CAT-GRIZ MURPHY STYLE

Oh yeah, baby. The Murphy kids are all geared up for the big Cat-Griz game this weekend. They went to school today in their gear, ready to show their spirit. In our house, the girls mimic me and are Bobcat fans, while Max is all about the Grizzlies, just like his Daddy. Gavin is hunting this weekend with Uncle Joe, Uncle Ryan, and his buddy Scott, but the kids and I are meeting Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie Ali and the boys, and Kendall over in Bozeman for the game! Hope it's a good one.

Mom's Las Vegas Girls' Trip

I have been enjoying monthly (sometimes more frequent) nights out with a fantastic group of women here in Billings for the past three years or so. These women are wonderful friends who I have come to rely on for support, laughter, and as a sounding board for those parent-related issues where I need some suggestions and feedback. While what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, I will disclose that we enjoyed at least one unbelievable meal, some fantastic shopping, some pool time and a night out on the town that will go down in the history books - 4 am, baby!

The six of us enjoying dinner at the Bellagio's Olives. Kim, Amy, Heather, Me, Katie and Liz.

Following a show, we decided to channel a little Charlie's Angels Action. Yes, Heather is wearing underwear on her head. I'm not quite sure why she had those in her purse. . .
On the dance floor with a random dance partner (givin the peace sign), Kim and Heather. We partied until the LIGHTS CAME ON! IN VEGAS! One night only, but still . . . so NOT 30-60.

Our Baby Girl Turns THREE!

The youngest little Murphy turned 3 last week, and we threw her a Dora-themed fiesta to celebrate. Brighton referred to the upcoming celebration as her "Happy Birthday" and made it known that the decorations were ALL hers. She loved being the center of attention and spent much of the evening in the kitchen twirling in her "bootiful dress." We had a closest friends over to celebrate, and the kids had a ball chasing one another around the house while the parents visited in-between the taco bar, cake, and opening presents.

Brighton and her friend Finley had a wonderful time eating their tacos. The Dora cake was delicious (rasberry almond - no, I didn't make it), and the kids sang a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Brighton. I only wish that I got her reaction to the singing on video. As the song began, Brighton bowed her head in embarassment, with the slightest little smirk on her face. As the song continued (and increased in volume), her head dipped lower and her smile became broader. Finally, as the song came to its crescendo, Brighton hit her forehead on the table. It was very funny (although you may have had to been there), as the singers all burst into laughter and Brighton giggled at their reaction.

She blew out the candles all by herself on Saturday, which meant she was being a practiced candle-blower-outer. When she blew out the candles on Tuesday (her "real" birthday), she was afraid of the "fire." But by Saturday night, she was able to do so unassisted.

Happy birthday to our little cherub Brighton. You are a delight to all of us and the icing on the cake of our little family.

The Pink Poodle, the Bumblebee, and Hannah Montana!

Halloween 09 was quite an adventure at the Murphy house. This year, we had an adorable little Pink Poodle, a incredible Auto-bot by the name of Bumblebee, and a very talented singer known as Hannah Montana.

After getting dressed, we went to the Finks for some chile and a hayride with our friends. Eric hooks the "hay wagon" on the back of his pick-up every year and takes the kiddos for a ride around the block. It is always fun - this year, the kids even enjoyed popcorn on their adventure.

Here are Max and Riley (as a Husky football player).

Daddy joined Brighton on the hayride.

Tatum, Bella, Ava, Katie and Ryan toward the front of the wagon. What a beautiful fairy, Hannah, Peacock and Supergirl, and a very handsome young Power Ranger as well. The hayride from the back - what a crew!

Brighton enjoyed her first round of trick-or-treating. She was quite a trooper, considering she had hay stuck in her costume that caused her to itch all night long.

Here are all the kids before heading out on the hayride.
And, not but certainly not least, we hooked up with Conner and Carter (who was done by this time) for some MORE trick-or-treating. As you can see, Connor was Optimus Prime. The two boys had aball running around using their "guns" and wearing the AWESOME helmuts that Grandma Bradley bought them. What an excellent night it was.

SOCCER!

What a fantastic fall Bella and Max had on the soccer field. They are both athletic players who really attacked the ball this year. Max was an animal on defense, with his coach praising him because "no one can score when Max is in the game." Bella was a great team player who really liked playing on an all-girl team (that was the only reason she decided she wanted to play soccer). Both of them scored at least one goal a game, sometimes several. Gavin and I were very proud parents.

Here's Bella waiting for the ball.

Max after scoring a goal - I was so happy to get his "thumbs-up" on camera.

Bella utilizes her graceful dance moves on occasion when she was setting up to kick - what talent.

Here's Max "attacking" that ball - he was a very aggressive player.

Here is Bella with some of her friends from school. I believe that is Emily on the left (or "Eminem"), along with Bella (otherwise known as "Bella Cinderalla"), Courtney (or "Snortney") and Riley (aka Rhino). Apparently, these four have given each other nicknames at school, it is pretty funny.

Of course, games weren't all serious. While this picture is blurry, you get the gist - Jason and Max have made themselves pregnant with soccer balls - this picture was taken DURING the game. When Bella wasn't playing, she could often be found lounging (not watching the game) on the blanket with her teammates.
And here are Bella and Brighton coloring during Max's game. With both kids playing at different times every Saturday, we had a lot of down town at the field. Bella and Brighton (or Max and Brighton) either colored or rolled down the grass hill while the other older sibling was playing. Luckily, we had beautiful weather for every game. It was a fantastic season.

WE LOVE OUR COUSINS!

The best part about our trip to Phoenix was the opportunity to hang out with our Franklin Cousins, who we have not seen in 4 years because they were out in New York. We are so happy they are just a quick flight away and we plan to impose upon them often. The kids had a great time hanging out with their cousins. Brighton and Jaysha are just days apart, and their interests (as well as their personalities!) are quite aligned at the moment. Bella and Ariana also got along splendidly while big cousin Cierra made sure everyone stayed out of trouble (and that all the girls were properly attired and made-up). Cierra also showed her younger cousins and sisters some dance moves that were out of sight! We really had a great time.

The cousins enjoying their ice cream after Uncle Micah and Auntie Lisa whipped up some delicious carne asada tacos! Bella is on the end, then Ariana, Cierra looking over her shoulder, Max and Brighton (not looking) and adorable Ariana.

Bella and Ariana hit it off! They had a ball hanging out in the pool and in the house!

We took naps almost everyday. Here, Bella, Daddy and Brighton snuggle up for some quick shut-eye.

Her Awesomeness Cierra and Bella enjoying a swim in the Franklin's pool.

And now Miss Brighton and her beautiful cousin Ari.

My sweet little ladybug.

Ari giving Bella a ride.

I love this picture of Jaysha - what a dolly!

The kids loved the water, all but one day (when it rained, believe it or not).

The water slides were AWESOME - just ask Max, who spent nearly every minute he was at the pool on them. In fact, that's Max coming down the slide again (he was spinning in circles as he reached the bottom). Papa Jerry is a member at the Seville Country Club, which had great amenities for the kids. Four pools, a snackbar, gym, movie theater, and a pro shop that Gavin said was incredible (I really wouldn't know about that one).
Thanks to Papa Jerry for sharing his totally awesome house with us. The kids have their own room there - complete with a bunk beds decked out with a butterfly comforter for the girls (queen size bottom bunk) and sports comforter on the top bunk for Max. We had a great time enjoying the most excellent company of Papa Jerry and Pam and Lisa, Micah and our three beautiful nieces.

Phoenix: ASU Football Game

We took an amazing trip to Phoenix with Papa Jerry and Pam over the long Labor Day Weekend. It was a great way to end the summer: we left on Thursday morning and returned Tuesday morning, leaving lots of time and opportunity to enjoy the warm (okay obnoxiously hot) weather, the pools, and the golfing. Yes! I was able to golf 9 with Pam the first day we were there and Gavin and I golfed another 18 with Pam and Jerry while Lisa (THANK YOU) watched our kiddos. It was so much fun! One of the highlights of the trip, however, was the ASU football game. Unfortunately, ASU played Idaho State, and really tore them up. But it was so fun for the kids to see a game at a big stadium, complete with fireworks every time the Sun Devils scored. The food, however, was not as good as that we can find in Bozeman or Missoula and we missed the pizza!

Here we are arriving at the field, before the kids went to Sparky's Store and purchased some gear appropriate for such an event.

And here they are AFTER their purchases. Brighton and Bella enjoyed "cheering" with their pom-poms, while Max wore his ASU hat for 3 days after we returned home.

Here's our little devil cheering on her team with enthusiasm!

Daddy was in Heaven! The kids loved the game and were attentive (for the most part) until we left part way through the fourth quarter. Max especially liked sitting next to his daddy and asking all types of questions about the game. We will definitely try to make an ASU game a yearly event!