The End of 2010

So...I have received a few comments about catching up on my blog. It's something I have been wanting to do for awhile. Life got so CRAZY and even HARD as we coped with some difficult things that came up. I wasn't in the mood to blog for several months, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Life is settling down now and I am finally in the mood to do the blogging. As I was looking back through the pictures I was pleased to see that even in the middle of some difficult circumstances we have had plenty of special and happy moments. We truly are blessed! How could I not make note of and publish those great moments? So here is a look at the second half of 2010 for us.

Shamu at Sea World.

Chip and Dale costumes.
Just for FUN!

Garden Harvest
The garden is Don's pride and joy.
He and the kids really enjoy planting and harvesting.
It's a good thing too, because I don't care for it much.

Sierra and I helped with the food at my friend's daughter's wedding.
It was a beautiful reception.

The bride wanted cupcake instead of a cake.
I thought this turned out beautifully.

The first day of school.
Carson started Kindergarten this year.

Connor was not to be left out.
I've packed his lunch in his Transformer lunchbox everyday.
One morning as I dropped everyone off, he said, "Mom, I need to go to school. My teacher is waiting for me." Unfortunately, he still has another full year before he starts Kindergarten.

Carson turns 5!

Carson's 5th Happy Birthday Party.

FOOD!

GIFTS!

CUPCAKES! What more could a kid want?

A trip to SEA WORLD!

Dolphins are Carson's favorite animal.
Yes, he got a small stuffed dolphin!

Amazing, we got 3 of them at the window!

Awww! They DO love each other! :)

Carson with his Nana on a ride.

Sierra learned how to decorate cakes at a Young Women activity.
I thought she did a great job!
So did her Grandma who bought her a cake decorating kit for Christmas!

and ANOTHER trip to Sea World.
This trip we were joined by Nana and Papa.
We had SO much FUN!
Getting ready for Shipwreck Rapids.

In the Polar Bear caves.

Caden had a BLAST seeing how fast he could spin this ride.
I was laughing so hard and hoping that I didn't get sick when it was over!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Halloween seemed really long this year.
The kids attended at least 3 different parties.
By the time it was over, I was tired of dressing them up!

Party at the Cambridges.
Caden and Carson were soccer players.

My boys.

Connor was quite the little Ninja!

Cyndi Lauper!

At the PUMPKIN PATCH with the Poulsens.

The cornfield maze.

Carving the Jack-O-Lantern.

Oooh! This is the best part!

Ewww! It's SO slimy!

Jack Skellington!

2 Zombies, A Ninja, A Witch, and Cyndi Lauper.

Don and I making lobster nets.
Don's new hobby: Lobster fishing.
Unfortunately, he didn't catch any this year.

Caden earned more awards at the Cub Scout Space Derby.

Sierra's display at her Young Women in Excellence night.
She also accompanied another young woman who sang, "Live Like You Believe".
It was the first time she accompanied anyone. She did a great job!

For one of her value projects she worked with 2 friends and their leader to make these special, yummy treats for the Young Women in Excellence program. Ice cream in homemade waffle cone bowls. They looked so pretty and tasted oh so good!

A visit to Santa.

Gingerbread houses in Kindergarten.

Connor was thrilled that he got to go do gingerbread houses too.

I made these magnet board for Christmas.
They were SO easy and fun to do.
I liked how each one turned out so different and yet so cute.

The kids were SO excited for Christmas!
Especially when they saw the loot under the tree!

The aftermath! So much FUN!

Carson and Connor both got a pair of DRAGON pajamas.
They are a huge hit!

Our last trip to Sea World before the passes expired.
We were able to see the baby Beluga whale, Pearl.
She is SO pretty!

Well that sums up the end of 2010. We are grateful for all the great memories we made together. I am extremely grateful for the blessings the Lord bestowed upon us this year and look forward to many more GREAT moments with my WONDERFUL family in the years to come.