Love The Galloway's

Lego Land / Disneyland Surprise!

The kids already thought we were cool because we let them skip school to go on a "work trip" with Daddy to Idaho Falls. There we met up with cousin Keaton for lunch. Then we found some pre-Christmas gifts from Santa along with a letter, explaining what the t-shirts in those boxes meant a trip to California and we were leaving right then. What you didn't get to see is Carter's utter disappointment thinking the t-shirt is the only thing he was getting from Santa for this year and he had a good list going. On the way to the airport Leah asked if she could scream because she was sooo excited? We said sure and Carter declared, "I'm not screaming until we get to Lego Land, then I'll be happy!"

So Lego Land one day, Disneyland / California Adventures the next, and we hit the beach before flying home. It was quick and exhausting but we all loved it!

The laser light show was my favorite. It made me cry and was amazing. We did it all though, including me scratching the skin off of a poor girls knee on the Tower of Terror. Never again, I tell you, never again. :)

Even though it was cold, the kids had to get in the water for an hour before flying home to the dark days of winter.

Family Pictures with the Galloway's

We had Thanksgiving and Leah's 9th Birthday in Montana with Cade's family. We surprised her with an American Girl Doll. It's always fun when we get all together. The boys all made a 12-foot snowman. Well, I don't know how tall it was, but they had to use a ladder to get the head on and I didn't even get a picture of it.

Funny McKay moments 1-4 months

She had thrush so we got to use the purple staining stuff to cure it. She wore purple for days so we didn't ruin any outfits from slobbery-ness. :)

Carter made her a crown. He adores his, baby sister and she loves him right back.

This was the only way we could get her to take a binky is if it was covering her nose. She's better now but it sure was a battle for the first few months.

So cute in her Sunday dress.

Tummy time on her play mat. She was strong right from the start and smart and cute and I'm not prejudice at all. :)

Fall Festivities!

Halloween!

Carter is Mario, McKay is a Tootsie Roll, & Leah is an elegant, witch!

It rained, so all we did was the neighborhood trunk or treat which turned out to be perfect...
lots of candy in a short amount of time!

Painting pumpkins instead o' carving this year.
Leah's trying to hold her head up, don't worry she's not choking.

We caught a pet snake that we were going to keep until one day it escaped and back out in the wild it got to go. I feel like Carter looks in this picture about our friendly snake.

Last warm days before the long, gloomy winter months set in. We had a picnic at the park with cousins and friends, fed ducks & geese, and soaked up some sun.

Carter was in charge of running the 4-wheeler out of gas so we could store it for winter, while we cleaned out the rest of the garden. He looks like he had the harder job.

Monster, deformed carrots! Awesome!

First Day of School / Baby Blessing Day

My little poser's! Leah is more than willing but I can't get a normal, smiling, looking at the camera picture of Carter no matter what. I guess that means, this is his "normal". :)

McKay & cousin Taya (LeAnn and Clay's baby) got to be blessed on the same day in our home. Love her cheeks!

Yellowstone

On the way back from the funeral we drove through Yellowstone Park. It's been years since I've been and the kids never had so it was fun. We threw rocks in the lake, watched Old Faithful blow, saw the mud pots, and a few friendly wildlife as we drove. Fun day with Jason, Meegan, & Keaton too.

Grandma Leah's Funeral

Many of you may know what an influence my grandparents had on my life and for those of you who don't, it would take more than a simple blog to do them justice. My Grandma Leah, made me feel like I was her favorite. She was special enough that I wanted to name my own daughter after her, in the hopes that she would inherit some of the same strengths and characteristics. I'm incredibly grateful for her influence in my life and even more grateful that the Savior paved the way for us to be together again for eternity!