Pumpkin carving time!

Sunday night, Oct. 26
It is that time of year again...pumpkin carving.

How we do this is...

1. the kiddos draw out what they want.

2. Erik and I help clean out their pumpkins.

3. either they or Erik draws their design with a marker on the pumpkin.

4. the kiddos insist that Erik carves their pumpkins.

5. Lindsey did do all of hers this year (an ASU pumpkin).

6. kiddos love what dad has done.

6. mom takes lots of pictures.

7. place outside on the bench and light the candle.

8. fun fun!

Not the funnest part for Lindsey.
Carly likes to help clean out the pumpkins.

Dad working his magic. This year I forgot to buy the carving tools. So, we did very simple faces!

Silly Conner - you are too skinny to be a pumpkin!

Carly helping collect the seeds for us to cook.


Two cute faces! My favorite is the one on the left!

Oops a little blurry, Conner is a sport fanatic, one of his favorite teams BYU!

You ask where was Cole? He was taking a bath racing his cars. He had been outside early jumping on the trampoline and smelt like a piggy!

I love nights like these!

No State Fair, but how about OUTBACK steak house?

Every year since I have been in the Morris family we have gone to the State Fair. It is a fun tradition we love. We would always eat popovers, visit the petting zoo, walk through some of the exhibits and ride lots of fun puke rides. I love to go to the fair because I love all the lights. Now the people there are a little scary - our State Fair is held in the bad part of Phoenix. This year we opted to not go due to every one's crazy schedules. Instead Papa and Grammers treated us to a steak dinner, yummy! Aunt Lizzy called in reservations, but we still had to wait 45 minutes to be seated. Thank goodness Aunt Lisa & Uncle Ryan volunteered to watch Cole (since 2 year olds aren't very fun at restaurants, thank you so very much)! Aunt Liesl (Erik's twin) and her two daughters Shelene and Sheridan. Shelene is getting ready to turn in her mission papers. We can't wait to see where she will serve!
Uncle Richard and Erik being silly. Of course they love to get together and tell funny stories. They make us all laugh.

Me and Aunt Liesl glad she could make it she has been having medical problems.

Michael Webb in the back and Jake Lavold - these two boys are VERY silly.

Oh here are the TEENAGERS! They are cute girls who love to be together!

Lizzy and Tina two of my very CUTE sister-in-laws!

Is it almost time to eat, these animals are HUNGRY?

Jake, Stephanie, Kaelen, Carly and Megan

Me, Tina, Nana and Grammers

Erik, Papa and Uncle Brian talking SPORTS!

Thanks for the delicious dinner and fun company!

Tuesday's time to play!

We decided for our "Tuesday's time to play" we were ready to hit the park. Okay so it is still a bit hot, but there's shade right? We met up around 11:00, everyone brought there own food and we had a picnic. Of course all the kids wanted to do was play and swing until the "Ores" were brought out. Oh yeah and when they discovered Oma brought two mugs full of soda. Life is good. I choose Subway (I'm trying to watch my points, Weight Watcher's) for lunch.

Cole would live in a swing if we let him. He had a great time learning how to climb on some of the equipment for the first time (please don't fall, we don't need another broken bone).

These cute monkey's had a great time (well Sienna got a little nervous when this dog would come near)! We hit Target on the way home and Cole talked me into some Tic Tac's. As you can see he was enjoying them. I would like to have a shaffer and sleep in the car most days (any volunteers?).

Fun day!

No more OMNICEF for Cole!

Poor little Cole man! Monday, Oct. 13 after being at the zoo all day we went to FHE at Gramers and Papa Morris' house. We played, did one minutes, Carly and Lindsey gave the lesson, we loaded in the back of the truck and went and delivered cookies and did the Phantom Ghost to several families and came back for dessert. Cole had started getting a little whinny, but I thought he was just tired from a long day. All of a sudden he stood in one place and just started crying. A hurt cry. I went over and gave him a love and picked him up. He continued to fuss, nothing I could do to console him. Decided it was time to go. Got home getting in the bath tub and saw some bumps on his thighs, gave him some Benedryl. Gave him a breathing treatment, rocked him he feel asleep and put him to bed. He slept all night. Woke up acting normal. Took the kids to the bus, still acted normal. Larissa called and said, "come play and let's do lunch". Went over and let the kids play outside (swings, slide, playhouse, monkey bars, sand toys). Everything was good. Larissa's gets out her nail polish (I love that she keeps my toes pretty) and we are outside enjoying the beautiful weather - I'm getting a pedicure. The kids swing then head inside to watch a movie. It's around 1:30 and Cole starts crying (the painful cry again) and is standing by the TV. We get closer to him and he is just shivering and won't walk. Didn't notice any red bumps today on his thighs. I try to get him to tell me what's wrong. He just cries. Larissa gets him a blanket and we sit down on the couch trying to cuddle him. I think maybe he's tired, but why is he shivering. We go back on forth and I tell Larissa about how he did the same thing last night, but without shivering? We decide to call the Dr. to see if they can squeeze us in. They said bring him right down. Have to wait for 1 hour in the waiting room and then 20 minutes in the room to see the dr. This whole time Cole is wrapped in the blanket and just laying in my arms lethargic and uncomfortable. The nurse comes in and says, "his feet are swollen". (Larissa and I had notice his feet seemed a little swollen, but didn't really think to much about it.) I look down and say, "wow they sure are!" Cole still won't stand up or walk! All he wants is me to hold him and is still shivering. The dr. comes in and checks him out. Asks the typical questions, has he been bit? Do you have scorpions? Is he taking any medicine? I tell him he is still taking the "omnicef" you prescribed for his ears/potential strep. He says, "don't give him anymore". I am at awe, he is having an allergic reaction, but I am not sure to what. They give Cole some benedryl -Cole is starting to get a fever and now his hands and fingers are beginning to swell. He decides to send us to the ER for observation, in case he begins to have breathing problems. Got to the hospital just in time 4:00pm- only had to wait 10 minutes (busy night in the ER after us). Cole's knee's began to swell. The dr. helping us was so kind. He said he was definitely having an allergic reaction, but not the typical symptoms. He ordered a chest x-ray (Cole was a little congested), blood work, wanted some urine and put an IV in. Got into a room and Cole feel asleep. He sleep until 10pm. We waited and waited.

Uncle Logan came by and got us DQ for dinner.
He didn't like that the dr. took off his clothes.
He didn't even mind the IV. He was out! Erik got Conner from cub scouts dropped him off at the Lopez's (Carly was already there). I was suppose to help teach the Wolf den today. Anyway Erik came up to see his little man. Oma and Papa came by on there way home from Utah. Papa and Erik gave him a blessing. Visited for a little while with Oma, Papa and Uncle Logan then sent them on there way (it was getting late and they had all had a long day)! Erik left for work once he realized everything was okay and I said I would be fine (he doesn't have anymore paid time off). Uncle Lance showed up around 10:15. It was fun to visit with him one on one and have his help when I needed to use the ladies room. He was very cute with Cole and waited patiently with me until Cole finally peed (2 IV bags and a sprite later). Around 12:30 am the urine test came back NO extra protein and we got Cole to walk down the hall - now can we go home? Yes, we checked out around 12:50 am and headed for home (I was glad Lance was there to walk us out, thanks bud!) . Lucky for us Conner and Carly stayed the night at the Lopez's, thank you so much you are awesome I didn't even worry. Lindsey stayed at a friend in the ward (Olivia Knapp's), thank you! So, off we went trying to stay awake on the drive home.

Got home and Cole wasn't tired, of course he had slept all night at the hospital. I was ready to jump into bed. He gathered his cars up and wanted to take a bath. Here is was 2am and he is in the bath playing cars. Needless to say, it was a SHORT bath. He began itching in bed and this is what he looked like come morning time.

Welts - all he wanted to do was itch them and cry. He still had the chills and his joints were still swollen a bit.
Poor guy - he wanted Lindsey to hold him and after a few minutes she asked, "is this contagious?" I had to LOL.

Today is Friday and he is finally walking normal and has his appetite back. YEAH!

Oh did I mention Conner has been home now 2 days with 102 fever and a sore throat. I am sure next week will be better.

Phoenix ZOO

Monday, Oct. 13 at 8:10 am our telephone rang and it was my dear friend Wendy Brimhall. They were headed to the zoo and had 4 extra tickets, did we want to come. The kids had no school and we were just going to hang at home and clean. Heck yeah, we will come. I was still in my PJ's, Carly, Erik, and Lindsey were still in bed. I woke them all up and told them I needed their help. Erik and Lindsey had to stay home because Lindsey had an orthodontist appt., but I needed their help the Brimhall's wanted to leave at 9am! Erik and Conner made lunches, Lindsey dressed Cole and we hurried as fast as we could to get everything ready.

I am so glad we went - the company and weather was wonderful. We had a blast! It was Cole's first time to go to the ZOO! He loved it! The Phoenix zoo is awesome!

Carly as a turtle.
Playing in the water after checking out the animals.
The zoo has a fun fun play area. Conner and Cole chased each other around and had a great time.
Cole pushing Carly, he is so big! When did he grow into a little man?
Visiting the petting zoo. The goats were a little feisty.
Conner love your shell!
Wow, what a crocodile.
Cole I think your shell is too big!

Wendy, Alexis and Aiden what fun friends. Wendy's mom, Joyce Bond came too. We really enjoyed each other.

Cole drive the tractor...hold on Carly!

IT was the perfect day. Cole got to see The "wild" (lion) and so many fun animals. Thanks Wendy for thinking of us!

Saved pictures on my MEMORY card!

Yes, a few pictures were still on my memory card so I am going to catch up on a week of blogging.

Friday, Oct. 3 Carly had a 9am check-up on her arm. We decided to plan a whole day around it.

They took x-rays and the bones are healing great!
These are some exercises we are to do. Unfortunately, Carly left with tears because she still can't do PE, ride her bike and any real physical activities until Nov. 3. We are waiting for the pins holes to feel in with new bone.
Lindsey and Cole waited in the waiting room, Carly brought Cole out a succor! "Time to be happy" I told Carly, "we are going shopping. "

Stops we made:

Scout shop

Old Navy

the bank

Superstition Springs Mall (Lindsey got 3 new pairs of pants- I am jealous)

The Pretzel stand (yummy)

Walmart

Conner chose to stay home and play his rented baseball X-Box game. Erik home asleep.

Oct. 4-5 General Conference

One of my favorite weekends. I love conference. We sat around and listened to the prophet Pres. Monson speak. The talks were so awesome! So uplifting and encouraging.

Monday, Oct. 6 Cole was complaining his ears hurt, so off to the doctor we went.

His ears hadn't cleared up and his wheezing bad. Dr.'s orders breathing treatments more often. New medicine for his ears. Dr. worried his congestion might lead to phenomena, yuck!

Tuesday, Oct. 7 spent day at "Amazing Jakes"

Carly invited Whitney S.

Lindsey invited Summer E.

Conner invited Dallin E.

Erik stayed home with Cole

Dallin and Conner they have so much fun together.

Carly & Whitney go round'n round on the mini roller coaster.

What a fun place to go. Amazing Jakes is an indoor fun center. They have bumper cars, go-carts, rock wall climbing, laser tag, mini roller coaster, 18 holes of miniature golf, night bowling, video games, rides and more rides. Did I mention all you can eat buffet including ice cream and cookies. We had such a good time.

Waiting in line to ride the go-carts.

Do you have your license?

Conner you better put your seat belt on, your in for a ride!

Mom let's go hit the track!

Don't throw up - the teacups will do it to you every time!

What are you two up to?

These two had so much fun! Whitney kept telling me "this is the best day of my life!" I am glad they had such a good time.

gOoFy golf - Conner was in it to win! The rest of us just had fun!

Me and Carly - she is my clone!

Crazy Summer!

What a face Lindsey!

Raced back to Queen Creek to hit Cub Scout Pack Mtg. That night Dallin ended up spending the night at our house and after YW's Lindsey stayed the night at Summer's. Lucky for all everyone was tired and the boys weren't up all night!

Wednesday, Oct. 8 we played around the house all day! That night was "Ladies Night Out". Jodi and I had organized a cousins, sisters, aunt night out. It was so much fun! We met at Serrano's for dinner at 6pm. It was so good to see everyone and visit.

Starting on the left: Jodi Alder, Lori Morris, Lisa Steverson, Larissa Lopez

On the Right: Aunt Marilyn Larsen, Cassandra Larsen, Jen Roberts

We missed everyone who couldn't make it! Several ladies that lived in town had YW's - callings that night (Aunt Linda, Amy, Jessica), off on vacation or getting ready to leave(Patrice and Aunt Roxann) and a new baby (Ally)!

We laughed and shared stories of dating, marriage, health, blogs, trips, photography, children and pregnancy! One of us is pregnant! Can you guess who? It was SO much fun! I love hanging out with these amazing women! Blogging has helped us reconnect again!

After dinner everyone except Aunt Marilyn went to the movies (Momma Mia). I can't say it without singing it (ABBA rocks). We laughed, sang and enjoyed being together. We need to get together quarterly! I love you all and enjoyed the time we spent together.

Thursday, Oct. 9 Was my turn to watch kiddos while Lisa and mom worked. We spent the morning playing at the train park. Of course, the bin of sand toys was a hit. Cole spent most of the time on the swings. We spent the rest of the day hanging out and playing. The kids had so much fun together - everyone was there due to fall break ( NO school)!

Erik and Conner went with Papa Morris on the Quail hunt. Left Thursday 12ish and spent the night in Papa's truck. Came home Friday around noon. They had a fun time and even shot some quail.

What a fun week! It was so fun having the kids and Erik off.