Riding Bikes

Isaac was so excited for his bike to come off the moving truck. He was only able to play with it for two days after Christmas before it was packed up and put into storage for four months. So, we've been taking advantage of the warm days by riding bikes on our quiet street. 

Stole the hat and the bike. Cutest ever. 

Anna's Party

I had promised Anna a friend party this year, but with the timing of our move (within just a few days) I was short on energy and she was short on friends. She graciously conceeded that this might not be the best year for a friend party. I tried to make up for the disappointment by making her day special.

 As I mentioned in the previous post, Anna loves to randomly make us breakfast in bed. We don't allow the kids to have food anywhere except the kitchen (hello, new house) so she was especially delighted to have breakfast in bed. 

 At lunchtime, I dropped off Anna at the hospital for a special lunch with Dad. Ever responsible, Anna chose Red Robin because she knew we had a coupon. Jeff is a sucker for his little girl and decided to extend the lunch date to a lunch and movie date. Anna was thrilled.

 Anna wanted to invite Grandma and Grandpa and Chris and Susie over for her special birthday dinner. (We missed my mom and dad who are still on their mission in Washington DC.)

We wasted time before the party by taking silly pictures.

Anna chose "homemade" chicken nuggets (from the freezer), tomatoes, cherries (sadly not in season), grape juice, salad (for the grown-ups), broccoli and vanilla cake with vanilla ice-cream. 

No time wasted as we moved on to presents. 

Seven Things

This amazing girl turned seven. Oh, how I loved Anna as a six-year old. I told her over and over she wasn't allowed to turn seven. But, despite my plea, she went ahead and did it anyway. 

Here's seven things I adore about my Missy Moo.

1. She is always thinking of others. She makes us breakfast in bed just 'cause. She encourages me to eat healthy and take "coke breaks." She writes notes and makes picture and is just plain kind-hearted.

2. She loves words. She reads voraciously and writes nearly everyday. There are journals all over the house. Treasures. 

3. She loves to laugh. Like throw back her head and laugh hysterically. She likes to be tickled and loves a good joke.

4. She narrates while she plays. From the time Anna started talking she has narrated her imaginary play in the 3rd person. It has lessened the older she has gotten and I know it is just a matter of time before it disappears completely. 

5. She has a wonderful singing voice. She likes to sing from the Primary Children's Songbook. So sweet.

6. She has an innate desire to do the right thing. She is an example to her brothers. And to me and Jeff. 

7. She has an amazing memory. She often brings up conversations or incidences that happened years ago. It's pretty incredible what she can recall. 

Happy Birthday, Anna! I love you more than words can say!

and then we moved again.

Good grief, it's been a while. A few million things have happened. Birthdays, holidays, highs and lows. But for now, I'll just focus on a big one.

Right before Thanksgiving, Jeff became aware of two job openings in his company in Utah. We've always been interested in returning to the west, (The mountains call to us.) but we did not foresee this happening for several more years. Long story short: Jeff interviewed, was offered, negotiated, accepted and now we are living in the basement of la casa Sollis while we search for a home.

I wish it was easier to move. Moving is a hard business. It taxes you emotionally, physically, financially. It puts stress on relationships. It's difficult to say goodbye.  It's difficult to start anew.

With that said, we are so happy to be here, nestled along side our Wasatch mountains, surrounded by family and loads of white snow.

Writer's Open House

Anna's first grade class hosted an open house to showcase their writing from the year so far. It was such a treat to spend some time with Anna and have her proudly show me some of her pieces. 

 "If I Were President" 

These three rascals spent most of their time terrorizing the bookshelves. 

 

Anna and a few of her classmates. Kayla, Sydney, Bri, Anna and Riley

Anna and Riley Schmeidler. These two were in the same kindergarten class and have been constantly grouped together because of their last names.

Anna and Jumping Taylor. I'm not sure why Anna calls her that, but these two are pretty good friends. 

Halloween 2012

Oh, man. I just love Halloween. It is the culmination of crisp breezes, apple cider, falling leaves and all that is October Fall. 

Since Anna's school doesn't recognize Halloween, I sent her to school with a festive hair do.

I spent most of the day preparing for our annual spooky Halloween dinner.

The kids are always so thrilled with this part of the day. 

After dinner Jeff took the kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood while I stayed home and passed out candy.

It was an absolutely gorgeous, mild night and it was so fun to sit on the front porch and watch all the cute families walk by. 

Anna had been planning her costume for several months.

 And since she chose Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series, it only seemed appropriate for the rest of us to follow the theme.

Harry Potter

Draco Malfoy

Severus Snape and Professor Trelawney

And then there is this guy, who wanted nothing to do with our theme.

Ah, well. He makes a pretty adorable Batman so I'll forgive him.

Here's a few more from our ward Halloween party and backyard costume photo shoot.

  

 

Happy Halloween!