Spencer's 11th Birthday Party

Spencer's 11 th Birthday

What a day we had on Saturday! Spencer had a blast celebrating his 11th birthday at John's Incredible Pizza Company in Roseville, CA. All of us had such a good time we didn't want to leave. Well, the grown ups were kinda ready, but the kids could have stayed late into the night if we let them!

All in all we were very pleased with the whole day. We just wish Brent's mom didn't lose her digital camera while playing deal or no deal at the party! OY! We feel sad about that because Brent's niece Megan was baptized just a few days ago and those pictures were not saved. Katie got to travel with them to Utah for the event and so loved it!

It looks like we will be having future parties at the same place. Katie turns 9 in February. It's a long way off and kids change their minds too quickly. So we shall see!

Speaking of changing your mind, I do not know how many times Lacey has changed her mind about what she wants to be for Halloween! We are thinking either Cinderella or a Mermaid. Those are the two she talks about the most when Halloween is mentioned. We shall see! LOL

Lacey starts her first day of Preschool today! Wish us luck and hope we will ease into the adjustment with no problems. Lacey is my one child that doesn't do well with change such as this. She has been excited about it so far, and she really will benefit from it. Please wish us luck! LOL

You all have a good week and take care of yourselves! We love you all!

Fall Greetings

Now that we are into the month of October, we are finally feeling like fall is here! The weather has been awesome and there are beautiful places to go and enjoy your surroundings.

Last weekend we were able to attend the annual ALS bike ride held in Napa/Sonoma. We enjoyed how gorgeous the Wine Valley is while having fun riding in memory of our friend Steve Weaver.

Brent's company raised over $21,000 and had over 50 riders at the event! We are already looking forward to next years ride.

My bike is a sweet pink cruiser! I absolutely love it, but it is really not for long rides. Lucky for us we rode about 12 miles before Brent's bike gave out and we finished the ride walking together. Lacey loved being pulled behind Brent's bike, yelling for me to ring the bell Brent installed on my new, hot Roxie pink bike! I believe a basket is the only thing missing to complete my sweet ride...lol

Spencer out rode us all riding his new bike he got for an early birthday present. Spencer is thrilled to be able to have his 11th birthday at John's Incredible Pizza Company in Roseville. This weekend looks to be just as fun as last weekend for our crazy home!

We hope you all are doing well. We miss and love you all. Drop in any time and just shoot the breeze. You are sure to be entertained by my monkeys!

Sweet Get Away

Despite Brent having his cast still on his foot, and the nagging back pain, and my neck and shoulder in a knot, Brent and I thoroughly enjoyed our time away. Tahoe had such wonderful weather. The lake looked gorgeous! The drive up and back gave Brent and I some quiet time to talk without all the interruptions we sometimes receive while at home.

The room we got had a huge tub with jets! Brent thought it would be fun to add bubbles. The jets worked wonderfully producing a whole lot more bubbles than we have ever had in our baths! It was fun and so relaxing. Brent really wished he had his cast off.

The kids loved staying with Brent's parents and we really appreciate their help. Next year we will be going on a longer vacation and we are already looking forward to it!

School Is In!

For much as much as I complained and cried through the summer over how crazy my house was, I can't believe I am saying this, but I miss it!

Now, I do not miss the mess and the heat this summer brought, but I do miss the laughter and activities we shared. While a break is needed from time to time, I enjoy the stories my children come up with, and the questions they come up with. It's 2:00 P.M. right now, and I am looking forward to picking them up shortly.

Spencer is in the 6th grade this year. His teacher this year is the same teacher he had when he was in the 1st grade. I think he enjoys her more as a 6th grade teacher than when he had her in the 1st grade. His favorite subjects are science and history. He's a great combo of Brent and I for sure! Spencer chose to stick with the trumpet again this year. He just got a new bike yesterday and loves it! It has gears! Yay! He would have rode it to school if today was not band. He is looking forward to riding it next weekend in the ALS bike ride in Napa with Brent. Spencer is a wonderful story teller, with a sharp sense of humor. It is crazy to think he will be 11 next month! After much pleading, we gave in and said yes to having his party at John's Incredible Pizza again this year. We have to admit, it is easy and so much fun!

Katie loves the 3rd grade so far. Reading and writing are her favorite subjects. Being a Brownie Scout has been so much fun for her! She sold so many cookies this year, and is always bringing home a patch to sew onto her vest. Katie has become quite the cook over the summer. She enjoys helping in the kitchen when she is not busy playing with her friend from down the street. High School Musical and Hanna Montana remain her favorite shows. In fact, we are searching for a Hanna Montana Halloween costume. Katie is still my snuggle bunny and I hope she won't grow out of it too soon.

Lacey Jane is preschool bound. The preschools we were looking into had waiting lists, so we are doing more looking. Going to the park and doing puzzles have been taking up some of her free time while the kids are in school. Flash cards are more fun and she loves to do that with her daddy. We are still trying to open her up to more foods. She is by far our most picky eater! Lacey Jane is just now enjoying Sunbeams at church. It took her a few months, but we are pleased with this new development.

Brent has been working so hard these past few weeks. He is excited to be getting his cast removed next week, but wishes it were off weeks ago. He really wanted to swim and go into the hot tub this weekend in Tahoe in celebration of our 14th Wedding Anniversary. But, just as long as he has no restraints put on him for next years anniversary which, if all goes planed, will be in Hawaii!! Yeah baby!!

Brent and I will be celebrating our 14th at the end of this month. We are looking forward to some time to ourselves, and would like to thank Brent's parents for watching the kiddos over night. Getting away from our daily grind is what we really need right now. I am so excited!!

I really need to take more group shots of our family to put on here. We have all changed so much since last fall. My page looks down right sad compared to my friends pages! lol I guess that will be a project for me for another day.

We hope you all are doing well and are keeping yourselves healthy and happy. Please keep in touch, and thanks for stopping by!

Hola From The Halley Clan!

Well, this an attempt to create a place where my family and I feel safe to share our ups and downs with those we love and care about.
We have seen our share of ups and downs this year, thats for sure! Thank goodness, we can say we have seen far more good times and we look forward to creating many more ahead.
Now, I do not claim to be an expert at blogging or writing whats so ever! So please bare with us as we learn and figure out how this all works. I am so clueless! This stuff might even make you laugh. Good, wholesome entertainment for sure! lol
So, Brent, Spencer, Katie, Lacey Jane ,and I look forward to sharing and keeping in better touch with our friends and family. Thank you for taking the time to stop in and see whats been going on in our neck of the woods. Enjoy, and don't be too hard on my wonderful writing skills!