Jack-O-Lantern carving 10-29-07

We invited some friends to come and carve up some pumpkins for family night, the monday before Halloween. The Harpers came and we talked and carved and had a great time. I was inspired by the pumpkin walk and wanted to try some intricate designs. I decided to try the superman symbol on one side and transformer on the other. It ended up taking a whole ton of time, but I think they turned out pretty good.

Michelle of course went with a "cute" look.

We were going to carve a small little pumpkin and mimic Sammy's smile, but we ran out of time.

Syracuse Pumpkin Walk

Every year, Syracuse puts on a pumpkin walk. Well over 1200 pumpkins are carved, some extremely intricate, and they are all set up on display. It was free, freezing, and fun.

Sammy mostly slept.
Michelle liked the cutesy ones
I like the cool ones
We got a kick out of the Cars presentation.

This is the tractor tipping scene. Mater and McQueen up front

Frank on the top, and an assortment of tipped and non-tipped tractors.

There were a ton of religious ones like these with temples, prophets, the savior and all.

Sammy's 4th Month

Here we go again. Another month, another ton of pictures.

Precious

Sammy got a new crib after turning 3 months

Here let me help Dad. I think you need to hit this button

Okay, enough math please!

Yumm! New tooth is close, so I will chew on everything.

Having fun with aunt Jen
Practicing walking
Sitting with my birthmom bear.

At peace.

In his new "controversial" chair -- the Bumbo!

The king in his throne

Singing with Dad.

Learning to hold himself up and worm around.

Almost sitting up by himself. Catch him before he tips!

Solid foods! Well okay, gooey foods.

Love that giggle!

We love to hear Sammy Giggle. Here is a shot of Mom tickling Sammy.

Game Night group reunited 9-9-07

When we were living in Orem, a group of our friends would get together to play games and eat wonderful treats every Sunday evening. We haven't seen the guys in a while, so we had them up for a night of reminiscing and game playing. It was a lot of fun, and great to see the Millets and Skinners. The Hosfords, who now reside in California, were absent.

The game played was Power Grid.

Haven't played it? Give us a call, we'll solve that problem!

Here are the Millets -- P. Trav and Michelle

Here are the Skinners -- Josh and Rosie. We should probably give a disclaimer -- these are all pictures taken by Rosie. Thanks! -- you're great!

Us of course
Sammy had a great time.

Can you believe how big Simba is? His mane isn't as poofy as it usually is. He must have had some attention from Rosie (avid cat lover).

Sammy's 3rd Month

It is nearly Thanksgiving and I'm finally putting some updates from back in September. Here are some pictures of Sammy during his third month. We love him!

Wow Dad! This hair gel is excellent!
Nice Hat!
Relaxing in the tub.
Hey!
Sammy loves his grandpa Pond!



Enjoying a nice FHE lesson.
Don't you do Yoga in your sleep?

Cute boy! We love how his hair is whispy. Soon after this shot, Mom trimmed the sides a bit. They were getting a bit out of control.

DaBell Family Labor Day Hike, BBQ 9-3-07

On the morning of Labor Day weekend we always try to go for a hike with the DaBell extended family (Michelle's mother's family). This year we went up Big Cottonwood canyon for a short little hike. Michelle and I were the only ones from her family that came, but we love Dan & Jean and their family so we had a great time anyway. We were a little late because I had to set up flags with the young men in the morning, so when we finally made it everyone was ready to go. Hikers: Dan & Jean; Jed & Tanna -- with Pete and Abby; Mike and Megan -- with Blake; Marci; Dave & Michelle -- with Samuel. These pictures are curtesy of Dan DaBell. Thanks Dan! Afterwards we went back to Dan's house for a wonderful lunch, and everyone else from the DaBell clan met up with us.

Here we go!

Dan wanted a picture of the four different ways we carried children up the little hike: carrier (Dave-Sammy), in your arms (Jean-Abby), shoulders (Jed-Pete), makeshift carrier (Mike-Blake).

Here is the Jed & Tanna family with children Abby and Pete

Here is Mike and Megan with little boy Blake.

We were worried about keeping Sammy out of the sun, but he just slept the whole time and I tried to keep the hat positioned so that it put him in shade. I think he got a bit sunkissed anyway.

Yeah! We made it. I think it was actually only a 1/2 mile to where we went, but it was fun to get out and breathe some fresh air and have a good time with family.

Mom's birthday

For my mom's birthday, all my siblings decided to go in on a digital camera. I think the one they used to have is the same one they used to take pictures of me when I was a baby. A couple weeks previous, our family got together and went to Seven Peaks. She was just having a ball using Annie's camera, so we were all smirking to ourselves and thinking that she was going t0 love this gift. Sure enough, she did!

Here she poses before opening the present.

This shock was priceless!

We love you mom!

HP -- Our local hero

HP, or H, or Heather Pond, however you prefer to call her, is our local hero. She plays for the USU soccer team and does a great job. This is her freshman year and she is getting lots of playing time. In fact, this week she just made the travelling team (Oct 19 - Oct 21) and that is very exciting. It's been a lot of work but we are super proud of her accomplishments and we're glad she's our sister. We haven't been able to go to a ton of her games, but here is a preseason game when the Aggies played Dixie. Go HP!!

No, she isn't just standing around, she's preparing for her next attack!
Sammy's first soccer game.
Go Heather!
Sammy's little Rugby outfit.
Anyone recognize that belly? Sammy looks upset that he was beaten in the big belly category.