Opening Presents–Luke’s Family Party

This kid is a joy to buy for – he’s so expressive.  We didn’t have any trouble seeing if he liked his presents.  I think the eight new Pokémon figurines were a hit.

He also liked his Scuba Playmobil, his Pokémon drawing books, and his Disney Planes. 

The girls made him a Pokémon coloring book, which, of course, he loved.

A Star Wars Mug from G&G Walton and lots of cool Lego from G&G Johnson in St. George.   Matt really liked this mug.

We sure love this kid in our family!  Happy Birthday, Luke!!  Can’t believe you’re SEVEN!!

Forty

Chris and the kids did a good job of making me feel loved on my birthday.  A yummy cake from Nothing Bundt Cake and a pile of presents… mostly kitchen stuff, which the kids were so excited to give me.  Luke couldn’t wait to see my reaction at the cookie sheets.  I think he thought it must be like getting ‘Wii Stuff’ for a mom.  It was so funny to see him so excited for me.  Chris surprised me with beautiful Santa ornaments from Crate and Barrel – 11 Santa’s from different countries.  I love them!

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My favorite present started before my birthday.  On October 7th I found a card on my pillow….

I knew immediately that I was going to get a card everyday as a countdown to my birthday.  What a sweetheart.  So fun to find the hidden card every day somewhere around the house… in my bathroom drawer, in my purse, in the kitchen.  Usually each day’s card had something to do with either something we did that day, or a conversation we had had.  It was thoughtful and I loved it.

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…

This was the year.  The year the stars aligned and everyone wanted to be a Star Wars character.  You might think that I pressure my kids into a theme.  I don’t.  I used to – but honestly there was very little pressuring and much more excitement at new costumes.  These days I’m surprised that the theme idea is still a big hit.  The kids are coming up with more ideas that we’ll ever have years to do.   Mario characters was a big contender – but in the end they decided on Star Wars.  I was pretty happy with that idea since Matt and Luke already own Star Wars costumes and have never worn them Trick or Treating.  Ryan and Katie did not want to be left out of this years fun either.

Ryan – Obi Wan Jedi Master

Katie – Awesome Jedi Girl … she told everyone she was Luke Skywalker’s girlfriend.  “It’s recent” she said.

Emily – Princess Leah – Of course Emily was Princess Leah.  She definitely has the best hair for it.  She loved her costume.  So perfect for her!

Megan – Padma  - Love this girl

Luke – Luke Skywalker of course

Matthew – Darth Vader – Matthew loves all things Darth Vader.  Matt sure loved dressing up and really ‘getting into character’.  He was battling everyone and took down Jedi Katie a couple times.  Man, that’s a cute Darth Vader!

Such a fun Halloween week.  On Wednesday we had the Ward Trunk or Treat and Carnival which was really well done and had a lot of fun activities.   On Friday, Halloween night,  we had 9 families of Cordera friends over for crock pot soups and then trick or treating, games of pool, pumpkin bars, hot apple cider, Hotel Transylvania movie for the kids and lots of talking.  Such a great night.  I love that we have so many good friends here!