Austin reflecting on the beauty of the earth, or he just thinks the lights around the flowers are really cool.

Going Back to Cali (Christmas 2008)

Just before Christmas I took a trip back to my hometown in Yucaipa CA. Garrett had to stay behind for work so it was just me and the kiddies. It was really nice to be with my family and the kids had a blast playing with their cousins! We made it back a few days before Christmas to be with Garrett.

While in CA I visited the house I grew up in. The owners were kind enough to let me go inside and show my children where I grew up. I totally cried!

My niece Emmy

Cousin Emmy giving Austin a hug

Tickle Time with Papa Joe

Let's play catch Papa Joe!

Thanksgiving in NM with the Hassell's

We were able to go to New Mexico for Thanksgiving this year to visit Garrett's family. We had a fun and relaxing trip. Behind us in this picture is Mt Taylor. It was SO cold and windy that I can't believe we got out of the car to take a picture! But we really felt close to nature, I mean "literally" when we discovered (to the right of the picture) a lovely dead deer carcus! Good times!

It was SO windy and cold you can kind of see my cheeks being pushed upward.

Judy & Earl Hassell

Pacey w/ cousins Karra, DiAnn & Grandma Judy

A Game of BBall anyone? Garrett's family and some friends were able to get together for a friendly game of basketball at the church one night. I was most impressed with Garrett's sister Cammie & her friend for playing w/ the guys & they did so well at it! I gladly volunteered to watch the kids while they played. Someone had to do it right;>

"My buddy & Me" Austin really took to his cousin Derreck (he doesn't like anyone but Mommy & Daddy) and they were buddies the whole trip. He wanted to play basketball & was so sad when couldn't, so during 1/2 time Derreck chased him around the court and that made Austin happy.

We played Rockband with the family and it was SO much fun! Payson loves to sing and we all weren't half bad! Move over Bon Jovi!

Rock n Roll baby! Brooke & Garrett's sis Cammie

Garrett's Sister-In-Law LaDerna & Mom Judy

Chase Me Chase! Austin fell in love with Aunt Cammie & Uncle Glen's little dog Chase. He would follow Austin around for hours. Austin would just give him one look and the dog would follow. It was as if they had their own telepathic language. Time for a "little" dog now Daddy!

The Best of Both Worlds Makes a Happy Halloween!

Saturday October 25th we had our church Halloween party where the kids were able to walk around the parking lot and "Trunk-or-Treat" to church members cars. Payson was the ever popular Hannah Montana (even though the costume I bought didn't look like HM) and Austin was Superman. And then six days later we went Trick-or-Treating around our neighborhood and received even more candy. Talk about "the best of both worlds!" Unfortunately Austin wasn't able to join Payson Trick-or-Treating because he had a terrible cold and ear infection.
P.S. For those of you who aren't Hannah Montana fans, her theme song is "The best of both worlds."

Our little Superman. This was the perfect costume for Austin because he is SO strong! And not to mention small, blond, handsome, he never lies and can leap over couch cushions in a single bound!

Payson & friend Reagan (Snow White) at the church party.

A $2.65 peg game at Cracker Barrel that will keep your toddler happy through an entire meal out...PRICELESS!

There was this cute talking jack-o-lantern statue holding a bowl with candy at the Cracker Barrel store and the kids were fascinated with it. And it made Austin laugh so hard so he kept going back smacking it's head to get it to talk to him over and over again.

Payson's buddy CJ helped fill the void of her brother not being able to go Trick-or-Treating with her Halloween night.

I don't know about you, but I like her much better without the wig!