ciao bella...

We were fortunate enough to be able to go visit our Utah family this Thanksgiving. We had a blast! The 10 days, in reverse:

Dinner at Crown Burger

Tony's brother Andrew and wife Kari

Tony's sister Tiffany and husband Matt, Duke

We took the kiddos to Boondocks. I think that we had just about as much fun as the kids- a treat I was not expecting! The main culprit: the Deal or No Deal game. Matt was the big winner: he had the 200 ticket jackpot in his suitcase and held out for the win!

Our niece, Evie, on the carousel.

Mason and his cousin, Ella. She just loved him and followed him around for a while. So cute!

We went to Rainbow Gardens with Grandma Jeanne- she insisted on taking us up there. We got a sneak peak at Dinosaur Park. We will have to revisit when it's not snowy.

Grandpa Garr with Beckham

All of the cousins, minus Bennett.

After Thanksgiving, Tony got really sick (throwing up, fever, chills, headache, the whole bit). The next day, I followed. Then Duke, Jan, Janica, and Matt. Saturday we spent the whole day just lying around trying to feel better. Blech.

Mason loves taking toys to bed with him! (Even if they aren't his own. He loved Jimmy's Spiderman)

Our nephew, Jimmy.

Twinners!

Thanksgiving!! Yum. Of course, since we all got sick afterward, our natural taste aversion will probably keep me away from turkey for a while...

Janica made the kids sweet little turkey coloring books and headbands.

Tony's little photo session. Since he made me take the pictures, I feel justified in posting this ; )

Niece Ella watching us all get dinner ready.

Mason also loves being 'tucked in'. You may wonder what he is looking at so intently. We watched all six episodes of Star Wars while we were there. Started on LOTR, but then ran out of time.

We went downtown SLC to eat at Tucano's. Yum yum yum!

Visiting Grandma Jeanne.

Tony with the cousins. Bennett and Janica (and then Eric) were in town for the first half of our visit. Mason and Bennett were like little twins. They were together virtually the whole time, and got along SO WELL! They had so much fun.

Just playin' some Roane games.

This is how they were playing 'ring around the rosie'. It looks more like a square dance promenade to me, but hey, if it works ; )

We already miss everyone. It's so sad that we get out so rarely. Mason woke up yesterday asking for "grandma Jan". Hopefully we will be able to save up and get back out there soon.

We have been so busy these past months. We did get a house- a townhouse, we're in Northern VA!- and it was about 2 1/2 weeks after Beckham Noah was born. It feels like a whirlwind since then! And before I knew it, Beckham is nearly four months old and I still have several boxes sitting, ignored, in a presently unneeded room. Regardless...here are some pictures from my favorite time of year: FALL!!!

Mason loves Beckham so much. I can tell he is VERY excited for the day when Beckham can finally play with him. He is much 'too' interested at times. At least we have only had 'accidental' injuries so far.

Our sorry excuses for Halloween costumes! I'll just tell you that Tony and I are supposed to be Jedi. Not like you could tell ; )

Mason is LOVING Halloween candy. At least, what mom and dad haven't stolen.

Beckham's first haircut! It was sooo long up on top. Now he just has a little mini-hawk.

One morning not too long ago, Mason came running into our bedroom, grinning ear to ear. He had learned to climb out of his crib. He is now having many fun adventures in his toddler bed. At least, sometimes he's actually IN the bed.

Beckham is such a happy baby. We are so happy to have him join the family!

Little Master Yoda at Fair Oaks Ward Trunk or Treat.

We went to a farmers market that had these cute little wagons to tote your things around in. Mason got to go for a ride.

He was in LOVE with all the 'pun-kins'!

This dog at a different market had scary crazy eyes. Mason was really excited to play with him until the dog picked up his head (he had been lying down) and looked at him with his crazy eyes. It took Mason a while to warm up after that.

Mr. Handsome. Not sure what he's wearing, so don't ask.

An example of 'almost' sleeping on the mattress!

A surprise party for my good friend Julie. Her husband planned a girls night out bowling. I think I barely scraped past last place in scores. But, it was a lot of fun. Thanks to Joe and others who helped put it together!

I got these for a friend as a personal joke. I just can't believe they make them this big! I had to try them on. I just had to.

Mason helped me make 'punkin' sugar cookies. He was doing great rolling out and cutting the dough until the cookies started coming out of the oven. That's when he realized they were actually edible cookies instead of just playdough. He was so happy to get a finished product!

My friend Alisa's Halloween party at her parents' house. We rounded out the evening with a few rounds of Rock Band.

Many of my cousins all decided to visit a few weeks ago, so we got everyone together that we could. It's been a while since this clan has gotten together! It was so much fun. I'm glad everyone could make it.

My cousin Stacey made the cakes. One for a birthday cake (the snowman, in honor of me!) and a baby shower cake.

Adrienne and I had these boys 9 days apart. Everyone kept confusing which was whose since their hair color is...unexpected! I've got her little guy and she's got mine. So cute!

Cathy holding little Chloe, Lindsey's newest addition. Little sweethearts!

It's always a party when Cathy's around! These were on my birthday.

Tony took hours, literally, making these fancy decs for my gifts. Thanks, honey, for making it a great birthday! And also thanks to my mom and family. They helped, too : )