2012 Primary Program

Yesterday was our 2012 Primary Program.  Taani is in the presidency and wrote the program and did an outstanding job.  The closing number was an arrangement of I Am a Child of God and they sang the 1st verse in Chinese (our Ward is part Chinese Branch) - amazing.  Violins, amazing arrangements, great talks.  It really was touching.  

And a highlight for us...Hattie and Neeley played a piano duet.  See movie below.  It was great to have Taani's parents visit too - so good to live close that they can come to things like this.  

What?

Me (Ryan) after scripture reading this morning:  Let's see, who's turn is it to pray.  It was Neeley yesterday so it must be West today.

West:  BOOYAH!

Amen.

Happy Halloween!

Tonight we had our Ward Party.  There was a pumpkin carving contest...which we take VERY seriously.  First place...bring it.

We Miss 'em.

The best highlight of our October has been a visit from the Worthen family.  We miss this crew terribly and although Lindsey has not forgiven me (Ryan) for taking our crew to CA, we felt lucky for having them in our home.  These kids all care deeply about one another.  What a great family!

Down On the Farm!

Yesterday I took the kids and we headed north to Faulkner Farms in Santa Paula (http://www.faulknerfarmpumpkinpatch.com) and enjoyed a great afternoon!  It was surprisingly entertaining and we enjoyed the scenery!  What an outstanding day!

This is the Faulkner Farm House that sits on the property.

A great view of the big red barn across the pumpkin patch.  Its great to see barns like this again - the barns on the farmland used to be my favorite thing about living in Illinois.  

West and his new "picture face."  You say you are taking a picture and you get a contorted smile.  They loved the animals at the barn.

Hunting for pumpkins and got a tad distracted.  We did find two near perfect pumpkins!  The kids LOVED the pumpkins and hunting for our pumpkins.  There was a massive pumpkin launch as well.  That device tossed the pumpkins at least 25 yards where they hit a target and split wide open.

With their friend Sara.  We stopped in Santa Monica and picked up my business partner and his daughter.  The kids love hanging out.

 So much to do!  Look at the backdrop.  It was great to get into open country yesterday and just chill out!  Great day.

Double Digits. The BIG 1-0!

Fun Day!  Hattie chose to take the family to The American Girl Store today for shopping and lunch.  Our AG store is in a great shopping district called The Groves.  We had a great time.  It's hard to believe 10 years ago, on a crisp night in Chicago we rushed to the hospital for a surprise delivery of our oldest.  She's an amazing kid.  She loves to read.  Has embraced the change of our family and is thriving at school, is kind to all, and is a good student.  We love you Hattie-pants.

We have a Dylan's Candy Bar!  We saw this in NYC and stumbled in.  The kids were amazed.  This is an amazing place.  

Dessert at the AG Cafe!  

West's picture face.  

Go Dodgers?