Mattie's interpretation of her Dad's talk in church

So last Sunday, Tom spoke in church, it was very good and quite child friendly. I know a lot of kids liked it because thier parents came up to me afterwards and told me how well their kids listened. I knew my kids liked it because later that day I came across something Mattie wrote:

I'm sad it's hard to see, b/c it really is priceless. With proper spelling and puncutation the top part says:

"I have a talk about, wait! I need to get the kids attention. Hey kids, oh kids,
here's some candy. I'll try this: Spongebob Squarepants."

Tom did say spongebob squarepants in his sacrament talk and he had every kids attention for a good 5 min. It was pretty impressive. Already I've heard of at least two instances where spongebob squarepants was said to get everyone's attention. It's a little unconventional, but it worked. I'm glad Mattie was listening.

Wind in Anacortes

Yes, it completely picked up the trampoline and turned it over.

Christmas

It's been way too long, sorry! Christmas this year was at The Kartchners in Idaho where all siblings (except Ethan) were present. It was quite a party, even thought I have no pictures of it.

Here is Emma with her new bike.

And Hazel with her new stroller and doll, little kids are so easy.

Then we spent New Years in Utah where we went sledding and...

ate ice cream after watching Avatar.
Mattie with her Aunt Miriam and Aunt Laura.

We also went to Temple Square where we saw the lights and Hilary play with her bluegrass band for the last time.All of the Barlow grandchildren so far.

The new San Diego derm resident

Just love this picture of Tom holding up one of the four quiches he has made so far this holiday season. And I am so proud of the work and effort he has put in these last three years, congratulations!

Daddy's Home!!!

After 6 1/2 months Tom came home yesterday. It was Amazing, Wonderful, Exciting, and exhilirating all in one (yeah, maybe that's a little over the top, but I don't know how else to explain how great it is to have him home again.) I feel "whole" again.

I love this picture because it truly shows the support and love we got from friends the whole time he was gone. Mattie and a Rachel (a nieghbor).

Waiting Wife

Hazel enjoyin the free cookies from Operation Uplift

The plane coming in.

Tom walking up. At the point the kids just started running towards him yelling "Daddy, Daddy!"

First Hug

First Kiss.

Tom had a rose for me, Emma, Mattie and Hazel, and candy for Sam. Everyone had tears in their eyes, even the kids.

Hazel not sure if this is her dad who she saw on Skype all the time. Now all she does is walk around saying "Daddy, Daddy." He has to hold and comfort her as well.

Family Picture

Emma and Dad.

Going home!

Halloween and Pumpkin Carving

Carving the Pumpkins

They all loved the guts.

Part of the photo shoot afterwards.

This one said "expert" on the printout. And Yes, I'd have to say now "I am an expert" at doing crazy things.

Emma's own design.

Before trick or treating downtown

We also did a progressive dinner trick-or-treating party with the neighbors. It was so much fun. It was one big party after another. There were 12 adults and 16 kids, the final conclusion was we just went from house to house trashing it. Way Fun!

Our house was at the end and the kids and I put on a haunted house. Complete with a heart, intestines, and eyeballs, a witches cauldron with a smokey brew, and a full size dummy in a flight suit. With a strobe light and scary music, it turned out to be a great hit.

Just have to brag

So Boggle is a game our family likes to play. Today we pulled it out and here is the "board."

And here is Mattie's list of words. She had no help, she did it all by herself, I promise.

Just had to brag.