before thanksgiving

November 16th - Emily got sick, Diana got sick, Nora got sick, Sarah got sick - aren't they beautiful!

 November 18th - Everyone but Nora is better and Isaac turned 4!!! He requested Barrows pizza and ice cream - tasty!

November 19th - Ryan throws up LOTS of Barrow pizza but sends me to our long Saturday rehearsal anyway. I come home after a hour to take Nora to urgent care - she has been 3 days throwing up and history tells that if we don't get some zophran in her she will keep throwing up and end up in the hospital dehydrated. The zophran works and she and dad are both feeling a lot better by that evening.

All the time - Nelson is sweet and very big. At his one month we was off the charts for length and 95th for weight - eek!

He has entered the scitzo phase for eating. Two nights ago he was up 3 times and last night I finally woke him up at 3:20 because I needed to feed him NOW!

Emily is lovely.

She has discovered reading for pleasure and sometimes finds interesting places to have a little quiet.

thanksgiving weekend

We had a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving weekend. Aunt Sherrie, Uncle David and the kids came down from Utah and we partied hearty!

We spent Thanksgiving proper at the Porters with 50ish McKays and it was a WONDERFUL time. I love the dirt boys in heaven.

The wagon was also a big hit! Nathan was a tired boy by the end of a day pulling the wagon around and around.

On Friday we took a hike in the desert, climbed rocks, played on the playground etc. The weather was PERFECT despite Isaac's determination to wear his hood.

Friday evening we hit the Christmas lights at the Temple; they were beautiful and the kids well behaved - yipeeeee!

Uncle David, Aunt Sherrie and the kids were the perfect house guests! Come again soon!!

little girls

Baby Livy has gone home. It was a delightful visit. We will miss her and Aunt Di. As you can see, being at our house was exhausting!

Sarah LOVES to conduct the music at Family Home Evening - accesories reccomended but not required.

sunday naps

Isaac was tired on Sunday. He fell asleep.

Ryan was tired on Sunday. He fell asleep.

Nelson joined the party, since the floor looked like a manly place to be. Isaac woke up screaming and climbed onto Daddy, who slept on.

Isaac decided to try to sleep some more.

It didn't work and he was sad.

So ended naps on the floor.

In other Chase news - everyone but Nelson has either had throw up or diarrhea (or both) the last day. Oh the JOY! Diana and Emily have perked up. Nora is exhausted (she threw up most of the night), Isaac has a light case and should be OK for his B-day tomorrow. Sarah threw up in the night and seems just fine now and Livy threw up a little at lunch time and has no appetite but is otherwise happy.

We have done A LOT of laundry today. I LOVE my washing machine.

our weekend

We had such a treat this weekend; we got to go to Aunt Sylvia's for dinner and a catch-up. It was so pleasant to be in her home and get the update on her and all her kids. The biggest news is that she is engaged! So fun!!

 Aunt Sylvia knows how to feed kids: spaghetti, oranges, bread, and a fancy dessert.

 Aunt Di, Livy, Aunt Sylvia, Nelson and me.

Nelson was one month old on Sunday. My friend Emily made these fun stickers - Nelson was un-impressed. I think they are cute.

my new philosphy

Sally is a classic. I too have a new philosphy - uh hem: "Somehow, some way, a little laundry every day".

Laundry has been out of control here lately. Boy am I grateful for a washing machine.

Life is sweet right now. Uncle Michael has been here for 4 days doing some filming work for MCO. It has been fun to have him around. We send him home this afternoon and pick up Aunt Di and Livy - yipee!

Here are a few shots of how we are rolling these days with Nelson.

Ryan continues to be the CHAMPION Dad, with the best napping shoulder in the world.

Diana is a stellar helper and doesn't get to hold her baby nearly enough.

And then there is Sarah - She is also a very WILLING helper, all the time, even when Nelson doesn't want helping!

a twoodler

She did it Ladies and Gentlemen; Sarah turned TWO! She is now the proud owner of a baby stroller, play-dough, pretty heels, a tutu, a new book and some clothes. Oh yea, and a little wee bit of an attitude (sometimes).

We REALLY REALLY love this kid and find a lot of joy having her around. She is sweet, funny, full of ginger and snap and very loving.

Happy birthday Bear!

the bad and the good and a reminder

The bad: Little man and I were up from 11 pm til 1:30 am - grrrrrr.

The good: Sprouts has strawberries and pineapple on sale - hooray!

Goals for toady: take a nap and practice EVMCO music (are you coming to the Christmas concert??? It is going to be smashing!)

Exactly what was NOT happening last night!

halloween

We had a days long Halloween, lots of candy etc. Here it is in pictures.

Sarah at Diana and Emily's parade Friday morning.

Isaac

Nora and Isaac - Nora was so excited to wear her sweatshirt (although it wasn't really cold at all)

Emily the gymnast (everyone thought she was a cat, maybe next year)

Diana as Rapunzel - by FAR the best hair out there.

Trunk of Treat at the church on Saturday. Nora as Dorothy. I always wanted sparkly red shoes! Nora loves hers.

Isaac as a scarecrow - easiest costume ever and Emmy as her gymnast self.

Sarah as Rapunzel (refusing to wear her hair - oh well) and Isaac

The HAIR

Ryan and his Padawan learner

Again - Diana

The Saturday night gorge fest - ikk

Nora's parade on Monday

And now Halloween is over - the decor is down and we are all geared up for November and a slew of great visitors starting on Thursday with Uncle Michael - yipeeeeee!