Brighton's Second Birthday

Holy smokes, our baby girl is 2! Brighton had a wonderful birthday party on Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa Bradley coming over from Twin Bridges, Auntie Kendall coming in from Missoula, Aunti Ali and Uncle Joe and cousins Carter and Connor, Grandma Barbi, Papa Jerry and Pam, and adopted Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Chuck (Cindy and Chuck are Carter and Connor's grandparents on Uncle Joe's side) joining for the celebration! It was a wonderful celebration - with an Elmo inspired theme ("Melmo" if your Brighton). She had a great day and loved being the center of attention.

Here's the cake!

And the Birthday Girl enjoying the frosting off the bottom of "Melmo" on "my cake."

And here is the Birthday Girl's personal table with her brother Max, Cousin Connor (check out that grin) and sister Bella (Grandpa Beau's dog Bob is also in the picture).

Halloween at the Bergeson's and Papa Jerry's

Heather and Robb Bergeson threw an incredible Halloween party for the kiddos, complete with hayride, costume contest, games, and homemade sugar cookies. The kids had so much fun - thanks Robb and Heather for a great night!

Here are Max and his buddies, Riley and Keegan posing in their awesome costumes. Below is a pictures of the crew heading out for a hayride through the neighborhood - the yelled "Happy Halloween" to all the trick-or-treaters as they rode around the block Eric and Amy provided the hayride, and it was a big hit.

Below is Bella modeling her Princess Leah costume. She won the award for "best hair" and was thrilled with her medal.

Later on Halloween we took off for Papa Jerry's and enjoyed posing for the camera on Papa's lap. It was a wonderful Halloween!

HALLOWEEN 2008!

What a night it was! The Murphy Crew celebrated the Star Wars Series this Halloween - with Bella posing as Princess Leah, Max posing as Luke Skywalker, and Brighton as the fearless R2-D2. Dad made an imposing Darth Vader (not pictured) and Mom was C3PO. It was a great night, with a Halloween Party at the Bergesons and trick-or-treating adventures as well.

Here is our little R2-D2. She was a loyal droid to Luke Skywalker and Princess Leah.

Max was a masterful Luke Skywalker - the Force stayed with him all night.

And Bella was a beautiful Princess Leah. This is the pose Princess Leah is in on the movie cover - and Bella posed for pictures in this manner throughout the night.

Max's Last Soccer Game

Max is an incredible soccer player and had a blast this year. It was amazing to us how far he's come in just a year. His competitive nature was a bit problematic at times (Max kept score every game on his fingers, although there was not supposed to be a winner in these games). He became quite the dribbler and by the end of the season was even passing the ball to his teammates. We were very proud of his good sportsmanship (high fives when his friends scored).

Here is Max and his team. What a crew!

This picture just captures Max. He was so proud of his medal, and wanted Brighton to see it and understand how special it was. He was showing her his medal and telling her "you can get one someday, too, honey."

Pumpkin Patch

We had a great time at the Pumpkin Patch this year. We first went on a hayride to the corn maze. After finding our way through the maze (Bella and Max did a great job of leading the way), we each picked a pumkin and had some fun back at the headquarters.

Bella the Scarecrow.

Max the Scarecrow.

Brighton's little face as the scarecrow's "hand."

Here's Maxer with his prized pumpkin; it is spectacular.


Bella (always posing for the camera) and her perfect pumpkin.


Three cuties on a hayride.

Brighton's prized pumpkin. She was really frustrated that she couldn't carry it "by myself."

SNOW IN OCTOBER!

Boy did we get bunch of snow in early October this year. Max and Bell had a ball playing in the snow (Brighton does NOT like to get wet or dirty). Here are some pictures of my five-year olds enjoying the snow-storm (19 inches worth).

My Maxer made a snowman all by himself - complete with stick arms and everything! He was very proud of his handy-work.

Had to throw this picture in of my girls in the tub. They are starting to look more and more alike.

TO OUR LOYAL BLOG FOLLOWERS:

You must all be wondering what in the world the Murphys have been up to the last few months. Well, let me assure you, we have been BUSY. I just wrapped up a 5 day trial in Bozeman last week and have a 2 week trial scheduled to start in Butte on October 20. Since I am THE blogger in our family, you haven't heard much lately.

Now for the ramblings of a guilt-ridden working mother, please bear with me:

My time in Bozeman last month was the longest period of time I've been away from the kids (prior record was two nights for work; 1 three day trip to Vegas with Gavin). It was tough on Mommy, tough on Daddy, but the kids really handled it beautifully thanks only to Gavin and the extra loves they were provided in abundance by their teachers at school. One down, one to go.

I want to give HUGE props to Gavin. I am truly the luckiest woman in the world to be married to such a supportive husband. He is, without a doubt, the only man I know who could handle getting three kids out the door every morning before 8, picking them up, getting them to and from activities (soccer for Max and dance for Bella), feeding them dinner, putting them to bed, AND DOING LAUNDRY!!! He of course does this all while running his own business and keeping track of his clients and cases. He did not complain once and put up with my nightly phone calls seeking his advice on examinations and closings, some of which lasted long into the night.

Anyway, after this next trial in Butte, I plan to take some time off and spend it enjoying my three beautiful children and taking care of their daddy. I must say that while I love my job, I am grateful that this (two trials in six months, much less in three weeks) has never happened before and very likely will never happen again. While the kids and Gavin would survive a repeat unscathed, I think I would lose my sanity completely.

So, rest-assured, the blog will be back in early November with a vengeance. Our first blog topic will be Holloween, which will be OUT OF THIS WORLD (hint, hint). Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. We really appreciate it.

Love,

The Murphy Family