Veteran's Day...11-11-11

As a family we attended the Mesa Veteran's Day parade in Downtown Mesa. As always, it was a great parade with all the High School bands representing. There were tons of cub scouts and scout troops, loud motorcycles and army trucks...an all time favorite.
Jared refused to look up at me. He kept telling me he was drinking his juice, no picture.

This was the only way I could get Jared to smile and look in the camera.

Halloween 2011

For Halloween this year we celebrated twice. 1st on Sat. Oct 29th at the Ward Trunk or Treat. Joe was in charge this year and put together a huge party. This picture is from Monday, Oct 31st on our way out to Trick or Treat in the neighborhood. Jacob and Tyler decided not to dress up this year, although they kept saying they were secret agents. Aaron and Jared were great Trick or Treaters. I didn't even have to coach them on how to knock and say "Trick or Treat" and the "thank you's" came easily. It was so cute to hear Jared say, "Happy Halloween" as he walked away. Made for a fun night. Joe took the picture and stayed home to hand out candy. But he was dressed in his Superman costume/t-shirt. Next year we need to talk the older boys into staying home to hand out candy so Joe and I can have a nice walk with the little boys.

Cub Scout Day Camp

Saturday, October 29th Tyler attended his 2nd Cub Scout Day Camp. As you can see in the picture we have a pretty good looking group of Cub Scouts in our Ward. Tyler had a great time, came home dirty and tired. Thank you to our fearless Cub Leaders for spending the morning with our boys.

Jacob's 1st Scout Campout

Jacob went on his 1st Scout overnight campout on Friday, October 21st. They went to the Lava Caves in Flagstaff. He had a great time, thanks to our wonderful scout leaders! The pictures are compliments of our Scout master, Justin Hutchins. In order....Esteban, Jacob, Adam, Hunter and 1 boy I don't know...
Bro. Edgeworth, Bro. Woods, Bro. Fry and Bro. Hutchins with the Scouts
Jacob's favorite thing to do....help make the pancakes...& he is good at it!

In the cave....

Jacob Ordained a Deacon

On Sunday, October 16,2011 Jacob was ordained a Deacon by his dad. My parents were able to attend the ordination. We are so proud of his decision to get the priesthood. Luckily, my mom thought ahead and remembered to bring the camera. So here are a couple of pictures from after the ordination.

Jacob with Mom and Dad Grandpa Hastings with Dad and Jacob

Jacob Turns 12...

On Monday, October 10th Jacob turned 12. To celebrate we took a trip to the Phoenix Zoo, just me and the boys. It was beautiful weather wise...as most of the valley figured out. The Zoo was packed. But we still had a great time walking around and seeing all the animals. The boys did great, they walked the entire time. They even took turns pulling the wagon that carried 2 coolers of food and drinks.

Monday was not only Jacob's birthday, but also the 1st day of our October Break. Luckily it was also a day off for me. It was a fun way to celebrate the Break and Jacob's birthday. Later that night we went to Red Robin for Jacob's Birthday treat. We ended the night with family home evening and presents. Joe got Jacob a new airsoft rifle and pistol, a camping pillow, camping storage bag, water bottle and large army duffle bag. It was a special day for Jacob.

Here are a few pictures from our zoo trip.

Jacob's Viola Concert

Jacob's strings teacher decided to have an early concert/curriculm night. It was a great time to hear some of the progress being made in strings, as well as the requirements for the class. Jacob enjoys playing his viola, although we have only heard him play it once at home. We got to get him working on that a little more. I only took a few pictures, just to prove he really is learning to play.
This took place in September, 2011. I'm a little slow getting the pictures off the camera. Better late than never.