Happy Thanksgiving!

Cancer Walk

On Nov. 6th, tons of people joined together for a cancer walk in downtown Tempe.  It was touching to see all the people there showing their support and raising money to find a cure, but a little sad knowing that everyone there was somehow affected by cancer either personally or with someone they know.   

My mom is a breast cancer survivor and one of the strongest women I know!  She is an amazing example of courage and faith.  Exactly a year ago she was diagnosed, and after surgery and months of chemotherapy and radiation she is back to health again.  It has been quite the journey for my mother, but it has been so touching to see extended family and so many friends show their support and love for my mom, and this day was no exception.

We love you, MOM!

the city by the bay

There are a few cities you just need to visit at least once, and San Fransico is one of those cities!  It is up on the list with NYC, Chicago, and D.C.  So, needless to say, I was thrilled when Jeff mentioned he had a training to go to in San Fransico on Nov. 3rd and 4th!  I pretty much invited myself (and Brooklyn!) along! :)  We went up on Monday (a day early) and flew back on Thursday which gave us 2 extra days.   

On Monday, we flew out and then took the ferry across to Saulsilito.  We had a great view of the famous Golden Gate Bridge and then walked in and out of the little shops in Saulsilito.  

(I think Brooklyn is seriously the happiest baby I know!  I think she is already posing for pictures!)

Okay, it is my absolute favorite thing to sit outside on the front of the ferry, but this cute little baby was totally freaking out.  She couldn't figure out that she could still breath even with the wind blowing in her face, so she was gasping and almost choking!  So we went inside, and here she is nice and happy now that we are sitting inside.  :)

(the port for the ferry)

We went to Fisherman's Wharf after the ferry ride to walk around and grab a bite for dinner.  Fancy dining wasn't an option with Brooklyn, but our bread bowls from the street were delish!  I think we wore Brooklyn out... and it was only the first day!

On Tuesday, Jeff went to training and I kept myself busy walking through China Town and then spending the afternoon at Union Square.  I have never seen so many stores all in one location!

On Wednesday, Kelly came up from San Jose and we met for brunch.  That was an experience all in itself.  You see, the SF Giants won the World Series on Monday night and Wednesday they had a big parade in the city.  Yup, in the city, about a block from our hotel.  All the roads were blocked off and there were crowds of people everywhere you went.  It made things rather complicated in finding Kelly (since she was planning on picking me up), but in the end we made it and we enjoyed a delish brunch at Mama's and I got some good pics along the way! (However, note to self: do not carry a baby in one arm and try to push a little cheap stroller with the car seat practically falling off of it with the other arm through large crowds and on old sidewalks!)

When Jeff got done with training we ate dinner and then rode the trolley over to Ghiradhelli Square and had the world famous ice cream sundae!  It was quite tasty, but it should be when you pay $8 for it, right? :)

On Friday we decided to do Alcatraz.  I find history things like that pretty fascinating and it didn't disappoint.  The architecture of the building was amazing and the views of the city and bridge made it that much better.

I must be honest, one of my favorite things we did in San Fran was to ride on the trolley!  I also enjoyed looking at all the bright colored buses.  It just adds a little something to the big city!  We had a great trip and I'm afraid our little Maylee had a little too much fun at grandma and grandpa's house... she wasn't ready to come home when we went to pick her up! ;)

Halloween festivities!

Our Halloween parties started on the 23rd with our ward party.  Our little girlies were pretty ballerinas- they were quite the pink, fluffy duo!  Maylee was totally content with the one sucker she won at one of the booths and swinging on the swings for the rest of the night!  We had a great time.

 ( I can't believe how old Maylee looks in this picture sitting next to Brooklyn!)

We then had a little playgroup Halloween party during the week.  The kids put stickers on pumpkins, did a mummy wrap, looked at the animals, and enjoyed running around on the grass (which they would have done for hours if we would have let them!  I think they were surprised yards could have that much grass in AZ!)  

Then a few families set up to go trick-or-treating on Saturday, since it fell on Sunday.  Maylee got dressed up in her costume once again (I was happy this was going to be the last time to dress up...come on, it takes a lot of work to get a girl with very short, thin hair into a bun!)  We were babysitting our friend Joseph so we had him come along with us!

Maylee was too shy to say "trick-or-treat" at the door but said it as we walked  from house to house.  As we walked home I asked if she had fun and she said, "Fun!  Hooraaayyyy!", in the most expressive voice!  I guess that means she is a fan!

When we got back home we had a little Halloween dinner with ideas from ourbestbites.  

Yummy mummy hotdogs!

 and spider cookies for dessert!

Then on October 31st we were able to celebrate once again, no- not for Halloween, but for my MOM'S birthday!! :)  Happy birthday mom!

lunch with the girls

I love living in AZ and the chance I have to get together with my girl friends from high school when one comes into town!  Kelly came into town and out to lunch we went!  It was so nice to visit with her and Jenny and see all the cute kiddos that we all have now!  Lunch is a little busier these days, but the girls had a fun time running around outside afterwards.  Here are some of the pics Kelly took for us! Thanks Kelly!

3 month (well, really 4 month) pics

Well, these are supposed to be Brooklyn's 3 months pics, but I got around doing them a little late.  So she was 4 months.  Ooops.  I gotta say she is one little cutie! :)  And I love the one of her and Maylee!

i love this girl!