Addie had her first dance recital last Saturday. She was so cute! I couldn't believe how well she did. She apparently likes to be on stage. She was so excited when it was her turn. The only thing that upset her was when it was time to go. She got so mad at me! All she wanted to do was follow around her dance teacher.
Dan had to go to Anaheim for a work growth summit. We decided he couldn't go to Disneyland without us. We had a blast! The kids were way into meeting the characters and getting autographs. Addie was sooo happy to meet Snow White. Kyler loved meeting Mr. Incredible. We got lucky enough to meet them on the days they were wearing those costumes. Addie and Kyler had a blast playing games with Stitch. Stitch was way into Addie he kept coming back to find her and play with her. It was so much fun we all had a great time.
A few weeks ago we got our family photos done again. As always, Emilie did an amazing job! At this time of year, I would like to take the opportunity to tell everyone how thankful I am for my little family. As most of you know, it has been a very trying year for me. Through my trials this year, I have really come to see how blessed I am. That fact that I had 2 wonderful children so easily is a miracle. That is something I didn't realize until I saw first hand how hard it can be to get our kids here. I am overwhelmed with the gratitude I feel for my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. It is amazing to know that the atoning sacrifice the Savior made for us was not only for our sins but always for all of our pains. I have felt His presence in my life so strongly this year. I am so grateful for family and friends that are so supportive. I don't know where I would be without all of you! I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving this year!
The kids were so excited about their costumes this year. We went to the Harry Potter exhibit in Chicago and Kyler saw the costume there and was so excited. Addie is just starting to get into Princess movies and playing dress up. She loves Snow White and Beauty and the Beast. We had fun trick or treating this year. It was Addie's first year understanding the concept. Now that Kyler is getting older, he just wanted to keep going. In the end we got way too much candy!
Last Saturday we went out and got our pumpkins. Then an area park was doing Halloween activities. I look for opportunities for the kids to wear their costumes. The kids had a blast throwing rubber chickens, playing with bubbles in the rain, and doing slides and bounce houses. 
Due to the crazy month we had, Kyler's birthday this year was family time. Since I couldn't pull off a huge party we took him out. We went to Fat Cats for bowling, pizza, and games. The kids had a blast! Dan even let Kyler win at bowling since it was his birthday. Kyler really enjoyed his birthday this year. I can't believe my little man is 5!
Last Saturday was so warm! After Kyler's soccer game we decided to go down to Thanksgiving Point to go to Barnyard Boo. The kids had a blast. They got to bowl, do a mini maze, make a Halloween frame, decorate a cookie, go on a hay ride, feed the animals, and of course get their faces painted! We are hoping for more nice weather so we can get out and do some more fun Halloween activities. 
We have slowly changed the exterior of our house. We started with changing the door and shutters from green to beige. Then we had a storm and lost a tree which resulted in the removal of 3 more trees. The landscaping has been an issue for us since we moved in. The people who owned our house before were very good at yard work. I on the other hand believe in less is better. So we took out all the plants and now we have a ton of grass in the back. We did leave room for a veggie garden. In the front we put in low maintenance plants and flowers. Our neighbor Craig and his team rocked it out in like 2 days!! Last, we changed our pillars. Way before we lived here there was carpet on the front porch. Carpet + wooden pillars = bad idea! They were starting to rot at the bottom. So we replaced them with awesome fiberglass square pillars. We are sooo happy with the way the exterior looks now. 
