SATURDAY MORNING PRIMARY ACTIVITY

The kids had their Primary Activity this morning. They were asked to decorate box cars for their drive-in movie activity. Carson of course, was already "too cool" for this one so he decided not to take part in the box car making, but Cara and Ryleigh of course had a great time. Cara wanted a blue car with flowers all over it and since Ryleigh is still in nursery and wasn't really supposed to be going, I just let her paint an old Diet Coke box. My girl's love anything that has to do with art and making a mess. They had a good time and enjoyed their drive- in movie showing of "David and Goliath." Yes, the cheesy one with Thurl Bailey.

THE ORANGE BOWL

Carson with his second place, Orange Bowl trophy.

Carson with Coach Steve Madden, cousin to Jon Madden.

Carson with Coach Mark Miller. If you ever watch "The First 48 hrs." on A&E ,you may be able to spot him as one of the Lt. detectives on the Memphis Homicide team.

So our season of football finally came to an end. We ended up playing the Buccaneers in the Orange Bowl. It wasn't our best game but turned out to be a really fun night. They started by announcing the players names over the loud speakers, they had a bounce house set up, loud music playing during the games, and a full concession stand.

All in all Carson truly had a great season. I've seen my son's confidence grow more in the past four months than I've seen in the past four years. I owe most of it to his Coaches. Coach Steve and Coach Mark were tremendous. They taught the boys the rules of the game, teamwork, and most of all to have fun.

We are so very proud of Carson and excited to see him play again next season, this time with pads!

THE REES' AND RAQUETBALL

So as many of you know Dave has been dieting and working out for almost 4 months now. He is doing a great job and has lost a lot of weight. Somewhere around 35 pounds. I decided on Monday it was time for me to get in shape again. I would love to have some definition in my arms and legs. I wouldn't mind having those nice, tight, flat abs too, but don't think that's going to happen. Let me make this clear-I am not dieting! I am not a dieter and never have been. I would rather go to the gym for 3 hours a day than cut my calories. Those of you who know me well know I love to eat out and bake so the "D" word does not exist in my vocabulary.

Yesterday Dave and I played a game of racquetball and wow did that work us out. We had a really good time and I wasn't nearly half as bad as I thought I would be. It was fun to get out and have some "Dave and Nicole" time without the kids.

Above is a picture of Dave's success. None of his clothes fit. This picture looks a little weird and Dave thinks it's showing too much of his undies but it was the best way for me to show his success. He has done a really good job and his dedication and persistence has definitely paid off. Good job Dave!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM REES!

RAIDERS VS. JAGUARS

Wow, what a game. Carson did so well. The score was 26-25 Raiders. All of those 26 points Carson scored on his own. He is doing so well. Our two week break due to the rain, kept us from playing or practicing for a while , but he was definitely ready to get back on the field. We have our hardest team (the Colts) left and hope to win that game so we can get our spot in the Superbowl game. Great game Carson. Mom and Dad are so proud of you.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

We had a wonderful time last night. The kids were so good and really enjoyed the company of their cute, little friends. The weather was perfect. Dave was in his shorts and I in a short sleeved t-shirt. Crazy! Carson decided to be the Grimm Reaper this year. He decided to go with something other than Star Wars and Super Heroes. It's about time. CaraAnn was a nice witch as she would say and Ryleigh our little love bug, ladybug. I think Cara and Ryleigh's favorite part of the whole night was that they got to get into Mom's makeup for the first time. Carson finally hit that age where he took off with his little buddies. I think it was a little hard on Dave to know that his friends came before Dad that night. All in all, we had a great holiday and hope that Trick or Treating was just as fun for all of you too.

OOOO.....scary-the Grimm Reaper

Our cute, little ladybug with her friend Olivia the princess.

Our nice, little witch with her buddy Tyler Collier, Superman

My cute, little trick-or-treaters.

REILEY'S HOMECOMING

I had a wonderful weekend at home in Utah with my family. I left Saturday morning and returned late Tuesday night. It was so fun to get to see the safe return of my brother and great to see the rest of my family too including MaryAnn, Dave's Mom. Reiley gave a really good homecoming speech and enjoying food and family afterwards was also a good thing. The only complaints I have are that I couldn't stay longer, didn't bring my kids with me, and of course I came down with a sinus infection right before leaving on the plane Tuesday. Not a good thing!

It was so funny, as I arrived in Phoenix on Saturday I was waiting for my flight in the terminal, minding my business and eating my Snickers. I looked across to the chair directly in front of me and realized I was sitting across from Vanilla Ice. Yes, I know there are fans out there. Nope, not a fan now, but totally was about 16 years ago. He arrived in SLC before me and my family asked if I had seen him, so all of us being "Ice" fans decided it was picture time. He was a good sport. Funny that my first picture home was of my family and Vanilla Ice.

We ate so much this weekend. Those of you who know my family know we can put the food away. We also shopped, celebrated Dad and Abigail's birthdays, went to Gardner Village, and stayed up late chit chatting. I had a great time and can't wait to see my family in Mexico over the Holidays. Until then family, ADIOS!

Reiley and I. Welcome home Reiley and job well done.
The Family with Vanilla Ice.
left to right: Nicole, Angela, Aaron, Vanilla Ice, Natalie, Tanner, and Reiley