New Lens and Doggers

I wanted to take a family picture this year since we haven't done one since right after we were first married. I went and bought a new camera lens for the occasion and had a lot of fun playing with it. These are some of the pictures I took of what was laying around the house...which was mostly the dogs. But I have to say they are pretty good models. I know I don't have mad photography skills it is just fun to play around with it. Next I need to get into photo editing...fun times.

All Hallows Eve-ish

My mom had to work the night of Halloween so we had to forego the usual tradition of food, games, trick-or-treating, oh and LOTS of candy the night of so we moved it up to the Sunday before. I was in charge of desert which means that I get to try something fun I found on Pinterest.

This was my creation for the night. I had been wanting to try the technique on the side of the cake for awhile but never had an excuse. I also died the cake inside with purple, teal, and black.

The cake was served after the "GHOST" (bingo) game and the mass amounts of candy so no one wanted cake:(

GHOST and an overload of candy:

It wouldn't be Halloween without king sized candy-bars for black out winners.

I didn't get pictures of all of the kids in their costumes but I got pictures of most of them throughout the night.

 I got a picture of her when she was looking at me but I thought this one was so much cuter! She loves her Aunt Shannon.

This is one of the twins....I think McKylie

Jen was a dang cute cow-girl

 Tanner had his first real date the night before at a school dance and was exhausted.

McKayla...I think... :)

 Syd borrowed Pheobe's mask... Yep, she rocked it!

 Dad was participating in his usual fashion.

We broke out the happy birthday hats to celebrate the October birthdays. I don't think any of the kids wear them like a hat...it's more like a horn.

I love how Shannon is so riveted with what Pheobe has to say.

And finally the night ended with sugar overload.

Sweet, Sweet Adelines

My mom is in a barbershop chior. For those of you who don't know what barbershop is this is for you. Barbershop is a type of singing where the 4 parts harmonize and there is no accompaniment from musical instruments. I was in a barbershop choir when I was in high school. I loved the sound and so did my mom. I was introduced to the Sweet Adelines when I was in high school and told my mom that I thought she should join. She did and LOVES it. She keeps telling me that I need to come and join with her. Someday...hopefully I will feel like I have enough time to do that. Being a teacher which often has late night work and being in young women's eats up a lot of my free time during the week.

Anyway back to my mom. Her choir was preparing to go to their regional competition in Colorado and so they had a send off for the group where they got to practice and share their program with us. It is always fun for me to go and support my mom when she has these. It's payback for all of the times she was sitting in the audience for me when I was young. The show is always amazing and lots of fun. One of my favorite parts is watching my nieces and nephews be completely enthralled with the music.

 I love how she is sitting on the edge of her seat intently watching.

She gave them a standing ovation for every song.

These are a few pictures from the night. I wish I had an attachable flash for my camera...some day... so I apologize for the horrible lighting.

 Rockin the Y hat!

 Look at the devilish grin.

 Mom and Dad after the program. Love those shadows.

My sister-in-law and my niece. They are both so beautiful! Love you two!