Dad

Three weeks ago I got a phone call that I will never forget. My dad, unexpectedly and without explanation, had passed away. There are no words to describe what it was like to receive this kind of news. Nothing can prepare you for loosing one of the people you love most in the world. After I got over the initial shock, I was engulfed with the kind of grief that was so intense I almost couldn't breath.

We immediately booked a flight a left for Utah the next morning. The next couple of weeks were emotionally and physically exhausting. I was amazed at the outpouring of love and support that we received from friends and family members. I was also amazed at the peace and comfort that I received from my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have no doubt that I will see my dad again. I know that he is happy. I have still had difficult times over the last couple of weeks, and I'm sure there are more to come. I am still grieving; hearing a Dave Matthews song or walking by the pharmacy counter at Walmart is enough to start a flood of tears. But I am at peace.

Yesterday, one of the Sisters in my ward asked me, "what was your dad like?" I didn't even have to think before replying, "He was amazing." I feel so blessed to have been raised by such an amazing person. My dad was kind and fun to be around. He was always cracking (stupid) jokes that you had to laugh at (even if it was just a courtesy laugh). My dad was always so supportive of me; I could always spot him in the audience at piano recitals, tumbling meets, softball games and dance competitions. I never had any questions about the way my dad felt about me, he let me know every day of my life that he loved me and that he was proud of me. He also let me know how much he loved my husband and kids. I loved to watch him play and interact with my kids, they always had so much fun together. I am so grateful for the time we had to spend together, and for all the memories we made. I love you, Dad!

Colby's Medical School Graduation May 2009

Washington D.C. March 2009

Skiing at snowbird. December 2006

Meeting Abigail. November 2008

Giving Ammon a motorcycle ride. Summer 2007

Skiing with dad. Winter (around 1987?)

Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Family pictures 1981.

Me, Dad and Jen 1979.

Halloween Time

This year, we kicked off our Halloween celebrations when Grandma and Grandpa Frost were here visiting. We were going to carve pumpkins, but it was a little early and still so warm they weren't going to last until Halloween. So instead of carving pumkins, we make Halloween lanterns out of mason jars and tissue paper.

Every participated in the "lantern making fun,"

and they turned out great!

The trunk or treat is always one of the highlights of Halloween, probably because the kids get so much candy in such a short amount of time. This year was no exception, there were a TON of kiddos at the trunk or treat and our kids had a blast hanging out with their buddies and collecting mounds of candy.

Abbi and her buddy Logan with Colby and his buddy Jason.

Abbi and Lily

We also got together with some friends to celebrate this fun holiday. I love this picture of the "Harry Potter crew."

All the kids from tallest to smallest.

Even some of the moms got in on the fun.

My friend Janene and I in our costumes.

Because a ton of candy is never enough, we also went trick or treating on Halloween night. I may be biased, but I thought my kids were the cutest ones out there!

Abbi will still tell you that her daddy is a "party pooper," because he wouldn't dress up for Halloween... maybe next year?

The best part of trick or treating in Texas is the nice, warm weather. Everyone sits out in their driveways to hand out candy, you don't even need a jacket. We also saw some great Halloween decorations and a real haunted house.

Man, I love these boys.

Colby with our friends, the Williams out trick or treating (he may not have dressed up, but at least he pulled the wagon!)

We hope y'all had a great Halloween too!

October visitors

October was a busy month for us, but we were thrilled to have Colby's parents and my dad come and visit us. Here are some highlights from their trips:

Galveston

We made a quick road trip with Frost's down to Galveston, the kids loved staying in a hotel and going to the beach. The first night we went to the hotel swimming pool.

The day we were in Galveston was a little chilly (well, for the beach it was chilly... it was still 65 or 70 degrees) so we didn't swim, but the kids still had fun wading in the water and playing in the sand.

Our family.

Colby and Abbi with Grandma and Grandpa.

The boys found some dead jelly fish. I'm not sure if they can sting you after they're dead, but if Finding Nemo taught me anything, it's that "the tops don't sting you."

Bike Riding

One day we went to the park and taught Carter how to ride his bike without training wheels... we were ALL so excited. (I was starting to think I was going to send the kid on a mission with training wheels). Colby and Grandma were great coaches.

We also did some teeter totter-ing, and Abbi did a lot of bossing Grandpa around. (go up Grandpa, now go down, now go up).

She even got him to go on the playground with her.

Houston

After our day in Galveston, we headed to Houston and took the kids to the NASA space center. They had a gigantic play place, huge rockets, fun movies and games and astronaut icecream!

Colby and the kids with one of the space shuttles.

Great food

Like any good Frost family vacation, this trip had lots of great food. We started out with a Mexican feast, and Grandma got to try out my onion goggles.

On our way to Galveston we stopped at the Fried Pie shop... it was just as good as it sounds.

In Galveston we ate at a great seafood restaurant right on the beach. It was called "The Spot," and true to it's name it really hit the spot. It was the perfect weather for sitting out on the balcony and enjoying the view.

The one thing that Temple has plenty of is Mexican restaurants. One morning while the kids were all at school we had breakfast at La Taqueria. For those of you who haven't had breakfast here, it is totally worth driving to temple for.... and while you're here you can stop by and visit us. :)

We finished the week off with a date night at Rudy's barbeque... also worth driving to temple for. Think brisket, creamed corn, shredded pork, ribs, banana pudding and giant smoked baked potatoes.

Girl Time

Abbi loved spending time with Grandma. Grandma fixed her hair and got her dressed every morning and....

Brought her earings!! Abbi is so pumped to be able to match her earings to her outfits. Yes, she is 100% girly girl.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the fun visit! We can't wait for next time. (hint, hint).

Grandpa Stewart

We were lucky enough to have Grandpa Stewart come and visit on his way home from a business trip. Grandpa Stewart flew in the same day that Grandma and Grandpa Frost went home. It was so fun to see Grandpa and get to spend the day with him. Saturday night we went to China cafe for the buffet and soft serve (for the little people) and sushi (for the big people). Grandpa was able to come to church with us Sunday and spend the day hanging out and enjoying the beautiful Texas weather. We had some unusual fog on Monday when Grandpa was supposed to fly home so his flight was cancelled and we got to spend an extra afternoon with him.

Abbi especially enjoyed all the extra attention she got from Grandpa.

Thanks dad for stopping by! Sorry for the mile long post. If you are still reading this, I am impressed!

Mancation

Over Labor day weekend, we were lucky enough to have some visitors. Somehow we tricked Colby's brother Dan and his son Logan into coming to Central Texas in late Summer (he,he,he). We all had a blast despite the HEAT and we were so glad that they came. The weekend was filled with all things MAN; lots of food, lots of football, lots of X-box, lots of football, lots of wrestling, lots of weapon making, more food, lots of testosterone and did I mention lots of football? Oh, and a little bit of flexing muscles in the mirror....

To kick off the football bonanza, we went to a Temple high football game. It was so fun to be able to go experience the "Friday night lights." The Temple high football stadium is about the size of a small University stadium (think Weber State, Weber State, great, great, great!) I'm telling you, Texans are serious about their high school football.

The boys were soo excited for the game and I think they all had a good time.... at least for the first half. Sometime during the second half Ammon told Dan, "I'd rather be doing chores than watching this game." We all got a good laugh out of that one. In his defense, it was about 103 outside, and it was WAY past bedtime.

The crew in front of the stadium.

Some of the "weapon making" that occured in the backyard. For those of you wondering; no,I did not photoshop this picture. My lawn really is that dead. I guess that's what happens when you're lucky enough to experience the hottest and driest Summer in the history of all Central Texas, ever. On the bright side, we don't have to mow very often....

And for the wrestling... I think I saw more wrestling this weekend than in a WWF ring. Notice how Abbi is getting in on the action too.

At some point in every family wrestling match, you go from "just playing" to "I am seriously miffed at you."

I don't think Carter is playing anymore.

Another benefit to having a drought; there are lots of dead twigs and sticks hanging around that you can fashion in to weapons.

After the fifth college football game and about the tenth tournament of Fifa Soccer on X-box, I talked these boys into going to New Braunfels. We even made a pit stop in San Marcos to hit the "biggest outlet mall in America," (although I tried to google this for verificaiton and couldn't find anything).

And what would a trip to Texas be without a little Rudy's? Best. BBQ. Ever.

The best part of the trip was watching these three cousins play together. My boys think Logan walks on water, and it was so fun for them to be able to spend some time together.

Another highlight was our trip to Schlitterbaun waterpark. The waterpark was GIGANTIC and we all had a blast swimming, sliding and playing.

Thanks Dan and Logan for the fun visit. Maybe next time Marcie and the girls can join us and we can do a little more shopping.... and watch a little less football!