Grandpa came to vist. The kids always love when he is here and wish he would stay longer.
And the kids had a gymnastics recital. Or whatever you call it. They did a great job!! Ainsley was great demonstrating for the audience what we learned and Brandon was awesome, too!
Saturday we started a new tradition. Ainsley and I went with some friends to see the Nutcracker.
Until the tights came on. Giggle giggle. Laugh laugh.
"Mom! Why don't those men wear UNDERWEAR????? You can practically see their TENDERS! YUCK!"
What could I say? I was thinking the same thing. Why is it that the girls have to wear tights, leotards AND tutu's, but the men can let it all hang out?
I made these cute dolls for Julee's twins. One is still faceless, but I will change that. Alexa loves these and keeps trying to steal the brunette.
You probably have no idea what this is. It't for all the great grandparents. I made them these cute rice bags for ailing joints. The D rings are attached with velcro so they can go in the microwave, and the rice bags are inserted on the other side. There is an additional rice bag to be kept in the freezer. I LOVE the way these turned out and made one for Ryan, too. He uses a sock filled with rice and it's just not as cute.
I wish I could photograph this necklace better, but it's not in the cards. I've tried. The girl cousins all get these tile necklaces Ainsley and I made. (Not this particular one, however.) They are from glass tiles and scrapbook paper. We added resin, bails and chains. 
eggs, strawberries and citrus
banana. apple and watermelon (these look much cuter in person)
pizza, cookies and donuts. I didn't show the pizza toppings, but I assure you they exist.
hmmm. Pumpkins, I guess?
Before the Ward Party on Friday
A bunch of the Gang
Brandon (the alien) and Logan
My cute little Raven
The 3 Amigas Mackenzie, Ainsley and Rebecca
Now, you may need to click on the images for a larger view, but here's how it works. 
See our yard? Pretty and pretty small, too. But I was REALLY wanting a swingset. Our old neighbors across the street were in a bad predicament. They were losing their house. They told me I could have the swingset before it went up for auction, so I had my hopes up. Really high. 
Well, oops! They had the day wrong, so we had like 1 evening notice to get the sucker. Luckily it was my birthday, so how could my honey say no? I wish I had a picture of my neighbor Jim, our friend Kevin, Ryan and we three wives with that HUGE structure on two furniture dollies, wheeling across the street. In the dark. And we parked it on the side of the house because it wouldn't fit through the pool gate.
Taking it apart and putting it back together was no picnic! I was tired of being snapped at, so I went and got out friend Jim, again. He is quite handy. Ryan is handy, but let's be realistic. He is a banker. His hands are lilly white and smooth. There are no callouses there. (sorry honey!)
A few hours later (with the promise of a thank you dinner) here is our finished product! It does take up the majority of our lawn, but the kids are LOVING it. That is what our yard is for. The kids! I am a little nervous that Alexa will never stop swinging, though. I will have to make time for lots of outdoor projects!
Lots of potential, but I couldn't stand the green-washed wood or the snake skin - pleather fabric.
2 98 cent cans of wal-mart black spray paint and a $5 piece of clearance fabric from JoAnns later, here we go! Not bad for $27 and less than an hour! What's next?
Today is the day Alexa turns 18 months! This is a big day because she can now join the nursery at church and not have to make mommy hang out in the halls! Yay!
