Good Blogging Software

For the past month or two I've been contemplating over blogging software, something that would give me more control over the format of my posts. I have a mac and have found quite a few different programs that could be of some use. I had also looked in to using Wordpress instead of blogger, but Wordpress doesn't allow videos. But really, how many videos do I really post anyway? The video's that I do post can be on my facebook page perhaps...hmmm.

As you can see I'm still contemplating. I may switch over to wordpress, or if I find a program that I like for blogger, perhaps I'll stick with it. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Family Portraits

It's been a long time since we've had family portraits done. In fact the last time we had them taken K was 3 days old. The kids are getting so big so fast. 

5 and 2 years old these two are a pair when they are together. But they never cease to show their love for each other. 

In kindergarden already, she's becoming a young lady and I just hope she doesn't grow up too fast. I'll miss the times she wants to pretend. Usually it's princess or some sort of animal but it's always fun while it lasts.

This little one is a handful. And we are still wondering where her blue eyes and blonde hair came from. She is constantly into anything she can get her hands on. Very curious about everything but she is also very sweet; your heart just melts when she runs up and gives you a hug.

And of course where would our family be without "us". We've had 6 years together now, almost 7. I can't say it's been paradise the whole ride but I wouldn't change it for anything. 

Families are Forever

This year for Halloween we made some new decorations to hang in the entry way. It looks neat during the day, I just need to get some glow in the dark paint or some luminescent paint so it'll glow under a black light at night. It's hard to see at night and I was afraid that people would walk right into it. Perhaps next year I'll add some dry ice to make it a bit scarier.

One weekend weekend we took a trip to one of the local farms and bought some pumpkins. I was on my own this particular weekend while Adam was sweating away down in Phoenix. I had heard that one of the farms had a corn maze which I've been wanting to experience for myself. This farm however wasn't the one, I was out of luck. But they still had a good time picking out their pumpkins.

The girls both knew what they wanted to dress up as for halloween. Iolana of course wanted to be a princess. Kaylin decided she was going to be Dora. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't get pictures of their costumes. I bought a plain purple backpack and drew Backpack's face on it. Then went to the thrift store and picked up a plain pink shirt and orange shorts. We already had yellow socks and the pink and white shoes, and that was that! 

For Iolana's costume we was a peach fairy princess. We already had the peach colored princess dress, but we added some wings, a pretty tiara, and lots of sparkles! They had a great time at the trunk or treat the church sponsored, though we didn't bring nearly as much candy as we should have. We took a few blocks around our neighborhood as well. We strategically skipped over certain houses because of the scary lights and decorations.

Plants Day 15

They're growing pretty good.

Plants Day 10

Trying to catch up yet again.

Our plants on day 10

Thumb Butte

On separate occasions we have climbed up Thumb Butte in Prescott's National Forest. Here are pictures from a few of those trips. 

This is what it looks like from the base, no problem right? It's steeper than it looks. And be prepared to carry your 2-4 year old with you if you take them along. On the bright side of things that means a better workout for you.

Iolana, Kaylin and our friend Lindy playing around before we head up the mountain.

We made it to the top. Luckily they have benches at the top. And look at the view! Breath taking to see all the mountains everywhere. 

Despite all the hard work all the kids didn't seem too tired. But of course we had to hike back down the mountain.

On a separate trip Adam and I got to the top and then we went a little bit further. The very top of the Butte has no trail, it's all rock. Very popular for rock climbers. We didn't have gear but I wanted to climb up as far as we could thinking we could make it to the top. Adam humored me and followed along. 

We got pretty far up but without gear we weren't able to get to the top. If I didn't have the kids and a family I probably would have tried to get further, but I have more than myself to think about now. It was still fun to do.

And finally here are the kids as we head back from the mountain. They made it but deserve a rest and some food! Next stop is home.

These two are rearing to go seeing as they were carried up most of the way. 

Iolana's First Day of School

So my little girl is growing up. She starting kindergarden in yet a new school. Arizona has a nice set up though. You can take your child to any school you want, however, if they may not have bus service if you don't live local to the school. We found a nice charter Montessori school and hope that the girls like it. It seems like the past five years have just flown by. And I was lucky enough to have been able to spend her last year of no school at home with her. Yes, there were difficult times but there many more fun times to remember. How I love her and all her ways. May this first year in school be a good one that will have her wanting to come back for more!