Avery got her first haircut on Tuesday, Dec. 18th. 
So, Avery is another story......... She wouldn't wear her bow in her her and she wouldn't smile in very many of the family photos, but when she was off on her own sitting on Shannon's stool she was happy as can be!!!! You gotta love the road rash on her nose- the day before pictures she was running and did a face plant onto the asphalt. Should I have it photo- shopped or just leave it for her to see when she is older??? I'm thinking we may just leave it- it is pretty funny!!!!
Happy Halloween- yes I know it's a week late!!!! My computer was having some issues so it took me a little longer to get these posted. Anyway this is the only place you'll see a "family Halloween photo" and especially with all of us dressed up!!!! It was a great day- we took the kids to the "trunk or treat" at the church and were so grateful that the weather was so nice. It makes the whole process so much more enjoyable when you don't have to wear thermals under your costumes:) Alex and Eli insisted on getting more candy so Manuel stayed at home with David and Avery and I scoured the neighborhood for the best houses to get the most candy. They had a great time!!!!!!! There's nothing more fun than reliving your own childhood!!!!
Avery is dressed up as a kitty, but the little ears she was supposed to wear on her head didn't even last a minute. She was not too sure about the whole day UNTIL she started seeing the CANDYYYYYYY!!!! This was the "deer in the headlights" look since her mouth is full of candy and she has some in her hand.
This was supposed to be David's costume but just before his Halloween party at school he decided he didn't want to wear it. If you'll notice in the Family pic he is wearing the same costume that he wore last year- The Flame!!! He looks so THRILLED! Alex was "Death Rider" and Eli was a Ninja!!!
Avery and her shoes! She's an addict- these are her dress up shoes but if she can't find these she always manages to find another pair. And David stole her toy to pose for pictures- yes I warned him it was pink but he said if he held it like a bat it ddn't matter what color it was;)
This Lodge is right on the Colorado River. Once we arrived in Moab and started our way down the canyon it became clear that our van wasn't any match for the Jeep trails that would eventually lead us to the Lodge. We decided to turn around and head back to Moab to call the Lodge for them to come pick us up. Since it was getting dark and we couldn't get a hold of the caretaker at the lodge we decided to stay in a hotel the first night. We were so lucky, with some assistance from Bree over the phone we finally located one of the last rooms availabe in the entire town of Moab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The kids were excited to be out of the car and we all went swimming before heading to bed. Alex and Rich (Alex's best friend) ended up sleeping on the floor but we promised them it would be worth it once we made it to the Lodge. In the morning we reached the caretaker, Bill at the Lodge and he came down to get all of us. Once the kids got to the lodge they were soooo excited! The boys had their own room with 2 sets of bunk beds and they just started running everywhere chasing lizards, checking out the ATV's, hiking up the hill to the Hogan- from the outside it blends in with the rocks, looks like a big boulder with a door on the front, the Navajo indians helped build it and it was very warm and cozy inside.
This is Alex, David, Eli and Rich at the "Wind caves" or "The Grotto". We had to ride the ATV's(FUN, FUN, FUN) to the Wind caves and I must say it was one of the coolest places I've ever hiked. There are caves and caverns and little narrow passage-ways that lead to more caves. It was a little chilly at first but as we spent a little time there and the sun came out more it started to warm up. We took lots of pictures, explored everywhere, found lots of lizards and even a wild rabbit and a RATTLESNAKE!!!! Alex was the first to spot it, but we all got to see it as it hid under the shade of a boulder!!! Really neat!!!! The kids hiked down to the river, got lots of rides on the ATV's, hiked the rocks and played in the Red Sand till there was no more daylight!
Family picture at the Wind Caves
This was the morning that we had to leave, So Sad- we could have easily stayed much longer. The kids were pretty excited because instead of driving down the mountain for 45 minutes we arranged for the kids and Chelsea to get on a jet boat on the river and the Jet boat took them into the city. Manuel drove down with Bill and all our luggage and met us in Moab. What an awesome family vacation. We'll definitely be back again soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
