The real reason we wear shoes!

Anna:  Daddy can you help me put on my socks and shoes?
Daddy:  Sure.  (Daddy helps put Anna's socks on)
Daddy:  I can see why you want socks to keep warm.  But we're inside now, why do you need shoes?
Anna:  Because sometimes you and John tickle my feet!

(Daddy Smiles.  How did I overlook this obvious line of reasoning!)

Happy Anniversary!

This week we are celebrating our anniversary - taking Monday and Tuesday off work! Vanessa got a fun new haircut and is picking a cute outfit for Russ (me) for my gift.

We went to the Draper temple recently, and it just does not seem like that long ago that we met at BYU, were dating, and got married in Porto Alegre, and set off on this great adventure. 2 beautiful fun daughters later several moves later, I count myself a very fortunate man for how life with Vanessa has grown more and more beautiful.

-Russ

Pre- Halloween Fun

And so it begins, the fun that comes only through sugar and costumes. Yes, it's Halloween time! I'd like to share with you some of the Halloween centered activities we've had so far. Crazy eyes Anna! She is enjoying a delicious pumpkin face doughnut. Love all that orange and black icing. First treat of the season!

Emma had the exact same type of doughnut, but for some reason, she really liked the black icing more... I love messy food pictures. :)

This is Dorothy with her ruby slippers at Vovo Nisi's ward. We went to their Fall Festival and had a blast! Anna looks very cute as Dorothy, doesn't she?

Good job hitting the pinata Anna! She got some good treats!

This is the cutest little monkey you have ever seen. You know it's true! Emma had fun walking around and seeing what all the other kids were up to.

                                                                                                                                                                     Here was Emma's favorite person of the night.  Vovo Nisi!  She didn't want anyone else.

Cute girls all around!  Thanks Vovo Nisi and Tia for inviting us to come over to your fun party, we had a blast!


And very soon we will have lots more on our Halloween adventures!

Anna's point of view

My scanner isn't working right now, unfortunately, or else I'd post the picture that I'm about to discuss. I've been going through old pictures of Russ and I, and I left out this picture of Russ in high school, which Anna happened to find. Russ was with her at the time, and they had this conversation:
Anna: Daddy, who's this?
Russ: That's Daddy when he was younger.
Anna: That's you?
Russ: Yes.
Anna: (after a small reflecting moment) I don't love this Daddy. (Pointing at the picture)
Russ: You don't love this Daddy?
Anna: No
Russ: Why not?
Anna: Because he has too much hair!
:) :) :) LOL!!!

Girls Dance Party!

I know this is silly, but I had to make a record of the fact that today for the first time I was able to dance and goof around with my two girls! Let me explain. Anna and I often turn the radio on and just dance like silly girls that we are, while Emma just sits and claps, or is being held by me. Today, Emma just took off walking and dancing all by herself in the middle of the room! We had a blast! Some of my dearest memories growing up are of dancing around the house with my mom and sister, for no reason at all. For some reason this just really touched me today. I guess I felt like my life has gone full circle, and I am now doing the same fun things with my own kids, and it took me by surprise, does that make sense? I am happy to inform that dancing around the house is just as fun as a Mommy as it was as a daughter. And my girls can shake it with the best of them! Drop by and join us sometime, it'll be fun! :)

What Heaven Sees In You

I happened to find this slideshow by chance yesterday as I was preparing my Activity Days Group activity, and I can't get this song out of my head. I can't help but think of my two precious little girls. I hope they grow up knowing how much they are loved, how valuable they are, how divine their heritage is. I also am aware of the fact that it will be through me that they will come to these realizations, and I feel even more dedicated to giving them my very best every day. After all, these little spirits were entrusted to me.

I also think of myself, my journey through this life so far, and how wonderful it is to be reminded of my own worth, and my own divine heritage. If you're a girl, and you're reading this, you should definetly watch this slideshow.

Sorry for my absence

Life has been sort of going on automatic lately, and I really don't have a lot to share about us. Anna is enjoying school, Emma is growing lots and almost walking, Russ and I decided to diet together and have lost a lot of weight (we're looking good), and we are getting ready for Halloween. I love this time, I look forward to the leaves changing and the cold creeping in, and all the holidays and goodies we get to enjoy.

More on the Sperry's soon, as soon as I get inspired!