"I Want More Candy!"

Halloween was so fun with Sophie this year, she REALLY got into Trick-or-Treating. She was even comfortable enough to say to one lady, "I want more candy!" instead of "trick-or-treat". And...I just happened to get it on video!

Cow Boots

Phil's parents bought Sophie these pink cowboy boots when we went to San Antonio for Phil's boot camp graduation. She's worn them once or twice, but lately she's become very attached to them. She calls them her "cow boots" and wears them constantly. Last week to church and even to bed sometimes. I'm ok with it since they are really cute and we live in Idaho so why not? She can be a cowgirl if she wants!

Operation Domestic Tara

I'm determined to learn how to cook, sew, and become crafty. Luckily, I have lots of friends and family who are willing to help me. This week my mom and Becca helped me make really cute spiders out of shiny pipe cleaners and pom poms for the table decorating contest at our ward Halloween party. I am also proud to announce I made my first ever pie from scratch. My friend Therese helped me make the most delicious banana cream pie I've EVER tasted. She's also teaching me how to cook once a week and I trade by giving her son TJ piano lessons. Next: making gravy from scratch and Christmas crafts. Any ideas?

2 Year Photo Shoot

Sophie Loves Camel's Back Park

2 Years of Joy, Sophie Joy

Sophie is 2! Now that we're rid of the binkie, things are pretty easy going now. As easy as can be with a high maintenance child that is. She loves drawing on the sidewalk with chalk, is obsessed with modes of transportation: cars, boats and airplanes, says phrases like "I want ___.", "no no mommy" and "no no daddy", and many other things, some of which are not decipherable by her parents. She enjoys "nooloos" (noodles), peanut butter and honey sandwiches and pretzels. Happy Feet has surpassed Curious George as her favorite show to watch. We're working on asking for help instead of screaming. Still working at peeing in her potty. And now for the best news of all: At her 2 year check up, we found out she is officially ON the growth chart for weight! Even if it is only the 1-3 percentile...good job Sophie!

Bandon By The Sea

We spent an amazing 5 days at the Oregon Coast in a small town called Bandon. My mom and Ray rented a HUGE house on the beach and we met my brother and sister there. Grams came too! We had SO much fun. The house was amazing. 2 master suites, 3 big screens to choose from, a movie room, sun decks, a pool table, etc., etc. Check it out yourself:

www.bandonseaview.com

We did so much I don't know if I can even remember everything...

Explored the rocks and starfish at the beach, went to a safari game park, ate too much, played games, threw a little early birthday party for Sophie, picked blackberries, made blackberry milkshakes, did a little shopping, played pool, ate some fresh seafood, flew kites on the beach, went on a jet boat ride up the Rogue River, went fishing and caught a 20 pound Chinook salmon, went horseback riding on the beach, saw the famous "Face Rock", and visited the lighthouse.

The only thing that slowed us down a little was a trip to the ER after Sophie poked Phil in the eye and her fingernail scratched it. Phil was in a lot of pain at first. He couldn't sleep and couldn't see. Luckily eyes heal really quickly! You should have seen the doctor, it was hilarious. He had long hair and a beard and he was wearing a pastel multi-colored shirt with big hippie sleeves, a sporty vest, light tan jeans and boots. At first I was a little worried, but after talking to him for a while, we could tell he knew what he was doing. Phew!

Thanks for the awesome vacation Mom and Ray. Awesome memories!

We Went Camping!

We have been wanting to go camping for a REALLY long time! I actually can't even remember the last time we went. I think it was at least 3 summers ago!! My cousin Summer and her family went with us. We found a really sweet spot at Mack's Creek where we had our own dock, covered picnic table, and plenty of shady trees. The weather wasn't as warm as we would have liked, but we had Papa's fishing boat and went cruisin while the boys tried to fish. Sophie loved playing with Navy in the dirt and sticks, throwing stuff in the water, feeding bread to the ducks, and fishing with her dad. My favorite part was of course...the smores!