Not so long ago, our guy turned five! I simply can't believe time has passed so quickly :)

Unlucky for him, I have been beyond busy, but lucky for him I pulled together a last-minute party with some fun friends.

The theme was a pajama pizza party, and the kids had tons of fun making their pizzas and being crazy together. Nicholas loved having his friends there to celebrate.

Despite my blogging absence for the month of october, we had a great month.

We were very happy to be together for Halloween this year, especially considering last year Jared missed most all of the holiday and we were in a temporary living situation.  I am constantly grateful that we are here now and can be settled (at least for a little while).

Last year we didn't carve pumpkins, so we were happy to do that this year.  The boys loved it until they reached the gross "pumpkin guts", and Dad had to take over.




We were so happy to do Trunk-or-Treat at the church the weekend before the holiday, and hang out with some friends.





The boys were Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader (big surprise) and loved their costumes.  We went around a beautiful neighborhood with friends and loved their super creepy and awesome house.

We had a lot of fun (with a lot of stress mingled in) at Ryker's birthday party.  I had been dragging my feet a bit planning, mostly because of our lengthy stay in Carlsbad and having many guests around.  Eventually I had to just pick a date and run with it!

Luckily the theme came easy, considering Star Wars has been the boys greatest obsession lately.

I can't believe my baby is three years old!!



It feels like he has been with us forever, but he will always be my baby :)

It has been more than a little crazy around here lately.  I made the decision to up my hours at Hair School from 25 per week to 40, and attempt to finish a little faster.  We had finally mastered the original schedule so we figured why not shake it up a little, right? :)

Things have finally gotten back to our new normal, but I do apologize to those I may have been distant from, or maybe been acting strange.  In a lot of ways I feel like I haven't been much of myself through the whole process, but I am feeling much better lately.

The boys started their new preschool, which they seem to really like, Ryker especially.  I miss them when they are gone, but it is nice to not have to worry about a babysitter on those days!

About a month ago, we went up to the Bay for my brother-in-law's big birthday party.  There was a live band, a great outdoor setting, and lots of good company.  The best part was seeing Chad have such an amazing time, and all of his friends staying on the dance floor the entire time.