Bryson's 9

Traditional morning balloons all over the floor to welcome in the birthday celebration!

We went and had lunch with Bryson at school and surprised him with his favorite tacos. He didn't think he could have them anymore with his new diet restrictions, but leave off the cheese and he's good to go!

 

It was a challenge, but we made a gluten and dairy free cake. It was strawberry flavored and actually turned out delicious. Most importantly, Bryson was very happy!

 

The abundance of gifts!

Thanks everyone for helping to make it such a special day for him!

 

heart-brake

Bryson's hamster has passed away and Bryson was crushed.  This is the first time he's really experienced death.  He handled it well, though had his moments of great heart ache and needing extra comfort through it. He asked if he could chose another pet. After letting him do some research on what he might want and what was required for him to take care of an other animal, he and McKenna chose a bird.

Meet Parry (on the left) and Hustle (on the right). McKenna chose the green with yellow and Bryson chose the white with blue. They both take turns cleaning out the cage and checking their food and water.

 

 Kenna with Parry

Easter 2013

The kids colored some eggs, did an egg hunt with friends, had a big family dinner with lots of yummy food, and enjoyed a day at the zoo.

 

All dressed up in their Easter best!

Halloween

 McKenna went as Jessie the cowgirl and Bryson chose to be a character from a game he likes to play. He called himself Electric Man. We gave him some green glow sticks to help him get the full effect he was looking for.

 

Ward Halloween Party! All three kids filling their bellies. Gavin went as Mr Frederickson from UP.

We did our annual spooky dinner night and this year we all make our own mask. Bryson made his to match his costume, but never actually wore it for trick or treating. He said it was too uncomfortable. Kenna put some creepy crawlers on her mask as well as some red glitter to make it look like blood.

Our food spread changes every year with something spooky or gruesome but it's always delicious and edible.

 

 Time for some trick-or-treating

 They're excited and ready to go

 Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins

 The kids love picking out their pumpkins.

And I enjoy watching them try to pick up the heaviest pumpkin : )

Carving time....the kids designed their own faces and cleaned AND carved their own this year.

 They did a pretty good job! Bryson didn't like the 'slimy guts' as he called them, so he left some of it in his pumpkin. I think it added to the effect.

 And McKenna tried to create a vampire.

They were very happy with the results.