We went to see santa at frys last week for a free night with santa party. It was fun and close and free:)Owen freaked out of course and didnt want to be close at all to the jolly man. He is pushing away from me in this picture I had to laugh. It was the saddest looking santa I have ever seen. You could totally see the beard strap on his cheek and his black eyebrows it was hilarious. In my head I was picturing Ralphie in the bunny costume totally tortured by wearing it and thinking Caden is probably feeling the same way about "santa". Does anyone else feel stupid or bad about duping your older children into believing?? I mean when do we tell them? Caden already asks too many questions and I hate lying. I finally told him the tooth fairy wasnt real with this last tooth he lost. I could see the wheels turning in his head but he didnt ask about santa. except how was santa at every frys Mom?? Arggh anyways I think 8 years old is the magic year to know what all us grown ups know. So Olivia was Mary and she was beautiful and perfect:) Gma and Gpa Merrill came to watch and that was great to have them around for this stuff finally. The countdown is on 5 days left......

December

Its been too long since my last lame post. We had a great turkey day going over to the Pearces with Marks family and then hanging out with the merrills too. The Lanes were here from Cali so that was fun to be with them. They were brave and took our 2 oldest to grandpas cabin in prescott for 2 nights. woohoo that was fun just going around with little O. He is so sweet by himself. We have been busy going to movies watching them at home and other christmas shopping fun.(I say fun but Mark not so much) I just love the holidays because of all the traditions that are so fun to do. We did gingerbread houses with my family and we will be doing enough nativitys to last a year:) olivia landed the role as Mary so she is excited about her school program. once again Iam stumped on what to get the man who buys himself everything. I hate doing the whole cliche of shirt and tie and slippers blah blah blah. I wish I could be really creative and think of something really great but I dont want to shock Mark too badly. We are trying to think of where to go for our anniversary. So that will be fun to get away with no kids. Anyhoo just trying to survive this joyous season and loving being with family. I dont have many pictures of myself but heres one of me and my great sister who had her birthday this week. Im grateful for her as an example to me.

For reals its almost Thanksgiving?? I cant believe it. Things are just moving along here in the oberly home. Caden had a great birthday. My dad had a great birthday party too. That was fun. Oh and Twilight is in 2 days Hooray! Im excited to see it. Im a woman of few worsd today so that will have to do for an update:)

Murder mystery dinner party

Halloween was a success. The kids had a blast going around the neighborhood. I finally got Cadens bedding for his room. I made the comforter(sort of) and I think it is so cute. Now everyone cant stop talking about christmas!

Schnepf Farms

On marks day off we went to the farm with Brett,Emily and Jaxon. It was a lot more fun than the last time 2 years ago. We didnt plan enough daylight to do all the fun stuff.Owen wasnt sure about the rides at first but with a little convincing he soon loved them. Olivia finally got to ride a horse and Caden got to climb the rock wall. We didnt realize the train is "spooky" after dark and holy cow it was . Olivia did not like it she just closed her eyes the whole time. But overall a great family outing.

fhe with Gma and Gpa

My parents came over to report about their mission to Bolivia. They brought some props and the kids loved it. It was a lot of fun and entertaining. We love Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Ahhhhhh Thursday.........

I love thursdays.This morning I was at the gym and I was thinking about all the things I need to do today: sweep mop fold laundry ironing yada yada. And then I saw a commercial for must see t.v. tonight and I just smiled. I cant wait for thursday nights because all the best shows are on and Mark and I just veg out. Its great. Micheal Scott is such an amazing idiot I love it!Also usually its Marks day off so we get to spend time with him but we had a wedding yesterday so he is working. My nephew Colin just got home from his mission so we have an open house for him tonight.(Thank heavens for tivo!!) He has some amazing stories to tell so I cant wait to hear some. Im so proud of him for serving because its so darn difficult to get these boys on missions these days. He is a great example to all the little grandsons. So its almost Halloween which is crazy but Olivia has changed her mind a million times about a costume. But we had a brilliant idea last night. her flower girl dress is really pretty and all white so I said she could be Giselle from Enchanted and she loved it.So hopefully we are good. Well I better get back to the daily grind of chores. I can endure until 7:00.........

Wii Fit

Good news my Wii fit thinks I am 26 years old!! Awesome! Mark just bought it last night and it looks like its going to be a blast!

Cabin for conference

The Huish cabin is finally finished so we went up for the weekend to enjoy some time with cousins. First of all it was amazing!! It slept 22 people comfortably. The kids had a blast it was constant noise. It was fun to just lounge around and try to listen to conference.Definitely good times!! Heres some cute pictures of Owen playing with Sylvie. Those two are definitely related!! And of course what do Merrills do at night after all the little munchkins are sleeping?? We eat ice cream! Ben and Jerrys cinnamon Buns are to die for!!

Mr. O turns 2!!!!!

My sweet baby is two and boy does time fly by. Owen has a fun personality. He just wants to have fun (as long as moms around). We tried the kids club at Bashas the other day and he was not a fan. I knew it was too good to be true to shop with no children.But thats okay after that scare he was an angel the entire shopping trip.He loves balloons so we filled his room for when he woke up. He liked it. Then we had cake and ice cream with some family. He got some cool tools and t-ball set and a great keyboard and a soft kungfu panda that him and Olivia keep fighting over.It was a great day. I cherish every bit of time with this little guy because he just might be my last!

fhe

We had a fun little family night watching a movie and eating popcorn. This is a big hit with the kids, and the men too! Mark is obsessed but he did an awesome job and we have already saved money by watching a movie at home for date night!!

Movie Night Anyone????

Mark has been working hard the last few months turning our 3rd car garage into a home theater. What do you think?

Since I always loved gymnastics,I wanted a little girl who would do it too. And she is a natural. Its so fun to watch her and see her get excited about doing something new. Heres some pictures and I will try and remember to video some today at class.

oberly summer vacation