The Weeks Before Christmas~

The month of December flew by so fast as it always does. Why is that? We had a party every weekend starting with my Uncle's Christmas concert with EVMCO. AMAZING! and such a great way to bring in the Christmas spirit. Second weekend- my friend Amanda and I were in charge of the ward Christmas party, Classic Christmas, where we had breakfast with Santa and his elf. We had a flash mob, family/solo performances, and a live Nativity put on by the primary. It was a busy morning. Third- Tim's work party and Stake Christmas program. We also squeezed in time for our good friends the Sharpe's, whom we met in Chandler. I still forget my camera a lot so these few pictures sum it up for us.

SANTA! I know him!! Hudson was more than ready to sit on his lap to tell him exactly what he wanted...... Lex, not so much!

There was a petting zoo outside the church before you entered for the Stake Christmas program. The chicks, turtles, bunnies, Mini Horse, and a donkey had the boys captivated.

Lex, Aiden, and Hudson at the Mesa Temple Christmas lights

Tide Pools~

California is always an adventure when Papa and Juju are with us. Papa will look on line to see when low tide is so the children can go explore the tide pools. This particular outing by far was the most creature-filled. There was a guide out on the beachy rocks (Sandy, fitting right?) who showed us where all the good creatures where hiding. We saw purple, red, and orange starfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs, sea anemones, crabs, fish, and an octopus. We spent as much time out on the pools as we could. The air was so clear we could see Catalina Island. This happened to be on Thanksgiving day and what better way to spend it then with family at this beautiful setting.

Fight on SC~

Thanksgiving found us in Southern California with Tim's parents, Bailey, Clay, Cara and Andrew at Grandma and Grandpa Garlocks. The weather was beautiful and the company even more so. We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with just those mentioned. We went shopping, did puzzles, hit the beach a few times, walked through downtown Disney, and the best part of all, attended my first USC football game. HOLLA! The Garlocks are serious about their SC football! Their home is decorated in Trojan clocks, statues, signs, blankets, and more. They hang a flag out for every game. Grandpa Garlock taught at USC for many years and have been a season ticket holder for even longer. My mother-in-law Judy has memories of going to the football games when she was a small child. Sitting next to her was such a treat. She informed me about the history of their many, many traditions. I could feel her love and appreciation for the team (even though she is a true blue Cougar fan). She could even chant parts of the school song. My favorite part was at every touch down the Trojan would ride around the sidelines on his white stallion horse holding his sword high! We got to see the horse a lot because the score was 50-0. Did I mention this was a rival game against the dreaded and ugly UCLA? Now, I have been to plenty of rival games between BYU and the Utes but I have never witnessed so much intensity from the fans in my life. The whole campus becomes a party place. People start the pregame tail gating well before noon when the game is at 7. Pure craziness is the only way I can describe it. We thought we were dressed up for the game with cardinal and gold shirts, but we were no match for the rest of the fans with their SC necklaces, earrings, flags, tattoos, hats, scarfs, face paint, or boots. Tim's favorite was a guy with a T-shirt on that read "My maid went to UCLA." Enough said.

If you are a true USC fan you would know that I am not flashing a peace sign.

V for VICTORY!

Star Dragons~

Hudson's last tee-ball game was played at the Peoria Sports Complex where the Padres and Mariners have spring training. Games were being played all over the field. His name was even on the jumbo screen! Over all, we decided that tee-ball is not the best sport for Hudson at this time. He needs something a little more fast paced to keep his interest. I posted before about how entertaining Hudson is during the games. So we came up with a few rules specifically for Hudson:

1. Do not touch your coach 2. Do not spank your coach 3. Do not play in the dirt 4. Do not hit the ball backwards off the tee 5. Pay attention to the game

Every once in a while he needed a reminder but overall he did so good and had fun.

Bowling for Hudson~

A while back my cousin Kyle suggested we go bowling. Bowling is one of those things where I go"Oh yeah, bowling! How could I forget?!" When I lived here as a child it seems we went bowling all the time, ok maybe not all the time, but for birthday parties at least. My Uncle Mike is a pro bowler with his own ball, shoes, and a ring for getting a score of 300. Little Mike (aka Junior) worked at a bowling alley for years. Every time we'd come down to visit Ash, Eric, and I would spend our evenings at his alley "DISCO BOWLING." Fun times! I couldn't believe we have never taken Hudson, especially after living here with the pro bowlers. So we rallied up the family and met in Gilbert for the big event. We had such a blast. Hudson and Lex were entertainment for all. Grandma and Grandpa Johnson even came to watch the kids. I also can't believe I only took pictures of the boys. I want to remember that Uncle Mike, Lil Mike, Xochi, Kyle, Ashley, Suzie, and Glen all bowled with us. Also Ashley was our pro for the night!

Hudson's first bowl!

This was Halloween~

Our Halloween lasted all weekend long! We started on Thursday with Hudson's preschool party and ended on Monday night, Wheew it was a long weekend but packed full of fun. Hudson decided to be a Ninja Turtle, sorry Leonardo, this year and Lex was a bat. The pictures are out of order so I'll explain.

We started our Monday night trick or treating at my cousins', Mike and Xochi, where they give out serious candy! They just got this cute dog Arnold who the boys just love. Arnold was a bit loud so had to be put outside, though he is super cute in his Firedog outfit!

Arnold jumped on Lex and gave him such a scare. Just look at that sad face.

Saturday evening found us at the Peoria Community party held at a baseball stadium. There was bounce houses, face painting, cake walks, pumpkin carving, music and much more. But the highlight, and the reason for us going, was the Hot Air balloons. I remember my grandparents taking me to a place here in Arizona to see Hot Air balloons when I was young and I loved it. Hudson not so much. We had to wait 20 minutes in line to see these balloons up close to take a picture and Hudson freaked out. He was kicking me while I tried to hold him because he did not want to get close to the fire! We took a quick pic and tried to calm Hudson down. Seriously I thought he'd totally dig this, I guess it is just from a far.

Coolest thing, Right?

The lines were so long for everything that we played tag on the grass instead and left as soon as we could. Hudson was so bummed, but leaving the place would only be the best idea yet!......

The firefighters where letting children into the firetruck just outside the stadium to take pictures. We were one of the first people there so we only waited about 2 minutes. Hudson was in awe! The best part was while Hudson, Tim and Lex were in the back cab the firefighters had to close the doors and start up the truck so the battery wouldn't die. They got to be in there for a while. Hudson tried on the head gear, Tim took pictures and I just about cried because Hudson was so happy! Made our whole night! Just look at those smiles

Thursday was Hudson's preschool party. They practiced and learned proper Trick or treating skills, made spooky spiders, and had yummy Halloween treats. He was so excited to wear his costume to school!

Our ward party! Bounce houses, Chili cook off, trunk or treat, fun booths, and friends!

I can not get these two to look at me at the same time, ever!

Friday night while Tim and I attended the temple Glen and Suzie took the boys to their ward Halloween party. We are candied out!

Tempe Town Lake~

The Weather is just starting to cool off and we are once again reminded why we live here in Arizona! At least that is what everyone says. I really don't mind the heat. I'd rather be smothered in it then be cold in the snow. One Saturday found us at Tempe Town lake enjoying such beautiful weather. Our life has slowed down lately and we try to take in as much time as we can with our two boys. They are growing and learning so fast these days that I sometimes feel that I can't keep up! Hudson has really enjoyed preschool. Although, when I ask what he learned about that day he responds with an "I don't know" followed by "What does I don't know mean?" But he brings home all sorts of crafts so I assume he is learning! Lex on the other hand has turned on me. His nick name should be destroyer. You know what I mean! I clean a place up and he follows with disaster. I think he likes the sound of dumping out all the toys from their bins. I'm in for the terrible two I can feel it! HELP!!

Here are the boys looking for fish in the lake. Every time we have guest come we talk about going to Tempe Town but never do. Next time for sure even if we just stroll around the area! I'm looking forward to many more days like this one.

Tim is such a hunk!