Yes on Prop 8!

The sign that he is holding up says Yes on Prop 8. I think the picture speaks for itself for those trying to fight the battle in California to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Since I have many family members in California, I get a lot of emails and information regarding Prop 8. I know they, along with many members of the church, are fighting for this proposition to uphold traditional marriage. While I feel defenseless without the opportunity to vote on this matter, I do feel that if it is not passed, this issue will not stop in California and spread to more states. I pray that those fighting the battle in California will have success!

Black Island Farms

Here are some pictures of our Family Home Evening last week. We went to Black Island Farms. Most locals already know about this, but for my out of town family and friends, this is a fun place with big slides, hayrides, tractor/train ride, and a bouncy pumpkin! It's been a tradition the past few years to go for Family Home Evening. Our crowd is getting bigger every year...let us know if you'd like to join in next year!

The kids like running through the corn maze, but as a parent I wonder what the whole point is!

Ben watching the pig races

Ben was picked to help out in the magic show. This same guy comes every year and does the same tricks and not so funny jokes. This year he sported a new scottish accent...at least that's what I thought he was doing.

It was a fun night and luckily not too cold this year. We ended it with some yummy rice krispy and chocolate treats and hot chocolate!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Everywhere!

On Friday night, we went on our annual Hayride to the pumpkin patch. It's fun to be able to look at hundreds of pumpkins and pick out THE perfect one! We were a little bit later than usual and got the last ride of the night.



Every year there are always these kids hiding somewhere waiting to scare the riders. I was ready and waiting this time.

Zac gets the fun job of cutting each pumpkin from the vine, carrying it to the tractor, loading them in the car, unloading them onto the porch...and finally carving them right before Halloween night! What a great dad!

Scarecrow Festival

A couple of days ago, I went with my friend Nicole to the Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It was fun to go and do something entertaining with the kids as they are off track right now and get plenty bored at home. We all had a good time and it was a fun little get away.

3 Jones girls and 2 McBride boys!

Rachel wanted to grab the camera!

Kid heaven...a parents nightmare! It was hard to keep track of the kids as they were running from place to place and there were tons of people there.

Do you think she has a big enough flower on her head?

Man on stilts giving candy to Lucas

I think they fit in with the scary pirate dude Free helicopter rides...jk!

Ben was a little wimpy when it came to riding the pony

Lucas liked it

Kristen sat out and held Rachel...cute girls!

The rains came down and the flowers came up!

I came across this video a couple of weeks ago, and was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I've forgotten what Ben was like as a little boy..he was almost 5. He was intent on me capturing his singing so that he could watch himself on my camera. Pay close attention to his lyrics! I also love his deep concentration and isn't distracted one bit by Lucas in the background!

Rolling Over!

I took this video of Rachel last week when she rolled over for the first time. I'm glad I have proof, because now she doesn't want to do it anymore! You'll have to excuse my commentary...I'm kind of loud and I hate hearing myself talk. I'll have to remember that for the next time I record a video. Lucas is the other commentator cheering Rachel on. It sounds like we're trying to teach a dog a new trick!

Chuck E Cheese

We braved taking 7 kids to the new Chuck E Cheese for Lucas' birthday party. He was so excited when he found out a new one had opened near our house that he just had to have his party there. It was kind of crazy...but we survived and everyone had a great time!

Scavenger Hunt

On Thursday night, we had a family celebration for Lucas' birthday that would hold him over until he could have his friend party the next day. We'd gotten his present months ago when Zac had seen a really good deal on a new bike, so we saved it for his birthday and stored it at the Jones' house. Instead of going and getting it and trying to find a way to wrap it...I decided to make him go on a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood to try and find it. I don't ever claim to be very creative, but I somehow got the juices flowing and created what I thought were some very clever clues...if I do say so myself! (maybe others won't think the same!) Since they were totally lost on him and he didn't even appreciate my clues...I thought I would post them here....and maybe if you live in my neighborhood you will have fun trying to figure them out yourself. I would have liked to take more pictures on the way....but the boys were way to fast on their bikes for Zac and I to keep up as we walked behind!

1. Happy Birthday Lucas!
Mom and Dad got you a present, but unfortunately it’s not here.
You are going to have to go on a trek, so please put on your gear!
You’ll get to your first stop, just in a quick dash.
A little boy lives there, his name is Nash!

2. Good job Lucas, you are on your way!
Your next stop is close, but please don’t stop to play!
They have a little boy with the same name as Dad.
You like them a lot, and think they are RAD!

3. Hurry along to find your next clue.
They have 4 kids, and a pet dog too!
They have a boy who’s in your school class,
I hope you are having fun, and not giving me sas!

4. Are you getting tired? You are half way there!
Your next clue is at a friend of Mom’s, and she has brown hair!
They also have 4 kids, the only boy is named Nick.
Go get on your bike, and get there quick!

5. You are getting closer to your present, but not done yet.
You need to go another house, for another clue I bet!
This boy went to preschool and kindergarten with you.
You like to play at his house, but not tonight..you still have another clue!

6. This is your 6th clue, for our big 6 year old boy
Do you think your present is a big and cool toy?
The next stop for you is a house with three girls,
They all have blonde hair and sometimes with curls!

7. I’m glad you made it through the neighborhood this far
This is your last stop, you’ve been such a star!
To finally find your present and see what you got,
you might have to ask questions...too cold or too hot!

"I have no idea what this says...but I guess I have to go find my present!"

Jana had to give Lucas a birthday kiss before she would give him his clue!

He thought his new bike was pretty cool!

Impromptu birthday wishes!

The gang at the final stop!

Ronald McDonald

On Thursday, I took Lucas for a little birthday lunch at the new McDonald's that just opened up in Clinton. He's been watching it as it was built, just waiting for it to open. How perfect for him that they opened right on his birthday...and when we got there they had just had the ribbon cutting ceremony with none other than Ronald McDonald! Luckily, I just happened to have my camera and he was willing to take a picture! I'm sure our trips to McDonald's will increase since it is so close to our house!

Happy Birthday Lucas!