Happy Halloween!

The kids just love our friends Chad & Jen, so when they invited us to come by for trick or treating we couldn't pass up the fun. They always set the ambiance with spooky music, strobe lights, black lights and spooky decorations. Chad likes to dress up for handing out candy. He was frustrated this year when he couldn't come up with something unique. But when he put on his sombrero and sarape he thought how perfect, "I'll be a Sandoval."
Esaias loves their dogs, and we tried getting a shot of all the puppies, but of course they didn't want to pose. He did enjoy carrying his bag up to the doors to get candy. It only took about 2 houses before he figured out how it all worked. And of course, although it was late and past his bedtime, we were outside taking a walk, riding in the wagon, he was a happy little boy.

The 5th Grade Three Mouseketeers
(aka Jen, Heidi, & Vycci or Padgett, Obermaier & Sandoval)

Fall Festival Brings out the Coolest People

Last night was the Ward Fall Festival, and somehow every year, even when I think we're not dressing up, we decide to pull a costume together last minute. Danny couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy an 80's wig that resembles what he might have looked like, had he lived as an adult in the 80's. We were serenaded in the car to the song Now and Forever, by Richard Marx. And while many people at the party thought he was Michael Jackson (no glove, no bling...) there were a few old enough to remember the stylin' eighties. I am sure glad I met him in the late 90's. I think I just might have resisted that jerry curl. This authentic "Members Only" jacket really made the costume (thanks to Jen & Chad for loaning it to him), along with the raised collar on the pink polo, and the pegged legged pants with the sockless loafers all contributed to him winning the "coolest" costume award.
While we were a decade apart from Danny, Marina and I also won part 2 & 3 of the "coolest" costume. When I was preparing to answer the what or who am I question. I thought I should just answer, "my mom." It's truly scary when you look in the mirror and can see a picture of your own mom in your head.

Lookin' pretty groovy Marina!

It was the year for winning...Isaac won for the most original costume. Yes, he's a garden gnome. Where does he come up with these ideas? Who knows? He reads too much!

Esaias not pictured...got shots on Thursday, and was not feeling up to the party. We forced it upon him anyway. He did wear his doggy costume, but not as happily as he did on his own terms. As usual!

Monday will bring Marina getting to wear her costume all day, while Isaac has to wait until trick or treating to wear his costume again. I will happily be sporting a Mickey Mouse Halloween shirt and some Minnie Mouse ears with my fellow teacher friends to form the 3 Mouseketeers. Much easier costume for embracing a day full of 5th graders wearing costumes. Probably not a whole lot of learning will occur that day. Oh well, I don't make the calendar. Happy Halloween everyone!

Unusual or Not?

Fall break brings us 80 degrees one day and 5 inches of snow another. I'd like to say that's unusual but looking back, it's definitely not unusual for Colorado.

The kids and I were outside raking pine needles and leaves on Monday's 80 degree day. We couldn't keep Esaias inside, so we just went outside and worked. He is always an easy child when we are outside. Happy to play all day.

He was not so happy to be locked in on Wednesday, when it decided to snow all day. He was especially unhappy when Isaac and Marina got to go out and shovel and shake the snow off the trees. I even let him walk outside in his socks, hoping he would get cold and want to come in...Nope that didn't work.
Eventually, I tried bringing the snow into him. That didn't work very well either, as he tried to eat it. I guess I am going to have to buy some boots and snow clothes before Christmas, or I will have one very unhappy child.
During our fall break, we still have the normal gymnastics, soccer, piano practices, and church meetings to keep us busy in the evenings. Throw in a doctor visit, shots, finding Halloween costumes, a trip to Grandma's, Primary Pizza Party, and haircuts... I would say it's been plenty full. That's why I gave myself permission to not have to go anywhere extra this week. I really decided to just be home.We are in the middle of preparing to move, and thought we'd be packing, but since we are still waiting on a closing date, and this makes it challenging to decide when to pack. So, we've just done some organizing, and cleaning. But mostly just a whole lot of just being together.

Isaac teaching Esaias how to play softly...or something like that.

Fall break also brings my schooling to a close. Last week I officially finished my master's program. I am still soaking in the idea that I don't have any school work hanging over my head. However, because I am such a "do-er" it's so hard for me to slow down and really notice the difference. I tend to trade in one job for another...being that report cards are due when I get back to work. I do have to admit that it feels pretty good to know that I am really done!

With Halloween around the corner, I know that we are fast approaching a crazy time of year... Wait a minute! Is there a time of year that isn't crazy? Is crazy the unusual? No, I think not!

Here's to having a great fall break to help me cope with the usual crazy :)

Marina's Special Day

Marina's baptism was this weekend. She was very excited to have so many of her family and friends attend. All of the Sandoval's were present, as well as, the Martin's that live here in Denver, and her Great Grandpa and Grandma Mortensen. Her friends the Gomez' and the Easton's from church, and Mrs. Padgett and Ms. Obermaier from school were all there on Saturday. No one let the first snowfall of the season get in their way. Marina was happy that it snowed saying, "it's white like my baptism." She looked beautiful in her new white dress, and was very happy to have made this choice. I am amazed at how spiritually smart she is. She understands the importance of this choice, and has been waiting all year for this day to come. We love her very much and know that her Father in Heaven is very proud of her too!

It was a very special day for Marina and our family as Danny was able to baptize her.

Esaias would be in this family picture, but of all days to fall asleep at church, he chose today???

Marina's Great Grandpa & Grandma Mortensen

Marina with her auntie's and her Mom. Auntie Marisa gave the talk on baptism, and Auntie Mara played the piano, and gave the closing prayer. Her Uncle Ryan and Marcus were witnesses and stood in the circle, along with Grandpa Mortensen.

Lots of cousins came for the fun, but Leilani got to stay the night for a special sleepover. What a fun day.

Like Father Like Son

Never ceases to amaze me...how much my son's love to be like their Dad. Good thing, I think he's a pretty good influence!

My Doggie!

"I love my dog, Gandalf so much! He let's me sit on him and pretend I am riding him. He let's me look in his nose, and ears without complaint. He even let's me bang on him like a drum. I love how he barks, and how I know he is outside even when I can't see him. I wait for him to come inside to play. What a great friend. I want to be just like him.....

I think I will be like him, for Halloween!" says big E (Esaias)

Too good too pass up, the dog costume that looks like Gandalf. We brought it home, tried it on...and couldn't get it off of him. Esaias kept looking in the mirror at himself...and then "wooof, woof" he so perfectly sounded out. Too fun!