Turkey Bowl 2009

One of our favorite things about Thanksgiving is the annual Turkey Bowl. Everyone is invited. We were so excited because this year we had even more girls than usual. And of course we held our own. We have plays for small, medium and big. We were also excited that our Bishop came. We have such fun friends who support our annual event. This year we had over 24 people. If you haven't attended we hope to see you next year. Put it on your calendar, 9:00am at Falcon Park. We missed all of our Uncles, Aunts and cousins, but we also had a few surprise additions this year, including the retro helmets that Jeff found online.

Mission: SS (Surprise Sister) West Virginia

My darling sister Kim turned the big "30" on Friday, November 13th. Back up to two months ago. I was talking to my little sis and we were discussing the fact that she was hitting a big milestone this year. She told me that it was going to be a quiet birthday because my almost doctor brother-in-law, Morgan, was doing his ER rotation in Michigan the whole month of November. I got off the phone and called Sara, my other little sister. We both decided that we just couldn't let her celebrate it alone. Then, we called our Mom who is always up for an adventure and the planning began. When we checked in with my brother-in-law we soon found out that he was planning a surprise of his own. We offered to cancel our plans but he commented that she needed her sisters and mom. So, we put the plan into action. It has been a painful few months keeping it a secret from my sis. Everytime we talked we expressed how much we missed each other and how much the cousins missed each other. On Thursday, November 12th our journey began. We had a layover in Cincinnati and met up with my sister Sara and then we all made the journey in a "puddle jumper" to Colombus, Ohio. When we saw the small aircraft the adults were leary but Brynlie was so excited because she was able to board a plane on the tarmack like in the movies. She quickly found that they are not quite as solid or sturdy as a bigger aircraft and you feel every turn. So our adventure began! Before Morgan came Bryn and Sara were able to get a massage in the chair. Can you believe we fit all of our luggage in Morgan's car. We called it the clown car. It was the trip of a lifetime and I am so thankful to have been blessed with two incredible sisters and an amazing mom! We missed our sister-in-laws Anna and Becky, but we will get them on the next girl's trip!

SURPRISE!

This picture speaks for itself. About one hour away from the house we get a phone call from Kim. The four of us were dead silent. When Morgan hung up we couldn't figure out if she knew, or if she was just checking in. When we arrived at the house she was at the school carnival with Savannah, and Morgan's sister Elizabeth was babysitting Maggie and Max. We snuck up the stairs and waited. When Kim walked into the house she didn't suspect a thing. That is until she walked around the corner and saw the shadow of a strange man who couldn't be her husband because he was supposed to be in Michigan on rotations. He yelled now and we all jumped out. She freaked out and couldn't believe her eyes. She was so surprised! The entire weekend she was still trying to make sense of it all and wanted to know how we could've all pulled it off. Yes, they all thought that I would blab it for sure!

West Virginia and Ohio - The Scenic Route

The Garrett Family took us to a scenic point to see the Ohio River. On one side was West Virginia and the other side was Ohio. This point is very historic and played a significant role during the Civil War. It was breathtaking. We missed the leaves at their peak by about two weeks, but it was still absolutely gorgeous. I love small quaint towns. We took a lot of pictures since Brynlie is doing her state report on West Virginia this year. And we can't forget Brynlie's signature pose when she turns the camera on herself and whoever is standing with her at the time. I wonder where she learned that JEFF?

Boo's Birthday Dinner

On Friday we went to Olive Garden for Kim's birthday dinner. I have the best sisters ever! One of the things I love and admire most about my brother-in-law is how he treats my sister. Yes, this is how they act all of the time. Three kids later and they still think they are newlyweds. We had such a great time and brought the 30's on with a bang!

Fun at the Park

Savannah was so excited for us to see the park with the roller slide. We had fun playing with the kids and playing in the leaves. It was truly a piece of heaven just being with my mom and sisters. It was also fun to see the look of surprise on Sara's face when she saw the crazy side of Bryn on the swings.

Goodbyes are the WORST!

We had a FANTASTIC four days with my sisters, mom, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew. It was so hard saying goodbye. I think Bryn cried the first 20 minutes to the airport. Thank you Morgan, Boo, Sara and Mom for the amazing trip and thank you especially to Jeff for letting us go! Morgan, I think you are right, we need to do this every year! Happy Birthday Sis!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! A favorite tradition of the Reid Family is to go to Grandpa and Grandma Gillespie's house, after we trick or treat in our neighborhood, and see the best decorated haunted house around. She even has synchronized music and lights to go with her haunted pirate theme. We have talked to the Lady who owns the house and she professes to love Halloween more than Christmas. This year we took some of Bryn's friends and they were amazed. We just had to take some pictures. On a sad note you will notice that Tyson isn't in any of these pictures. He took off to a party with some buddies. Complete with cute girls and dancing. Where does the time go?

Mummy Dogs

The George family was so kind to invite us over for dinner before we started trick or treating. The menu included delicious mummy dogs! We had such as great time with some very cute, scary, creative creatures and families. Thanks George Family!

The Pumpkin Patch

On Friday October 30th, the kids had the day off for teacher work day. As we were running errands Tyson piped up and said, "Mom, we haven't been to the pumpkin patch yet and Halloween is tomorrow." So, we headed to the pumpkin patch. We were so lucky that Ellie was spending the day with us so she could share in our tradition. I love the fact that Tyson is still such a great sport. The theme at the patch was pirates. I had to chuckle as some of the little kids in their costumes could hardly see over the maze walls made of bales of hay, and then there was Tyson, clearing them each like they were a step. Who gave them permission to grow up? NOT ME!

Halloween Parade and Party

Bryn had such a fun Halloween parade and party this year. I absolutely love to volunteer in her class and love it when I am addressed as "Brynlie's Mom." Here are a few fun pics of the parade and her class. Notice the look on Brynlie's face when I made her pose with the two boys who sit by her. They are really good friends to Bryn but she was about to kill me! As a side note, she is now in 5th grade and while some of the girls have crushes and want to know who the boys like, Brynlie is on the soccer field with the boys, usually being picked first to be on a team and trying to humble those boys that talk themselves up too much! I absolutely love this girl!

Elle Woods

Every year Brynlie has her costume idea finalized by about July. This year she really wanted to be Lucy of I Love Lucy. When we tried on the wigs she couldn't find the right one and in a moment of frustration began looking around and discovered the perfect costume for her. Elle Woods, complete with a purse and Bruiser the dog. She fell in love with the costume and was a darling Elle Woods. The only problem was that her family were the only ones to witness her bend and snap. Here are a few cute pictures.

The Biggest Kid of All!

Believe it or not, Jeff is the biggest kid in this family! Those of you who know us well know this to be true. I would say that Halloween is Jeff's favorite holiday. Every year he buys a new decoration and he always makes sure that our kids have their costumes by September 1st. This year was no exception. Bryn had her costume in September. I was actually quite relieved that we didn't make our 1st Monday of October trek to buy more Halloween decorations, because to be frank I am running out of Halloween storage space. But do you think he held off? NO! Two weeks before Halloween a package was waiting on our doorstep. I called Jeff at the football fields and you would of thought he was a little kid waiting for the best present ever. When he got home he made us all go in the other room while he set up his latest purchase. When we came in the front room this is what we found.....

I was afraid that we would scare the little trick or treaters. Instead we had great comments all night! My two favorites were, "This is the most RADICAL house!" and "Mom, it looks like a monster ate Heidi's house." Can't wait for next year!

Tender Mercies

I have been blessed with an amazing extended family. This weekend was such a tender weekend for our family. My cousin Jennifer and her husband Nate were sealed to their gorgeous baby boy Kole this weekend. Just a few hours ago we returned from their baby blessing. The spirit was so strong and the look in Kole's eyes said it all. Saturday at the Temple after the sealing had taken place Jennifer whispered in Kole's ear, "You are mine." Jennifer is one of the most courageous people I know. Her diabetes has made it very difficult for her to get pregnant, something she has wanted for a very long time. She is so wonderful and nurturing and while I don't know all that she has gone through, I know that it has been so hard on her on many levels. Medically they tried everything and then they went through the church adoption agency, even that was slow going. The tender mercies of the Lord brought Kole to this incredible family. Kole is such a blessing to them. I love you Jennifer and Nate, and I know that Kole is where he is supposed to be, sealed to the two of you. Sometimes those valiant spirits just find a creative way to make it down to earth. Thank you for letting us share this day with you!

The Halloween Music Bash

After Tyson's football game we hurried home to get ready for the Albion Middle School Halloween Music Bash. The students get to dress up in costumes other than their concert clothes. Tyson and Logan Whipple decided that they would be the "Men in Black." Here is a fun picture of them after the concert and just outside Baskin Robbins for yet another tradition, treats after the concert. They were quite entertaining during the concert and stayed in character the whole time. The concert was wonderful!