{free movie}

I took the girls to see Kit Kittredge at the free movies. I took Anna and Mimi took Ella. We figured the little kids would lose interest. It was a nice time with the girls. They each bought their dolls. Ashley mentioned that she wants to be Kit for Halloween. Sounds good to me.

They were so cute. I usually don't let them leave the house with the dolls, so it was a big deal.

{birthday celebration}

We had a birthday celebration for Ella. She chose the dinner, chicken enchiladas, rice and corn. As well as a rainbow chip cake. She felt so special to make such big decisions.

She needed some help blowing out the candles. The sistas were happy to help.

All she wanted for her birthday was Potato Head. A happy 3 year old.

On a side note, I have always had my girls potty trained long before they were 3. Ella has had no interest in learning. But this last weekend I really worked with her and she has it down for the most part. She did it. I guess I put it off long enough and got her trained under the wire.

Yes! We are out of the diaper stage.

{county fair}

We were able to go to the fair for Ella's birthday. We hadn't been in a few years, and I remember why. It is such a rip off. I can't believe how expensive things were. Chris at least got us a deal to get in. But it was the fair and I had to let go of my cheapness and have fun.

We did some horse racing. Maybe we should have placed a bet, to win some extra money.

Of course Chris wanted to go in the exhibition hall to see all the demonstrations and sales piches. He really liked the Vita-Mix samples. I think he would have bought it until I told him it's like $300. But they do have it at Costco if you want to pick one up Chris.

We do need a new blender.

Ella was so excited to go on this ride. But Chris had to go with her and use up some to the tickets because she wasn't tall enough to go without an adult. Rip Off!

We did get to spend some time with Grandpa Steve. That was fun!

Ashley enjoying her ride. This one always made me a little nervous because I was afraid the swings were going to fly off. Mainly because the rides are portable.

This ride was bought from Neverland Ranch. Wowwww. Whatever.

My favorite booth. Fair food. So good for you.

The last ride of the day for the birthday girl.

Happy Birthday Ella!

{eclipse}

I have to admit, I had been looking forward to this movie coming out since I saw New Moon back in November. So, of course, I had a party before our midnight movie.

We enjoyed a lovely dinner outside. The weather was just right.

Sueanne, Mimi and I

We had my favorite italian sodas...

yummy salad (thanks to Sueanne), bread (thanks to Kristen who still sent bread even though she was sick and could't come), and pasta (thanks to Mimi for helping with the recipe).

I made Chocolate-Caramel-Pecan covered marshmallows and Mimi made chocolate covered popcorn. We need to the sugar to stay awake. This is a terrible picture.

Brittany made her fabulous donuts. More sugar. They are honestly better than Krispy Kreme. We made so many that we took them to the theater to share with people we ran into.

It was such a fun night, it took me a few days to recover from getting to bed so late, but it was totally worth it. I loved the movie and need to start reading Breaking Dawn. If you get a chance check out the movie. They are getting better and better.

When Chris got home, he noticed all the bugs we had let in from going in and out all night. He decided to vacuum them up. It was pretty gross.

I can hardly wait until November 18, 2011 when Breaking Dawn Part One

comes out, to do it all again.

{it's boating time}

Yay! It's my favorite time of the year, time to get out on the boat. The Evans are so generous to have already taken us out a few times. Uncle Devon even made it out, and got a few wakeboard runs. After last summer of not being able to get up skiing, my streak was over and I got up. Thanks to Uncle Devon's help fixing my ski. It made all the difference.

Enjoying cookies off the boat. We didn't want crumbs.

Ella loved wearing a swim diaper on her head. You probably think that she had it one for a few seconds, oh no, she had it on for like 30 minutes.

Then she got Livie to do too.

And then of course, Lukie couldn't resist her, and followed as well. We all got a laugh out of it.

She's a funny one.

{girls camp}

I had the opportunity to go to girls camp again. This year I went as the 2nd year certification leader. It worked out really well since I needed only to go for 1 day. Chris was able to work from home and it was not that big of a deal to leave for the day. Before camp I went up to do a pre-hike. Ashley was able to come with me. She got to see what Camp Ritchie was all about. Lucky girl, you should have to wait until you're 12. Now she is super excited to go.

I only had my phone to take pictures with. The shadows are pretty bad in this one.

I was so nervous to lead the hike. But it all worked out great. I hope that I can do it again next year since now I know what to expect. I had 35 girls, 9 YCLS, and 8 adults to lead on the hike.

No pressure.

We made BBQ chicken tin foil dinners and chipmunks for dessert. No accidents and everyone made it back safely. A successful day. I was able to stick around after the hike and enjoy catching up with friends in the stake and the beauty of camp. It is such a special place that brings back such tender memories for me as a girl. I can't wait for my girls to experience it as well.

{zip line}

Brady got a zip line for his birthday. The girls think it's pretty cool. This was when it was first up. Now someone doesn't have to pull you when you go down. I only wish I had videoed Brandon when he was explaining to Brittany and I that he could do it. He almost ran into the tree cause he couldn't stop. It was so funny.

{doll party}

I promised Ashley we would have a doll party for her. So I waited til the last day of school to have it. But it turned out to be the best day because everyone we invited was able to come. I only wish Chris could have been here since he was out of town. We did everything in black and pink with stars, American girl colors and logo.

We did some mini cake decorating.

candy buffet

star wands

We started with making bracelets for the girls and their dolls.

Then we made donuts. We used Cherrios and dipped them in chocolate, powdered sugar, and sprinkles for the dolls.

And the girls had real donuts.

I made mini watermelon for the dolls out of limes and jello. I forgot to get a picture, but here Addie is eating it. Then we did the cake decorating and then it was time to go. The girls got so much sugar that I made them take stuff home to siblings. It was a great party that went by so quick. I don't know why I put it off for so long.