A Black, Black Friday! (and a tag)

I had a fabulous Thanksgiving, filled with food, family, and friends. The three great Fs right?! It was a lot of fun and we were able to gather together to celebrate and give thanks. I can never say enough how grateful I am for my family, both near and far.

It was a busy day, and I have no to blame but myself for agreeing to go to Midnight Madness at the San Marcos outlets. It was fun, but my body is making me pay for it! I am just too old to be pulling these all nighters. We got up to the outlets at about 11:00 and we literally shopped 'til we dropped. Luckily I was with some really peppy ladies that kept me moving. I was able to finally get to my bed at the same time Jared was getting up to leave for work, about 7:00. It was a lot of fun and it made me grateful that 1) I don't work in retail 2) I have a nice comfy bed and 3) Bentli is easily babysat by cartoons.

Here's a pic of some of the crazy ladies that braved San Marcos with me.

Okay, Michelle tagged me, so here goes. This one was kind of fun, I got to see some old pics when Bentli was just a babe. You post the 4th folder and the 10th picture. This is obviously a picture of our graduation and Bentli was just two months old. We found out later that Jared didn't really graduate, he was one credit short. He took a P.E. class the next semester so he could get a legit. degree!
I tag Amy, Laura, Britteny, Carrie, and anyone else who wants to do it (come on, it's easy and fun!)

Elmo Live

Bentli and Tate received a package this week, from our loving family in Utah. As I opened the package and pulled out the contents, Bentli let out an excited giggle. She started jumping up and down as the red Elmo doll was revealed. Our home was full of smiles and laughter as they enjoyed this new toy together. I posted a little video to share. Tate is fasinated by the doll and knocks it over, frustrating Bentli. Tate didn't even mind Bentli's protective hoover around the doll, he took it in stride and looked for various ways of getting around her.

A Pirate and her Parrot

Halloween is always so much fun! This year was no different. We started out the week with a fun FHE of pumpkin carving and pizza at the park with lots of friends. Jared carved us a skull in his pumpkin and Dana carved a ghost in the other pumpkin for Bentli. I held Tate and took pictures.

On Wednesday we had our preschool, and boy what a party! Tiff and Abigail sure know how to have fun! Bentli was on such a sugar high and judging from all the candy in our house right now, it will probably take a couple weeks to wear off. We decorated pumpkins, covered cookies in candy and enjoyed a delicious lunch. Tate was a ducky for this party, he was one cute duck!

On Halloween I decided to brave Sea World, and expecting more crowds, instead found a very empty park! It was the perfect day for the trip. The dolphins in the cove were very active and even let us pet them without any food (a $5 value)! The kids were beat, so we got home just in time for a little rest before the ward Truck or Treat. Jared won funniest costume in his 70's suit (thanks to the Platts). Tate was a parrot (you have to use your imagination) he had fun chewing on his beak. Bentli loved trick or treating and was very enthusiastic about the candy she got. We had a great time.