Hello Tumble, Good-Bye Thumb-sucking

This is Elyse's new favorite toy that I was more than happy to buy her. I told her if she could stop sucking her thumb for 2 weeks we could go to Toys R Us and pick out a toy that she wanted. Well, she saw this Fur Real dog on T.V. and really wanted it so she was very motivated. I am so proud to say that she is DONE sucking her thumb. I can't believe that she broke the habit but she tried really hard and was very determined, quite the feat for a 3 year old. She doesn't even do it at night anymore, way to go Elyse!!

Halloween 2008

Elyse and Paige ready for Halloween storytime

I am not sure why these are backwards, but oh well! Elyse loved having make-up on for her costume. She was so excited to go around the neighbourhood.

Paige wasn't so thrilled with the whole thing to begin with but she loved it once we got going.

We went to the mall during the day and had a great time. Bruce and Alida were there with the boys too. Paige, Connor and Elyse got quite the haul.

The girls eating their treats

Paige was pretty excited to discover that all of things we had been getting were candy! She was chewing right through the packaging to get to the chocolate.

The girls were too cute treat or treating. They both loved it and what an amazing night! The weather was so warm, it made for a great Halloween night.

My cutie Puppy and Monkey

The Corn maze

We went to the corn maze last weekend. It was pretty fun. Unfortunately there had been a frost so the maze was only about 4ft. tall instead of 10 ft. That was fine for us though.
Elyse loved to paint a pumpkin, it was abstract art and it sitting our kitchen table, she was pretty pleased with the results.
Walking through the maze. It was near impossible with the stroller so we turned back shortly after we started.
Doesn't Paige look thrilled. It is so hard to do things and not have her miss her nap time.
The girls loved the pumpkins. They also had a petting zoo there which was a big hit with my animal lovers.

Calaway Park

We took the gang to Calaway Park for the first time this year. Even Paige and Coleman liked the rides.
We ran into Caitlin and her family so Elyse and Brooklyn went on the "rollercoaster" together. Their faces were so cute.
Tyler, Connor and Elyse on the boat ride
Too much excitement for Paige. The poor girl just gets dragged around everywhere. I guess that's what happens to the second child.

Cute sisters ready to roll!

Crystal's visit

Chris' sister and her boyfriend Colin came out for a visit last weekend. We had a good time with them - going to Calaway park, a movie and just hanging out.
The girls
Crystal and Elyse. Elyse really liked having Crystal around, she was her buddy. It didn't hurt that she had candy around too.
Crystal and Elyse and Paige

Bear Lake Reunion

Okay, these for some reason are all out of order but I just don't have time to fix them now -- so oh well!! We had a really great time at the reunion. It was so nice to see everyone again and meet the next generation. Thanks to everyone who organized to make it such a wonderful event.
This is at the open pit mine in Butte, one of my Dad's favorite spots
This is outside of the mineral museum in Butte - ah a high-light of our trip. It actually is quite a pretty town.
Our last stop before home - Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Ah, back at home on our brand new swing set that we bought the night before we left for Bear Lake.

Dad and I after our ride on the wave-runner. He loved it!
My 92 year old Grandma taking her turn on the wave-runner. I can only hope that I have her genes. She is truly amazing!
My mom's first time on the wave runner. If her Mom could do it then she could too!
Chris and Paige on the merry-go-round in Bear Lake
Mommy and Paige on the swings. Paige was so fun on this trip. She is getting to be so funny and loves to do everything that we are all doing!

My whole family. There were 90 of us at the reunion and that is not even everyone!
My cutie Elyse. She really is a good girl. She had a bit of a rough trip but overall it was a success
My family with Grandma. Ours is the smallest family.
Poor Elyse. This was right after her fall in the cave. It was so dark that I couldn't tell she was bleeding until I took this picture and the flash went off. She is almost all healed, her knees still have the remnants of this day.
Chris and I having some fun.

This was on the way to the reunion. This is Auntie Care's place in Montana, the view was amazing.
Our stop in Idaho Falls. We had a fun walk to see the falls, Elyse even got to see a fish someone caught.
Elyse told me this was her favorite part of the whole reunion, she loved building the sand castles.
Paige

My Family

My Tiny Ballerina

Elyse and Brooklyn on their first day of ballet. They were too cute together. It was everyday for a week and Elyse LOVED it. We will definitely be signing her up in the fall for lessons.
On the last day we were able to come in and watch. Caitlin and I were both surprised how much they actually learned and how well they listened.
The princess theme was right up Elyse's alley. They got to wear tiaras and have magic wands
Paige was pretty interested in watching. She was good sport everyday waiting for Elyse and hanging out.
This was last day celebrations. Elyse is always thrilled if she gets her own Slurpee. I was so proud of her in this class. I thought that parents would go in but it was just for the kids, she left me with no problem, she loved having a teacher and doing her own thing. She is getting so big and it was weird to see her on her own, I think we'll be signing up for a few things in fall, she really loves the interaction with the other kids.

Paige and Elyse singing

I love Paige singing at the beginning of this, I don't know how to edit the other parts out - oh well! We were coming back from a day of sun and fun and ice cream at Eau Claire.

More Stampede Fun

My other little cowgirl. Paige is also getting in the spirit! She loves the pancakes.
Heading out to a stampede breakfast. Our idea of stampeding has changed alot since kids, we used to be heading out for the night, now most of our stampeding is done by noon :)
Connor and Elyse at the Market Mall breakfast. They were so cute together holding hand the whole time through the mall. They really are best friends.
Elyse and Tyler, enjoying some music and sun.
Paige loving the free breakfast. She just looks like such a big kid in these pictures.