Thanks

We have lots to be thankful for. We celebrated Thanksgiving in St.George this year. As always, we love spending time there at Granny and Granpa's place. We did all of our favorite things, and more! Swimming at the indoor pool is always a hit. It's so fun to watch the kids really interact with each other. When at home, they spend a lot of their free time playing with friends and neighbors, so when we're away on vacation they really get lots of "quality" sibling time. There are some moments of bliss and many moments of torture! This photo captured James and Abby enjoying each other's company.

 

 

There wasn't quite enough snow to justify skiing at Brianhead this time, so the guys opted for horseback riding. The boys practiced saddling up to the pickup truck.

 

We love hiking around Snow Canyon. This time James showed us the caves he explored last spring with Granny and Granpa. Abby and I were all decked out with our sunglasses. This little girl is a great hiker! (Love the cowboy boots!)

 

 

 

 

 

Hellloooooo??!! The guys disappeared for quite some time, making Granny and I slightly nervous. Luckily, they made it out just fine, and packed out some trash along the way. (cub scout "leave no trace" badge-check!)

 

Abby and I went shopping while the rest of the crew went shooting(whatever). She picked out this dress for Thanksgiving dinner. I have a feeling shopping might become dangerous with her very soon. I absolutely can not resist girl's clothes.

 

The rascals eating dinner. (Pre-911 dialing fiasco. I have been sworn to secrecy on this one. You'll have to ask me in person if you want details.)

 

Another great trip comes to an end. Parting is always sad, we love the memories we've made!
A final funny sidenote-the kids like to play musical beds. They have a hard time settling into sleep the first few nights. So, they play musical beds. At least they all fit in one bed still!

 

 

 

 

All good Things

We've finally got our Saturdays back to ourselves. Well, almost. Of course, there's still lots of work to be done. The boys enjoyed washing the car.

 

Totally safe technique.....

 

I got to do some planting while Oak sniffed around.

 

Then it was off to football season end parties. James was first. I believe his coach said something like, "there was one game(hence the one finger up) where James was totally unstoppable...".

 

Abbby just loves Coach Brett.

 

 

And so does Dave for that matter. David loved being the center of attention for a few moments. We got the best framed picture of David celebrating after his touchdown. Also, all the players got their offical jerseys, which was the ultimate highlight for David. It's so appropriate that he's wearing his "Believe the Hype" shirt here. It was a great end to a great season. Can't wait for next year!!

Abby

When I look back, I sometimes think our life is pictorially defined by trips to Disneyland and Pop Warner football games. I guess it is what it is. We went to Disneyland for David's birthday celebration this year. Abby and I hung out together visiting the princesses and Minnie. It was delightful! I hear the boys had fun too...but, I had the camera so this is what you get!

 

 

 

 

 

Abby was being silly on Halloween. She wanted to try being scary, so she put a pillowcase on her head. BOOO!

 

 

Thank goodness she found her sweet self again!

Motivation

I've been in a blogging funk lately(obviously). I visit my own page frequently, but only to jump to my blog roll. Nothing has inspired me to blog, not because there is nothing worthy of recording, maybe it's because there are just so many worthy things are happening, I don't know where to begin. Anyways, today inspired me. So, partly because I can't risk David seeing the picture of the referee on my last post again and nagging me with questions, and partly because today was such a fantastic day, I am jumping back in. Feet first.
School was out in celebration of Veteran's Day so we did what all good San Diegans do in November. We went to the beach.

 

These beauties were quite a sight.

 

David and Dallin loved digging and building in the sand.

 

The oldest four hadthe best time together. They would play "monkey in the middle" with the football until they were worn out and then they'd go boogie boarding. (Repeat as many times as possible.)

 

Not to be outdone, us ladies had a pretty darn good time too. I had such a great, relaxing time catching up with good friends. Totally reminiscent of the good old days, before work, football, homework, etc. Back when we all had a little ones and no crazy schedules-just nap schedules! I even got some QT with Fox, the cutest little guy around!!

That's it, Welcome me back to blogging please!

Whatever, Mr. Referee, that's not the way I saw it....

Yesterday was a great day in Mendenhall Family Football history. David made his first touchdown!! It was so much fun to watch. He got the hand off from Zach and took off running. He made it through a line of defenders, thanks in part to a little "illegal" blocking by his teammates, darted all the way across the field to the end zone. The crowd (ok, mainly me and Mark) went nuts!
Apparently there was a flag thrown somewhere in the back field, but do we really care? No way!
I wish I had a picture, but I'm counting on the team photographer who said he got about about 40 shots of the play. I'll be getting those pictures for the season memory book.
Where does every football stud love to go after a victorious game? You got it, McDonald's. We went over to Mickey D's for lunch after the game. I was able to actually swallow my anxiety and let the kids play in the indoor play structure. Every one had a great time, especially us adults-seeing as we didn't have to eat the food since there was a Subway next door and I ran over there for sandwiches-thank goodness! (Don't worry, we did come home and all take sanitizing baths.)