Julie's Wedding

In November, I went on my very first trip by myself....no Owen, Maddy, Eva or Marc. My sister Julie was to be married the week of Thanksgiving, so I booked my solo flight and spent 5 days in UT with no parental obligations. I will not lie, it was absolute bliss. Of course, I missed my little ones and Marc, but it was so nice to have a break. I didn't know what to do with myself. Every flight I have taken in the last 8 years has been spent entertaining/restraining at least one baby or toddler. So, this was strange. But a good kind- knowing I would be back with my little critters in less than a week. This was also Marc's first time alone with the kids for five days. I can't say he experienced the same feelings of bliss, but he did a great job holding down the fort in my absence. I arrived back home the night before Thanksgiving, just in time to churn out some pies to express how thankful I was for his efforts :).

Julie was married in the Provo Temple. That was a nice surprise. I love only having to drive 15 minutes to get to a temple wedding. She looked beautiful (as always) and very happy with her Seth.

We took pictures on the grounds of the temple afterward. I haven't seen any of the pictures (that is a nudge, Julie:) otherwise I would post them. We experienced unbelievably frigid weather that morning. Here, Cindy and I are huddled to conserve body heat. I am cold just thinking about that day.
Afterward, was the wedding luncheon. I got to sit at a table with my sisters (and Brady!) it was fun to catch up.

This little guy made me miss Owen....badly. My sister Doreen brought along her baby Mason when she flew out for the wedding. He is such a cutie.

Julie's wedding reception was at the Art City Museum (of course!). You are not officially a "Call" until you have your reception here :). My sister-in-law, Deborah, impressed us all again with her cake-making skills. This was her second attempt at a wedding cake, and she did fantastically, once again. I have no picture of the food, but it was catered by my brother-in-law, Brady, and it was delicious. Doreen was the mastermind behind all of the flowers at the wedding, and made everything look fantastic. My parents have officially reached a point in life where they can turn over virtually all of their weddings responsibilities to their children. I guess that is a perk of having 12!

Here is an outtake of our attempt to get a family picture before the reception started. Our whole family was able to make it to the wedding, with the exception of Tim (who is in Brazil on a mission) and Sherie (who was too pregnant to fly). Both were missed!

A Scoula Nel Tinello

A few months back we had the opportunity to participate in a photo series for an Italian publication, Il Sole 24 ORE. The article discussed recent trends in homeschooling in the US. Two homeschooling families in NYC were photographed. If you are interested in reading the article, here it is. For all you non-Italian speakers, here is the translation. Here is an accompanying photo series.

Yes, we are homeschooling again this year. It is going well. Some days are better than others, but that is life in general, now isn't it? :)

First Dentist Visit

After Owen's 3rd birthday, I knew his first visit to the dentist was fast approaching. I was a little hesitant to schedule this appointment, because Owen has never been a super cooperative teeth-brusher. Some nights he willingly lets me "tickle his teeth" if I concoct an elaborate story line that involves him acting out the part of a baby dinosaur. But, more often than not, it is a fight to get into his mouth, and do a thorough job. I had visions of a fiery dentist chair temper tantrum when I tried to imagine how this would all play out.

But, to my surprise, he had a fantastic inaugural dental experience. He wasn't too keen on the x-ray machine (as you can tell from this picture), but overall he totally impressed me with his behavior.

"Yep, no cavities!" Owen cracked the dentist up when he made this exclamation while she was letting him play with her tools.

The girls both had an appointment during this same visit, and I was so glad to have them there to show Owen how easy and non-scary a dentist appointment can be. Thankfully, we are all still cavity free!

I can't believe my "baby" is old enough to visit the dentist!

Eva is 6

Hiding excitement can be difficult at times for Eva :). Eva turned 6 at the end of September. Like Owen, she had a small family party. Eva wanted a bunny party. "Hoppy Birthday" signs decorated our apartment.
Eva wanted a bunny cake. My birthday falls right around Easter (actually I was born ON Easter once upon a time) and I have a vivid memory of my mom making me this exact same cake- probably when I was around Eva's age. Mine had licorice whiskers and jellybean eyes- a giant pink bowtie and coconut "fur."
We made Eva's with home-made whipped cream frosting, and a fruit face. The flaming whiskers were actually Uncle Mason's idea. He was here visiting the week before her birthday and made the suggestion- and it stuck. Eva wouldn't have anything but flaming whiskers.

Eva received a cute pink sweatshirt from Grandma and Grandpa Chenn, which has quickly become here favorite wardrobe piece.

She also received a sticker book from Grandma and Grandpa Chenn, which has provided hours of entertainment.

Eva was just a wee bit excited about her new baseball glove from mom and dad. Happy Birthday Eva! We love you so, so much.

Owen is Three

This year, we have decided to celebrate Chenn birthdays a little differently.....instead of inviting a bunch of friends over- and stressing over games, food, and goody bags- we decided to do 2009 a bit more calm than years past. Who knows, this could be our mantra for birthdays to come....that is how enjoyable and stress-free it was.

We spent part of the day making decorations for the party. We have a whole ream of packing paper left over from our last move.....and it has served us well.

The girls helped to make the cake. Owen loves fish. He is borderline obsessed with fish and fishing. The frosting is actually whipped cream (which makes the absolute best frosting!). The cake is not much to look at, but the girls loved putting the figurines on and dusting the sprinkles.

Making a wish.
For the "present portion" of the party we had Owen "fish" for his presents. Marc made a makeshift rod out of Owen's baseball bat with some string and a clothes pin. The girls were happy to assist with the fishing. They sat under the ocean (bed sheet) and attached the presents one at a time.
waiting........................................................
waiting......................................
"I caught one!"

Owen, examining his new magnetic fishing puzzle.

Happy Birthday Owen! We love you unbelievable amounts. I can't believe my "baby" is three! Thanks for celebrating with us Maria and Uncle Mason!

Happy Halloween!!

To kick off our Halloween festivities, we headed to a pumpkin patch in New Jersey with some of our friends.

Owen and the girls each got to pick out their very own squash.

It took a while. There were quite a few pumpkins to choose from.

There was a hayride that led to the pumpkin patch. As you can see, Owen had issue with the seating arrangements on this trip.

There were farm animals at this pumpkin patch.

And, a farm animal photo opportunity. Eva is giving us her best hound dog.

The very next Family Home Evening, we carved these beauties up. Each child drew their own face on the pumpkin, and mom and dad wielded the knife. Owen didn't draw his face, he just instructed, "I want a spooky 'O' face!" We did the best with the information provided.

On Halloween, we headed over to our church for the annual Halloween Party. The kids' costumes may seem familiar....because they are! Every one of my children insisted on wearing the same costume yet again this year- even Owen who (barely) managed to squeeze his 3 year old body into the 18-24 month dragon outfit. My wallet thanked them for their repeat costume choice. I am Peter Pan (not Robin Hood or a Christmas Elf) if you were confused. I haven't dressed up for Halloween in ages, and have my friend Kristy to thank for the needed push- and costume. Marc is a Kung Fu Master donning silky asian pjs we picked up in China.

Of course, we trick-or-treated in the evening. Buckets were filled, and a sugar high was achieved. Thankfully, I have a brother serving a mission in Brazil who loves candy....I filled him a care package with most of the sugar loot and sent it to South America. I am sure he made some Brazilian children in Maceio very happy.

The Beach

Back at the beginning of September, we took a last-minute trip to the beach, in an attempt to soak in the last bit of summer. Neither Marc or I had ever been to the beach on the Atlantic side, with the exception of Florida, so we weren't sure of what to expect. The kids had never been to the ocean- ever. Lakes? Yes, but no oceans, so this was a treat.

Maddy with her friend exploring the waves. The beach was beautiful- and the water was clear.

Owen, searching for seashells, and making sandcastles. This is a boy who could spend hours in a sandbox, so you can imagine his delight.

Burying Owen in the sand. He was a cooperative victim.

The waves were very big. I was totally surprised.

Marc, baywatching it back to the towels and snacks.

Sand creations. In addition to making sand animals, the girls and Owen collected seashells- which were surprisingly abundant- and now fill a large sack in our house. Not sure what to do with those....

Can you tell that someone is a little fearful of Melanoma? Yes, I was in stark contrast to the nearby bikini women slathering on the SPF4 and rotating every 5 minutes.

For any of you in the area....the beach was Robert Moses. It was awesome, and only about a 45 min drive from Manhattan. We will definitely be duplicating this next summer. Thanks for the suggestion (and company!) Glass Posse!