Mostly Treats!

I hope you all had a fabulous time trick or treating! We did out annual pumpkin carving with my Heaton cousins and they had some games as well for the kids to do.

These are pictures of Rory and Paige trying to eat a doughnut off a string. Paige was so cute because she was being super patient (which is rare for her) with her hands behind her back and just kept on trying and trying! We finally just held the string so she could eat it, it was priceless to watch!

Then Saturday we had our ward Halloween party and they did a chili cook-off for dinner then had all the classrooms decorated and had the kids go around trick or treating to the rooms. We were asked to decorate one too and didn't have much in the way of decorations so we just hung up some black plastic garbage bags and made a "maze". Apparently out last minute idea was a hit people seemed to think the maze was really cool! Then of course our costumes.

This summer I ordered them online because everything was on clearance and we got buy one get one free so we decided to be race car drivers and even had a little jumpsuit for Caleb to wear that Mike's mom made for his older brother when he was a baby. My mom and dad helped make the race car to go on the stroller so he was all decked out!

We actually got the angel costume for Paige but she wanted to be a pirate again so Rory got to be the angel, which worked out be cause that seems more fitting for their personalities anyway.

I got lots of surprised looks at the party when I walked in, I guess people weren't expecting it. I also had a few people ask if I had gone on a crash diet or something and I told them no just invested in some spanks! It was fun to wear even if some might have thought it was a little racy (no pun intended) I liked feeling like I looked good, so next year go for the Hot Mama look to you won't be disappointed! Happy Halloween!

Twice Blessed!

Introducing Logan and Jaxson Brimhall !!! My sister Joanna just had her 1st & 2nd baby on Thursday afternoon! In fact when I was writing my Disneyland post and saying Joanna was in the hospital trying to keep them in it was about that time that they were taking them out! They were born at 30 weeks and are doing great and so is Joanna!! They are both 3 pounds 14 ounces. Logan is 17 in and Jaxson is 16 in. These pictures are right after birth so they have on the c-pap masks but now they are both breathing on their own. They have quite a bit of dark fuzzy hair and are super cute I can't wait to hold them! Welcome to the family Logan & Jaxson ... Caleb is excited to have some new boy cousins to play with! 

Caleb's Birthday

  
Caleb's birthday was on October 20th which happened to be on a Wednesday and I had a board meeting for RS that night and the next night Rory's school's fall festival so we celebrated his birthday on Friday night with the rest of Mike's family.

 It was pretty standard, we had pizza, opened presents and then had cake and ice cream, it was fun and crazy but poor little Caleb wasn't feeling his best (in fact he had a fever the next morning) so when it was time for the ceremonial first birthday cake he wasn't really into it. 

I think there was just too much going on and too many people trying to get him to look, smile, laugh, clap or do whatever besides it was past his bedtime so he was totally done after about 2 min. as you can see by the look on his face in the pictures!

 He did like opening his presents and we officially have boy stuff in the toy closet instead of just girl stuff! He is such a boy look at that already crashing his cars!

We also had his 1 year check up at the doctor and I was surprised that he only weighs 21.6 lbs which drops him down into the 25% for weight is 28.75 in long which puts him at about the 50%  and is still in the 95% for his head at 19.25 in circumference. 

 He is such a sweet little boy I can't believe he has been apart of our little family for a whole year now! Love you Caleb! 

p.s. the great pic's of Caleb (1st & last) are courtesy of  Liz  Farnsworth of Red Bucket Photography, so if you live in the San Antonio area you just gained an amazing photographer! Miss you Liz!

Disney Vacation

Way back in January my family signed up for Disney's program Give a Day Get a Day, the service project we did was making blankets for project Linus. Rory got all excited about picking out her fabric and even helped with the sewing machine and learned to tie a quilt, but then both girls asked everyday when we were going to Disneyland.

We planned to go the first weekend in November but then my sister Joanna found out she was expecting twins and her doctor told her she wouldn't be able to travel then so we moved it up to the second weekend in October but she still ended up not being able to go and is actually in the hospital right now trying to keep those little boys in there a few more weeks! Anyway we packed up and drove over Friday morning and my parents and two of my sisters and their families got there later that night. We spent all day Saturday at Disneyland and had a wonderful time!

The girls we so excited and Caleb did amazing! My parents stayed with us most of the day to help with Caleb so that was nice to be able to experience it with them.

 Rory and Paige did awesome they even went on the big rides like the Matterhorn, Splash and Space mountain! Well Rory did those last two because Paige wasn't tall enough but they did great!

We went back to the hotel around 5pm for a nap and then ate dinner and headed back over about 7pm and stayed there till the park closed at 1am!  My camera broke before lunchtime so we only got a few picture which was a totally bummer we gotta  few and my mom has some better luck next time I guess. We drove home on Sunday so it was a quick trip but we had fun!

Caleb Michael Hanchett is 1 year old!

I haven't done a real post in such a long time and since this is such a big milestone I thought I would do a quick recap of the last 6 months, which was the last time I gave a Caleb update. So since then at 7 months Caleb learned to sit up all on his own!

    At 8 months Caleb took his first plane ride and we visited my sister that moved to Seattle 5 days after he was born!

At 9 months we were still in Seattle having a wonderful time! When we did get home and went in for his check up though his stats were... 20 lbs 14 oz ... 29.5 inches ... 19 inches for his head!

At 10 months he was still content to be stationary and didn't seem to have any plans to do otherwise! Toward the end of that month he did start moving around a little more but never in a consistent fashion, he would roll, army crawl, flip over on his back and inch worm on his head etc. but could go up the stairs so out came the baby gate! And then he started pulling himself up on the furniture and walking back and fourth on that a little but still no conventional crawling, silly boy!

At 11 months he decided he could walk around the whole house holding on the couch, table, wall etc. and then started doing the army crawl on a regular basis.

It wasn't until about a week or so ago that he actually got up on his knees and crawls conventionally. He also stands unsupported for a few seconds at a time now and has actually taken a couple steps between things unknowingly. So we think he maybe walking before we know it!

And then of course 12 months...I can't believe it has been a year already! Where has the time gone. I am so thankful to have this sweet little boy in my home and in my heart, I just can't get enough of his smiles and giggles and he gives the best hugs I have ever had, hands down, seriously! I love you Caleb!

Prince and Princess Night at Chick-fil-A

It's obvious the "Prince" idea is to try not to be exclusive of boys.  But still...

Take some little ones out to Chick-fil-A in the food court at Superstition Springs mall on Friday night. Princess available for photos (not princes), and clowns for scaring the children away, actually I mean they are doing balloon art.  If the kids (princes or princesses) are dressed up they get a free kid's meal.

Okay so I'm not really that connected I keep finding out about these deals from this new blog I found called iheartmesa.blogspot.com so add them to your reader and you can be in the know too!

Superstition Farms

Awesome September Days for $5 at Superstition Farms!

$5 days will continue through September! Come on the following days and for $5 you will get to enjoy the petting zoo, tour the dairy on a guided hayride and finally.....you will be rewarded with yummy ice cream from Udder Delights!

September 21st, 22nd, 23rd

September 28th, 29th, 30th

The $5 special will be between 9am and 12:00 and the hayride will begin at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30.

We know its hot, but our animals still need love! You will be in a shaded areas while on the farm, including the petting zoo and hayride. We can always cool you off with the hose if you get too hot! Seriously, we're not joking. We love doing that!

We totally want to go so if you are interested in going too just let me know and we'll make a day of it!

Free 3-Month Zoo Membership from Banner Hospitals

Have you delivered a baby at any of the Banner Hospitals???

If you've delivered a baby at a Banner Hospital you can fill out Banner's form here to receive a free Kids' Health Guide and a

Free 3-Month Family Membership to the Phoenix Zoo. 

Click the link you find on the right side of this page. 

I registered today.  I usually have a zoo pass anyway but haven't renewed yet since it last expired so the timing is perfect! Our family should be able to get a few visits in while its warm enough to play in the water features then when we'll still have free membership for a couple of cooler months. Plus I hear they will have the the Koala's on loan from San Diego for a while so now is your chance to see them! 

For the Locals: Sweeties Candy of AZ

I saw this post on a blog I have been recently following and thought I would pass it along to all my fellow Arizonans!

We heard on the RADIO about a new Candy Store. It was said to be the LARGEST in AZ. I immediately though, "Cool!! When can we go?" We decided to go Saturday and man - I was NOT disappointed!

Sweeties Candy of AZ has every candy you could think of!!!
I love candy, but more than anything, I was happy that I had access to a place with so many varieties of candy for all my crafts, displays, and church lessons.

Here are some of the pics:
I LOVE these old-fashioned Candy Sticks!
Heaven for a Pez Collector
Every Candy Bar you could think of.
I LOVE Vintage Candy - which they have plenty of!!
SIXLETS - by color!! How cool is that?!
Candy Corn - a personal fave a pregnancy craving!
Also a Halloween must!!
Can't wait to put these babies in one of my Halloween Jars
The Flavor: Orange Pineapple
And my Fav: Gumball Eyes. Perfect for my Apothecary Jar for Halloween!


The KIDDOS were in Heaven.

If you leave in the PHX Valley, you need to go check this place out.

You will love it!!

It's in the NW corner of Alma School & Chandler Blvd.

ENJOY!

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

I came across this as I was working on a lesson for RS and it was something wonderful I needed to hear and hope it touches your heart too!

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

Creative Kids Preschool!

That's right Ladies and Gentlemen I am starting a Preschool out of my home! It is something I have thought about for a while and with my own preschool age daughter at home what better time then now! I will offer classes 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each. Right now I am thinking T-TH from 9-11:30 but if that class fills up I will add a M-W class as well. Tuition will be $65 a month if paid by the 10th. There will be a $20 registration fee. There will be a discount for families enrolling multiple children. I would like classes to start after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 7th, 2010. It's coming up quick!

I am a certified elementary education teacher and taught for 3 years before starting a family and becoming a stay at home mom. During those 3 years I covered kindergarten, a 1st/2nd grade combo class and a 4th/5th grade combo class where we taught at around a second to third grade level, so basically I've covered a lot of ground in those few years. I also participated in a co-op preschool with some friends  a couple of years ago with my oldest was preschool age. In addition to my professional teaching experience I have plenty of experience with young children as I am the mother of three children ranging in age from 10 months to 6 years.

I am very excited about this new adventure and hope you will join me! If you are interested please contact me at 480-250-0157 or rachelhanchett@gmail.com

Don't forget to tell your friends!

Seattle Days 26 - 33

Day 26 - Sunday July 18th - This was our last Sunday in Bothell and it was funny because I think even the ward members were ready for us to go home, several people commented I had been there a long time and asked when I was leaving! They were all really nice though and asked if we like it enough to come back, I said yes because you can't beat not having 115 degree weather!

Day 27 - Monday July 19th - This morning we were going to go to the Space Needle but on our drive into town in true Seattle fashion it was overcast and foggy, you couldn't even see the Space Needle because it was hidden in the clouds. So we opted to go to Pikes Place Market instead.

It is a big street market with all kinds of vendors and shops and is the most famous for this one booth that sells seafood but the are the one that throw the fish back and forth to each other, we tried to get a picture of that but the crowd was too big and we couldn't get a clear shot. It was a fun place to walk around and we even found the Aurora Ave sign again so we got a picture this time.

 

We went back home for lunch and then later that night we went back to the Space Needle because the sky had clear by then.

  

It was pretty cool and the kids liked playing with all the touch screens that told you things about what you were seeing. You probably know it was built for the Worlds Fair but I learned that it was originally designed as a residence they architect thought that is what everyones houses would be like in the future!

There is a really funky building next door that is a music and sci-fi museum, we took some pictures there as well on our way out.

 

Day 28 - Tuesday July 20th - Today Caleb is 9 months old and to celebrate we went on another hike to a place called Franklin Falls. Again it was only about a mile each way through the trees next to a river, I love this place!

 

On our way to the trail head though we missed the turn off and as we went farther up the road we got stopped because they were filming a commercial for the new 2011 Honda's so that was kind of cool to see that happen so if you see an new Honda commercial where they cars are driving down a windy road weaving in and out of the tree line we were right there watching it! Anyway we turned around and found the trail and hike to the falls it was beautiful. The kids played in the water a little bit but then on the hike back we found another spot to play and eat lunch as well.

Day 29 - Wednesday July 21st -    We spent the day cleaning, doing laundry and packing because we are planning on leaving at 6am tomorrow morning to start our drive to the Ranch and then home! I went with Shelley to something her ward does called "My Sister's Kitchen" it is once a month and there is a food theme and then they all make something that goes with that theme and bring it to share, then they vote on whose dish they like the best and give it the tasters choice award. This month is was summer fair so Shelley made an Asian Chicken Salad that was super good in fact it was so good she won the award!

Day 30 - Thursday July 22nd - Bright and early Shelley and I loaded up the 8 kids and headed out. This leg of the trip took us through part of Oregon and then we ended up in Boise, ID. It was an 8 hour drive and the kids did pretty well. We had to stop every few hours so I could feed Caleb anyway so everyone was able to get out and go the bathroom, have a snack and stretch their legs. Once we got in to town we found the Boise Temple and got out there to walk around and take some pictures. Then headed over to chuck-o-rama for dinner everyone was way excited about that but sadly the boys let the fun get a little out of control and started shooting spit wads at each other, not a wise choice. Then we headed to one of Shelley's friends house in Nampa where we spent the night.

Day 31 - Friday July 23rd - Even though this leg of th rip was only 5 hours it was the roughest. Today we drove to Centerville, UT to stay with our Aunt Diane but I think because we had been driving all day yesterday and still had to drive another 5 hours tomorrow everyone's nerves were a little raw! We were going to drive into SLC and walk around Temple Square but once we got to Aunt Diane's everyone was so done being in the car we decided to not to. So the kids stayed and played baseball outside in the field while Shelley and I went to the distribution center and a Shade Clothing store in Centerville and then went to get some pizza's for dinner.

Day 32 - Saturday July 24th - Happy Pioneer Day...even though we didn't go to the parade or anything! We got all packed up again and head the next 5 hours to the Ranch! We did stop at Cove Fort and took in some Pioneer Heritage there. This was the first time I've stopped there and it was really nice, everything has been restored there really well the kids had a great time. If you are every driving by you should stop in for while! We finally made it to the Ranch and everyone was happy to see Grandma and Grandpa Turley again! It had been a month for my kids but 9 months for Shelley and her family.

Day 33 - Sunday July 25th - Today is the day we get to see MIKE AGAIN!!! Nathan flew down to AZ on Friday after work to spend some time with his mom and then he and Mike were going to drive up together on Sunday. We didn't know what time they were going to leave so we waited anxiously for what seemed like forever for them to drive in! They finally did at about 3pm and boy was I happy to see him! They girls were super excited too. Caleb was having a hard time with pretty much anyone but me holding him once we got to the Ranch so I was worried he wouldn't remember Mike but thankfully that was not the case he went right to him and was probably just as happy to see his Daddy again as the rest of us. As much as I love the Ranch and seeing my cousins I was tempted to ask Mike if he was ready to just turn around and go home. So the moral of the story is don't be apart from your family for 33 days...it's just too long!