thumb about a couple of weeks ago. She now is 3 1/2 months old. I haven't had one do this. I think its so adorable. She just does it when she's tired. It's her sign. She will still take her pacifier. I happy for that.


Hanging out.

The cute Daddy

Smile

Getting ready for Church . Mom forgot my bow....

Triathlon

3rd Annual Womens Triathlon in Orlando

Sandra , Laura, (Sandra sister-in-law, Irene) and me.





Yes, my first Tri. It was a blast. I finished in 5th in my division. Not to bad. I made all my personal goals. 12 min swim, 43 min. bike,( could of been better) and run 28 mins. I only had about 7-8 weeks to train. and this was the first time I actually finished my 3 mile run. Nothing like getting back into the swing the things. I hope to some others. In Florida these events are happening all year round.






After the race.

Going to the Finish Line. Still happy....

Starting out on the ride. We have good weather. Water was good.

Well, cold for the Florida people.

There was a good turn out. Everyone heading home.

Favorite Time Of The Year

Fall is here, and although it doesn't hang in the air here like it does back in North Idaho, we are beginning to feel a change in the weather. The summer was hot, but not unbearable. Slowly the temperatures are dropping and the evenings are beginning to get cooler, when I say cooler, I mean it drops to the high 80's, but still feels very nice. The best weather is just ahead of us. It is nice, although we can't play in the snow, to still be able to go to the beach and enjoy beautiful weather and 80 degree water.

With Halloween just around the corner, we look forward to getting loads and loads of candy. This especially makes me happy, as the kids won"t be complaing about freezing as I encourage them to go to keep going in the persuit of acquiring as much candy as humanly possible. I am told that if we don't each finish the evening with a pillowcase full, we were lazy trick or treaters. Im so excited. Fortunately one of my dear friends here is just as much a candy freak as I am, so we are partying with them on Halloween. Although this will be our first holiday season in the South, we are looking forward to it. We are anxious to create some new traditions.

Our Sweet" Laby Bug"

3 Months Old

Brotherly Love

Bella and my Dad with his wild hair.

David, Of course on his phone checking emails and taking care of business.

She is such a smiley little thing. When she smiles her whole face lights up, and consequently so do all of us. What a dear sweet, precious addition to our family she is. We can't wait for Grammy and Papa and the Hydes to meet her in November. .

Sweet Dreams

She is such a sound little sleeper. She is just starting to sleep ALL night.

For about 10-12 hours. Now the mom can catch up on some sleep.

Monday Night Football

Opening Ceremonies at Landshark Stadium Dolphins Vs. Colts Monday Night Football



Flag Ceremony Prior to the Game


Some Play Action (unfortunately we lost but watching Manning was still a treat)





A couple of love birds enjoyng the evening





Going to the game was an unofficial YM's activity, as we were able to get cheap tickets through Joshuas school. In this Picture (Front to Back) Joshua, Jen, Val Pickard, (Bishop)Mike Pickard,
and Diego Difini, YM's President. We were early, so the YM werent there yet.
We had a great time.






Our Young Man, wearing a Dolphins cap.
(By the Way, Josh is the new Deacons Quorum President)



Our night at the football stadium was alot of fun. It was prime time showing for Monday Night Football, so it didn't even get started until 8:30 pm EST. The game was fun, but the best part about the evening was the opening ceremonies and National Anthem. It openend with the flag being displayed (shown above) and the national anthem being sung by a group of 6 people that was absolultely amazing and inspiring. Just as the National Anthem was conculding and the words "Home of the Brave" rang through, 4 fighter jets roared over the stadium just above our heads at a deafening noise. It happened so fast, I didn't have time to take a picture. But it sure was neat. We all got chills, and a few tears were shed. What a wonderful thing it is to be an American. Even our friend Diego, who is Argentinian, made comment that he wishes that patriotism was something more celebrated in his country like it is here in America. We are blessed, and despite it's imperfections, we, here in South Florida, are still very
Proud to Be Americans.

Isabellas Blessing

We blessed Bella on the September 6th. It was a fun filled day. We have some friends over for dinner. And had a good time.We have made some great friends. It was different not to have family around on this special day. David gave a wonderful blessing. We were all in tears.

Isabella is such a good baby. And so happy. We are so much enjoying her in our family.


This is the dress that Great -Grandma Young bought many years ago for my girls. I thought I wasn't going to pull it out again. . Grandma always loved to shop for lace and picked a beautiful dress. She sure was in our thoughts that day. I sure miss her.

All the Priesthood that help us bless her,
Lt to Rt.. Deigo Di Fini, Loren Allen, David, Torn Ashcraft, Mike Anderson.
and our Home Teacher Jose BoixThanks guys.

First Day of School

Josh 7th, Kyndra 6th, Hailee 4th,

Gabe 1st, and Michael in Pre-school

They all had a fun day at school. Josh and Kyndra had no problems.Hailee had to take summer school to take her FCAT test again so she could advance to 4th grade. She passed and we are so proud of her. She worked super hard this summer. She loves her teacher and she enjoys school. She loves to be with her friends. Gabe also did great.When he got to his room he had to find his desk. He had a little hard time finding it. He was looking a little worried . So I went in to help him. His desk had his full name Gabriel. He has only gone by the name Gabe..No worries, we figured it out. He had a good time. Now Michael on the other hand, he was so excited to go to school with the other kids. Did great until it was time to pick him up. The other parents got there super early. We were still early but he saw all the others kids leave and he thought he was going to stay and that we would forget him. This is the first time he has been alone without his siblings around. This is a big step for him. He goes 5 days from 9am., to 12:00pm. In South Florida the program(VPK) is free. The state wants them to be ready for Kindergarten. It make a long day for him. When he comes home he wants his lunch and to take a nap. So my afternoons are very quiet. So far...Fridays at school Michael takes a karate class.
He loves it and shows us all his new moves.