Crazy Weekend

The past couple of days have been crazy. On Friday, the majority of Nathan's family came into town. Nathan's little brother, Brandon, and his band had a sold out show scheduled at The Velour for Saturday night, so the family showed up to support the youngest Robbins brother. Additionally, Brandon had huge (and very secret plans) to propose to his girlfriend, my childhood friend Haleigh, during the concert. Haleigh didn't know, but her mom, dad, and one of her brothers had flown to Utah to be at the concert and see the proposal.

We had a full house with my in-laws, Brandon, and Haleigh staying at our tiny condo, and I felt stressed out the entire time because I just knew I was going to accidentally say something and ruin the engagement! We kept busy by going to In-N-Out with the family, visiting Scheels and riding their huge indoor Ferris wheel, sneaking to Olive Garden to meet Haleigh's family without her knowing we were going, and running around to make sure we had flowers and other various things for the engagement and subsequent celebratory party. The actual proposal couldn't come soon enough! I am so terrible at keeping secrets! We tried to distract ourselves by watching football and not thinking about the proposal, but I think everyone who knew (so everyone but Haleigh) was a nervous wreck. Luckily, Eliza was around to give Uncle Brandon some extra love before the big night.

 Before the concert Saturday night, Nathan and I left our condo full of family members and headed to the ward Halloween party for a little bit. Eliza had an amazing Tiana dressed she was begging to wear, and Nathan and I couldn't deny everyone at church the chance to see the cutest twin superheroes.

We came home from the Halloween party, watched the end of the Carolina vs. Missouri game which was insane and had most of us screaming, and then got ready to go to Velour. Haleigh still had no idea her parents were going to be there or that Brandon was going to propose. I felt extremely nervous for some reason! Becca was nice enough to watch our kids (thanks, Becca!) and came over around 9, so we could go to the concert.

The show itself was amazing. The Moth and The Flame released their new CD and performed their final show before leaving for Europe, where they are touring with Imagine Dragons.

About four songs into the concert, Brandon (who was noticeably nervous) began singing a song with an acoustic guitar. Haleigh whispered to me that she didn't recognize the song. I smiled and then practically pulled her forward so Brandon could walk out to her. He walked out to her, came down from the stage, sang his heart out, and then proposed. Everyone was crying. EVERYONE. Of course, she said yes.

It was the best. My favorite moment was when Haleigh finally saw her parents and brother on staging, smiling and crying with happiness. I am so glad we were able to be there!

Brandon left the next morning for Europe, and I know Haleigh will get to wedding planning soon! I am just relieved that they are finally engaged and that I don't have to keep any more secrets!

Three Amigos

Some days, when the morning craziness is over and we've settled into our afternoon "quiet time," I have time to appreciate how wonderful my kids are. They are finally getting to the stage where they all interact with each other, and I love it.

Today, Ezra and Elliott insisted that Eliza sit with them on the couch while they ate their graham crackers. It was simple, but it made me so happy. I know Eliza must often feel left out, so to see her feel included today was incredibly wonderful.

Finger Painting

It's getting to the point where it's too cold to go outside everyday and play. I'm getting to the point where I am desperate for any new ways to entertain two toddlers all day in this tiny condo. Eliza enjoys coloring, painting, drawing, and puzzles. The babies also enjoy puzzles, but aren't really old enough to appreciate coloring or drawing.

Today, I put some paint into ziploc bags, taped the bags to the door, and allowed the boys to push the colors around. They were mildly entertained.

 Elliott is not impressed.

 I have a feeling it's going to be a long winter. I already miss summer.

Fall Photo Shoot (Fail)

It's been a while since we took a nice photo of all three children together. Today, Nathan and I decided to be brave, drive up into the canyon, find a pretty place with decent lighting, and take some pictures of Ezra, Elliott, and Eliza.

Let's just say that taking photos of two one-year-olds and a four-year-old is no easy task. For starters, Eliza was grimacing in most of the photos as if smiling was causing her physical pain, and Ezra refused to acknowledge the camera's existence.

Elliott, though, did manage to give us a couple of cute smiles. Thank you, Elliott!

We eventually managed to get one semi-reasonable picture of all three kids together and a pretty nice photo of Eliza. We then ended the picture-torture session.

The children were pretty relieved that it was over.

(So were we).

I don't see any family photos in the near future.

Fall Favorite

Today, I asked Eliza what her favorite thing about fall was. She immediately responded, "My fancy red coat."

I agree. It's pretty wonderful.

She definitely has her own sense of style. I wonder if I'll be able to pick out an outfit for her to wear ever again. It doesn't seem likely.

Sunday Dresses

This Sunday, Eliza and I both looked pretty fancy for church. I thought it would be nice to take a quick photo of the two of us, forgetting the fact that Eliza really doesn't like to cooperate for pictures. It obviously took some effort to catch the two of us smiling at the same time (and looking at the camera).

 87 photos later, Nathan finally snapped a winner. Good thing one perfect picture makes it all worthwhile :)

Letter Obsession

Ezra and Elliott are obsessed with practicing their letters. They spend most of the day forcing Nathan and I to write the alphabet on Magna-Doodles and run around the house singing various letters and their sounds. A couple of days ago, we walked to the local elementary school in order to play on the amazing (and fenced in) playground. Behind the school, Ezra and Elliott discovered the Very Hungry Caterpillar with each letter of the alphabet written on its body. They were in heaven.

For nearly an hour, we reviewed the alphabet and they never wanted to leave. I would call out a letter, and they would run and find it. They may not be able to say many words, but they certainly know their alphabet!

 Of course, their favorite letter is "E."