David Archuleta Christmas Concert

No, this picture is NOT of David Archuleta but of Benton Paul, who again opened for D.A. I took Meili to this holiday concert at Abravanel Hall last week, just before Thanksgiving. These boys (David & Benton) are soooo adorable, and they put on a great show to kick off the Christmas season. David's too big a sensation around here to be allowed out into the lobby afterward. But Benton braved the fans, and the girls got another picture with him.

Tooth Fairy's Back in Business

Ana lost her first tooth last week. She was terrified that her mouth would bleed when it came out, so she managed to hang on to it until it just fell out in her hand while she was untwisting it--not one drop of blood. She was soooo happy and proud of herself!

A Bribe

Flu Fighters

The kids at the health department after their h1n1 vaccines. In this picture, Meili is doing her best swine flu impersonation.

Hula Girl

Ana fit perfectly into this sweet dress from Granny. We added long sleeves and tights for warmth cause Halloween in Utah is COLD. She must have charmed all the neighbors because her bag is bursting with candy.

Porch Pumpkins

Jack-o-Lanterns on display. (Meili's is the swine flu pumpkin with the pig nose.)

Belle of the Ball

Meili is attending her high school's masquerade ball tonight. We spent the last week pulling this costume together after she found this gorgeous dress of my mom's while rummaging through my closet. I figure mom must have worn it in the early 60s. Anyone know for sure? If you haven't guessed, Meili is dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast. We even found the perfect earrings in my mom's jewelry box. Thank you, Grandma!

Carving Pumpkins

Fall Band Concert

Eliah showing off his great drumming skills.

Ana at the Pumpkin Patch

The Kindergartners had a fun field trip to the Pumpkin Patch, and I went along. Ana had a wonderful time with her classmates. They tried to get lost in the cornmaze. Then they played for an hour on the cute playground. You can see it was a beautiful day.

Birthday Cards

Can you believe we were in Disneyland on Daryl's birthday?! Cruel family. The girls tried to make it up to him the day we got back with these cute posters. Ana's says: "Love dad. . . hot pop. . . bump (don't get that!) . . . Go Dad. . . you're the best." Cute, huh?!

Destination: Disneyland

We had an opportunity to take a trip with Stephen & Debbie and Katie & Dave. Natalie & Abbie met up with us too! There's nothing like being at Disneyland with your family. And I mean that in a good way!

Benton Paul + Special Guest

Meili and Jessica attended a concert at the Murray Theater with 2008 American Idol finalists Brooke White and Michael Johns. The opening act was the entire reason for attending: Benton Paul, who opened for David Archuleta back in the spring. After BP performed, the girls spent the majority of the concert camped out in the lobby hoping for a David Archuleta sighting. They were rewarded a couple times. (Meili has the whole story if you'd like to hear it.) He joined all the artists on stage for a finale. Meili's becoming a champion celebrity stalker.

Soccer Star

I finally relented (stopped being lazy) and signed Ana up for soccer. She loves it and, of course, laughs every time she kicks the ball. Turns out the assigned coach quit last minute, so now the parents are taking weekly turns with the coaching. It's been my turn this week, and I'll be glad when I can just sit along the sidelines again and cheer, as I'm supposed to do.

Kindergarten . . . Finally!

A week after the big kids started their respective schools, Ana attended her first day of Kindergarten. She has Mr. Kay, and he is the coolest! Ana is an extremely enthusiastic student. She should have a great year.

Katie's HD Antenna

We were all creative for Katie's birthday. Here's what Eliah built. Some contraption, huh!?