Icing on the cake

Parker's version of icing on his birthday cake are a few sparklers, some poppers, and some fireworks. The "show" was a perfect ending to a wonderful birthday (except for some burns earned while doing the sparklers). How grateful we are to remember the pioneers on this day as well as have our own pioneer in our family!

4th of July

For the past few years it has become somewhat of a tradition to travel to Cedar City for the 4th of July. Each year we find ourselves doing the traditional things and have enjoyed every minute of it. This year was no different, except for the fact that Parker is more mobile and enjoys the holiday the way that it should be enjoyed. Here are some of the highlights of the celebration in Cedar City:

Trip to the Cabin:

The Parade

The Park

The Swimming Pool

BBQ with the family - thanks to Nate, Lindsay and Crew

Fireworks at the "Hanger" - Courtesy The Leavitts

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2008 

Where? - Castle Dale, UT

Costume - spotted horse confused as a cow

Result - Candy (Baby Ruth) and a long night in a warm costume

Recap:  First Halloween was more of a token Halloween.  It resulted in a warn out trick or treater who fell asleep in his car seat with Baby Ruth in hand.   

Halloween 2009 

Where? - Cedar City, UT

Costume - "Split Fan" - Half Utah & Half BYU

Result - Trick or Treating with cousins and Candy (Baby Ruth was first once more) that he could actually have.  Now we are getting somewhere!

Recap:  Trick or treating came a little more to life this year for Parker though it seemed that every costume somebody had on scared him.  Even the neighbor grandma who put on a big nose and mustache sent Parker into a scream.  Parker scored big time as he hit The Clark's (neighbors), The Alger's (Melissa's fam), Paula & Brooks (also fam), "My friend Jean" (neighbor and friend of Grandma Esplin), The Leavitts (might as well be fam), The Schmutz's (wrong door but next to family), and Aunt Marva (Devin's fam).  Of course the holiday festivities weren't complete without pumpkin carving and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Frequent trips to the treat pumpkin at Grandma's.  Early and Often!

Wouldn't you be excited too?

Wearing this cost the BYU fan a candy bar at one house!

Grandma & Grandpa with Parker and his cousins McKenna(Princess) and Spencer (Dragon)

Parker with his cousins after Trick or Treating - bottom:  Tanner;  Couch (L-R) Max, Spencer, Jane, Marian, Parker;  Top (L-R) McKenna, Quincy, Evan

Horse Halloween??

Howdy Ma'am

Parker with the Yost Princesses!

Dad with Parker 

It wore Parker out to get his first "treat" but it sure was worth it!

Cowboy Family

Parker and Ty

Mom & Parker with the Yost kids

Horse or a cow, you tell us because apparently Wal-mart has difficulty distinguishing between the two when it comes to Halloween costumes.  We learned this upon going to a ward Halloween Party and people telling us he is such a cute "cow".  We learned quickly that trying to convince the native Emery County residents was pointless because they know their horses and we sure don't.  Regardless of what Parker was for his first Halloween he didn't seem to care and was as fun as ever.  His first Halloween included Carmel apple making with friends, a ward Halloween "bash" and trick or treating in his car seat.  Parker scored big time in his first visit to the Peacock home with his first treat, a "Baby Ruth" (fitting I know!).  Here are some pics from the Halloween Happenings!