10/29/11

While Mom's Away...

Tara went with some of her friends for a Halloween party last night, so we decided to have a sleepover of our own.  We started out with a pumpkin pizza from Papa Murphy's.  The pizza is okay, pepperoni and cheese, but the kids love the fact it looks like a jack o'lantern.  It's a perfect Halloween feast...

We rented a movie from Redbox.  It was Kennedy's choice and she selected Mars Needs Moms.  Ok, so this probably wasn't the best choice while Tara was away.  Who knew the movie was about aliens who steal kids moms and take them to Mars.  Let's just say I had a lot of explaining to do.


"No guys, mom has not been abducted by martians.  She will be back tomorrow..."

Finally, we cracked out the sleeping bags and slept in the basement.  I can't say it was an all night rager, but the kids had a good time and it helped keep them distracted while mom was away....

sleepover

10/26/11

Trunk or Treat

Tonight was the annual 4th Ward Trunk or Treat.   Our kids are always so excited to show off their costumes and get a "practice run" at their trick or treating.  Tonight certainly didn't disappoint.  There was tons of fun with a spook alley, a costume parade, and the CANDY.

D was the big winner, as his little pumpkin overflowed with sweets.  Alex and Dede were spoiled as well - we'll have to see how we can keep the kids from sugar overload.  I can't believe how much loot they already have and it isn't even Halloween til Monday!  Take a look at some of the pics....



trunk or treat

trunk or treat

trunk or treat

Fall in St. George

The big Houtz family reunion is usually in Bear Lake over Labor day.  This year, we tried something new and I think it was a winner!  Paul found a big house in St. George with countless rooms, two pools, a hot tub, a theater room, foosball, ping pong, two firepits, basketball and volleyball courts and a putting green.  So we all packed up and headed to sunny St. George over fall break to try out the new place.

At first we were all planning things that we could do in St. George, hiking, movies, etc.  As it ended up, all we needed was the giant house with it's own entertainment.  We had a blast just hanging out every day at the pools, having ping pong tournaments and playing games in the grass.  We never even left the house, except to go for a couple of walks to playgrounds.  We did get a little geocaching in one of the afternoons.  The kids had fun trading for treasures.
fun at the park
geocaching
The kids had a great time.  I knew Kennedy loved to swim, but that girl lived in the pool.  I figure she spent at least 8 hours in the pool every day.  Her poor hair was like straw! 

swimming in st. george
swimming in st. george
swimming in st. george
Even Alex, who doesn't love water, spent a ton of time swimming.  He also loved all the different games and the basketball court.  Dylan loved the water and was almost in the pool as much as Kennedy.

swimming in st. george
swimming in st. george
The best part of the trip was that we were all together in the house.  At Bear Lake, we are in separate condos and meet up for meals and activities, but aren't together as much.  This house was set up so that we could spend time together as a family and we really enjoyed it.  It turned out to be one of our best reunions ever.  Thanks goes out to my mom and dad, who always foot the bill for the lodging.  We had a great time!


10/25/11

Books and Bagels

This morning Kennedy and I headed over to her school for "Books and Bagels". The PTA does this from time to time as a way to encourage the students to read more. We had a lovely time discussing the finer points of At a Port while dining on cinnamon raisin bagels. I'm glad I was able to go spend a little quality time with Dede at her school.