Classic

Finley has been doing ballet for 4 months and they had their first recital on Friday. She has been SO excited for it and couldn't wait to dress up (minus the tights debacle) and dance on the big stage. Her class were little presents and their purple costumes were darling! Luckily this performance was on rehearsal night (we couldn't make the actual event). We had grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles there so we were excited to show them what she's been working on. I have to go through picture by picture and give detail on the leading up to the actual dance.

First picture. All smiles and can't wait to go on. Cutest little ballerina.

Finley with her friend Kennedy. Still happy.

Pretty smile. Again, still happy and asking 'When do we go on?'

Ah oh, rubbing of eyes and saying 'Mom I just want to go home.' It begins.

Not sure and still on the verge of crying.

On the big stage getting ready to go. Eyes are watering, still saying 'I just want to go home.'

Take 1

(This is a classic video of a 3 1/2 year old and their first ballet recital). We tried cheering her on, dancing in front of her, nothing worked. You'll even notice in the video that the teach must have said something to her and she shook her head and said I can't. It may make you giggle. (She's the second one in from the left)

Take 2

(I promise she really did know the dance quite well. I think the lack of a nap didn't help either. Maybe if we had one more go she would have done it all)

Did I mention I had to bribe her with an Ice Cream Cone to get her to just do it once? Love it! I guess I'm lucky that she is humble and not attention getter right?

An Elf named Roxy

This is something that I just learned existed this week. 'Elf on a Shelf.' It's this darling book and Elf that helps keeps kids excited and good for Christmas.

Last night Santa left a gift for Finley and Eliza.

So we opened it.

The 'instruction manual', book.

According the the book this little elf is magical. They sit around somewhere in your house and watch you to make sure you are happy and good. Then magically at night they fly home to the North Pole to update Santa on how you are. Then the next morning you have to look around your house to see where the little elf is watching you from. The book has a cute story to explain the elf and what they do. It tells how on Christmas Day they go back home to help Santa until next year when they come back again to keep an eye on you. The book states that you have to name your elf so they know they belong to you, Fin chose the name 'Roxy'.

I've been wanting to start a few little traditions of our own and I thought this is a cute and unique idea. I highly recommend getting one of your own.

Two Cuties

It has been a chaotic last few weeks, ok maybe even a month or so, and I haven't gotten any pictures like I've wanted to. Thanksgiving was wonderful and freezing! We went to 'The Barn' in Bondurant, WY with my in-laws and it was a great time. Lots of yummy food and family togetherness. The kids ventured outside for maybe 20 mins because the temps hit a high of 3 degrees. We went into Jackson for a day to do a little shopping, and ate at Billy's Burgers (some of the yummiest, messiest burgers you'll have). We drove out to the Elk Refuge where there were lots of big elk, plus saw lots of Bald and Golden Eagles along the drive.

Work for both Brian and I has been extra busy. In fact, Bri has had to spend the night 2-3 times a week in Salt Lake and feels like we haven't seen him in weeks. I know its good he's busy because that means that business is good. And don't worry he's had his fair share of ski days in there too. The fact that Brian and I are both in the ski industry means November through April are pretty hectic. I'm not sure who is more excited for Christmas, the girls or me. We put up the tree this year and have a few presents underneath already. I've forgotten what it's like having a mobile infant and having to watch her and the tree every 5 seconds. I'm looking forward to starting new traditions and just enjoying this month and all it has to bring.

I was able to get the girls to hold still for .2 seconds to get these two pictures. Not much but better then just reading text. :)

9 Months

My sweet little Eliza Ann (Liza Lou, Liza Blue Eyes, Li Li). You have hit the 9 month mark and I feel like that is a big number. You're so close to turning 1 and I'm afraid the next few months of the 'baby' stage are going to go quickly. I admire that you don't worry about what stage you're at and when you decide to do something it's all or nothing. One day you just decided you wanted to crawl and the next thing I knew you were across the room and down the hall. No army scoot, up and away you went. There's a feeling your dad and I have that because of your pattern's and that you have no teeth yet, we are going to look in your mouth one of these days and all of them will be there. I've had to baby proof the house and I've forgotten how you little ones learn to explore and get stuck in the most unforeseen places. Your giggle and smile is so contagious, and your eyes say it all. Those big brilliant blue eyes catch everyones attention. My heart melts every time you snuggle into my chest and give me loves with your little arms. We had your 9 month check up last week and even though you still have cute little rolls, you're starting to even out, 17.5 lbs and 27 1 /2 inches long. Yes you have hair, it's super blonde but lots of is. Finley adores you and you her. I love watching the two of you play and tease each other. We walked each week to take Fin to school and you can't wait to go pick her up. You're waving Hi and Good Bye, say dada and mama, and love giving Hi-5's. Sleep? Well that is not an issue in your book. 12-13 hours a night and two naps of 2+ hours. Food? Another nonissue. You love to eat and you've you discovered how to drink out of a cup, it did take a couple weeks of lapping it like a puppy but you got it. French fries are one of your favorites but there's not much you turn down. Forget baby toys, you want to play with anything and everything your big sister has. I love you with all my heart and look forward to all the future has to bring with you!

Loving the french fries

Like your sister, you love being outside

My baby is growing up

Brian's 'Work'

I have to post these incredible pictures from Brian's work this past week. Yes, this is current and YES that is a lot of snow in the mountains (like waist deep). Ok so apart from getting up at 4:45 am to 'go to work' there's not much sympathy on Bri's work lately. All the employees go for a few hours before actually going into the office. They head up to Alta to go touring on their new touring set ups (plus the resorts aren't open yet). It's a lot of hard work and a good work out from what I can tell. They do in fact get a lot of work accomplished while on the mountain, and who wouldn't with this scenery? I'm very proud of Brian and his hard work with this new job. I can tell he loves it and wants the companies to grow.

Hey if anyone's in need of new skis, I know a guy. ;)

October

October has come and gone. The Halloween decorations are now down, replaced by turkey's and pumpkins. We started out October by going and getting pumpkins for the porch. Both girls loved it and Finley made sure to pick out not only orange but green too. As in my previous post, Finley had her first school party, and it was the first real year of trick or treating for us. (Fin was sick last year) Another milestone was my baby hit the 9 month mark! (post coming soon) I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving & Christmas! I know it will be here soon enough and I just want to enjoy this fall weather while it's here.

(yep, eating leaves)

Fin carving her first pumpkin with her papa.

Fin wanted a happy smily face so it wouldn't be scary.

I didn't have much say in what Fin wanted to be this year, but I couldn't help Eliza being a Hippo with those cheeks!

Trick or Treating with her friends. Apart from the complete down pour all night, trick or treating was fun and we got some good candy. We had great company and enjoyed the evening.

School Party

Wow my little girl is growing up. Yesterday she had her first school party. The kids got to wear their costumes to school, go for a Halloween Parade in our neighborhood, then we all went back to the school and they sang Halloween songs and we had 'spooky' treats. The kids are so 'grown up' but yet seem so little still. It was so fun watching her and her friends. I can't wait for trick or treating tomorrow!

I have to explain Fin. So she started out wanting to be Calamity Jane for Halloween, then it became Jesse from Toy Story. All in all it's the same costume (cowgirl), but depending on her mood it depends on what she is. :)

The kids on parade following their teacher, Ms. Katie

Fin is the one second to last in the pink shirt. Her chaps and hat kept falling off. It was funny to watch her hold her pants up and try to run.

Back to school we go

Getting a few treats along the way

Their oh so cute musical performance (you should ask fin to sing the songs sometime. too funny)

Dashing Dolls

A friend of mine talked me into doing the Dirty Dash this year. For those who don't know what that is, its a 10k with an obstacle course and lots of mud. It was not the easiest 10k I've done but it was SO much fun! If you can't handle getting dirty, this is not for you.

Before: Ashley, Sarah, Me, Jami, Caradie

Almost half way through. Not too much mud just hay bails to hurdle, tubes to crawl through, and wooden walls to climb over.

After the slip and slide, down the hill of mud.

We look too clean here for what we just went through.

My support crew.

Finish line obstacle.

We survived. On the list for next year? Heck yeah!