It's a?????

Last Friday, we went in for my 20 week checkup and ultrasound. I decided to pull the girls out of school and let all the kids come along. They were so excited! I really didn't want to find out what I was having but I caved. With 2 girls and 2 boys I already have everything I need but the hang-up is our bedroom situation. The girls each have their own room but the boys already share. I knew that if I had another girl, I could just have her share with Emma. The problem was if I have another boy. I don't want to put 3 boys in one room. We would need to convert the toy room into Derek and Jared's room and that would take time.

In the waiting room, waiting to be called back

All ready to find out!

Up to this point, everyone was always asking me what I thought it was. I was 90% convinced I was having a girl. I've been carrying this baby the exact same way as I did when I was pregnant with Makayla and Emma. My belly has stayed really small and high. With my boys, I was already big at 3 months. I also carried them low. My mouth was hanging open long enough to swallow next summer's annoying flies when I saw her write on the ultrasound, "It's a Boy!"

 

I was like, "uh...what? Come again?"

Mark was laughing and the kids all started talking at once.

Makayla said, "Oh man! More trains and bowling!"

Emma said, "Oh! Another little brother. I wanted a girl!"

Derek said, "Mom, Mom, it's a boy! There's a brother in there!"

Jared just wanted Mark to pick him up and hold him.

 

I have to admit that after a couple months of being convinced it was a girl, it took me a few days to re-wire my brain to the "I'm-having-a-boy" state of mind. I thought that having a girl at the end would be fun and she would be spoiled rotten by everyone in the family. Now I'm thinking that I'll have my 3 little musketeers (or 3 stooges if you prefer) to play and get in trouble together. They will have so much fun growing up together and will be best friends.

Happy Hauntings!

I love Halloween! I love fall and all the color changes and Halloween is the start of the holiday season. Mark is always in a great mood because football is in full swing and we have all different kinds of weather coming in to enjoy.

Halloween morning started off with an orchestra performance I attended for the pre-schoolers-1st graders. Makayla and Emma both play in the 2nd year orchestra. Even though it is only for 5th graders, the teacher has allowed Emma to be a part of the group. She should technically start 1st year orchestra next year when she's in 4th grade but Ms. Skidmore wanted her in. They played 3 different songs and Makayla played a solo. After they finished, they handed out treats to all the kids.

The kids all had parties in their classrooms but unfortunately they were all at the same time and all happened when I needed to start teaching fiddle lessons. They said they played fun games and ate yummy treats.

My Grandma, Mom and Dad, Justin and his family, and Justin's in-laws came over. I bought stuff to make personal pizzas and had that ready for whenever they came. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun and we know a ton of people so it is fun to see everyone come to the door dressed up. Our neighbors down the street make scones for everyone so that was a fun house to hit.

Makayla was the Mad Hatter. I had no idea what I was going to do for her costume but we only ended up buying the hat. My mom had fun doing her make-up and did a great job!

The Mad Hatter, a Zombie Cheerleader, Thomas and a BYU football player

After my Mom did Makayla's make-up she said, "Ok Emma, let's glam you up!" Emma was like, "Noooo! I want to be disgusting!"

My dad with Thomas and Minnie

Trick or Treat!

Sorting the loot! Justin and Chelise with daughters Aysha and Daylie, Jared and Derek

Crashing after a long night of fun

 

I stayed behind and handed out candy to the kids. My grandma came back after going and taking some pictures and we sat out on the porch and visited. It was such a nice night out! After having a rainy and cold week, the weather decided to be merciful for Halloween and was one of the warmest Halloween nights in a century! It was between 70 and 75! We had a great night.

Derek's Birthday

When I was pregnant with Derek, I wanted to be induced as far away as possible from Halloween. I'm sure glad I did that. It is so hard trying to get everything ready for a birthday party and then switch gears quickly into Halloween. After cleaning up from one party, we move on to the next!

Derek's 6th birthday was on Thursday, Oct 25th. We pulled Makayla and Emma out of school and went to lunch at McDonald's. Even Mark took time from work to come with us. Later that night, we had our family gifts and a low key evening.

Booty on the table

Makayla and her two friends were a huge help for the party.

Making pizzas.

playing the mummy wrap game

Derek wrapping up Shane

Luke wrapped up??

Luke breaking free of toilet paper

It's pinata time!

 

Opening presents from Luke and Noah

 

Friday was Derek's friends party at our house. Every time I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he would switch the theme. It was everything from airplanes and red-eyed tree frogs to Jake and the Neverland pirates. I decided I would choose and chose a pirate theme. It seemed like the easiest thing for decorating and finding stuff at the store. He loved it!

We made personal pizzas when the boys arrived and while they cooked, they played outside on the scooters. After they ate, we did the pinata, played the mummy wrap game, ate cake and ice cream, opened presents and played some more outside on the scooters. It was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time. (At least they seemed like they did!)