Catching Up

Lizzy hosted a fun get together with some friends for Halloween.  I wasn't there the whole time... but I heard there was quite a bit of murder in the dark.

 Sabrina hosted a painting pumpkin event.  Glow in the dark paints this time.  Always a good time with the Strongs.  

And if you give a mouse a cookie... (or in other words.. Andrew and Sam had a party too)

In the above picture.... Sam and his friends were discovered all spinning on the ground together.  I don't know why, but it was funny. 

This was eating donuts off of a string.

The dry ice root beer was a pretty big hit.

Sam was Kylo Ren, Lizzy was a character from Septimus Heap (can't remember the name), Andrew was BB8 and Grayson was a bunny.  Not themed... but very cute!

Soccer season ended with a bang... and some dirt... lots of dirt and mud and rain.  LOL!

Grayson coming to big kid primary.  

Nightly post prayer ritual.

Grandma and Grandpa and Brett came for Thanksgiving.  We had so much fun.  Like we always do... but so fun that they make this trip so often.  We always enjoy it.

Grandpa was constantly occupied with playing games with Grayson and Sam.  Since he never says no... I guess he likes it.  (Or he's just a nice guy.)

Then we all went skating.  Which was fun... but not the fondest of memories... since Brett fell and broke his back.  Not even kidding.  Fracture... I guess, but still.  It was bad.  He's been in so much pain the last few months.  He's a pretty good sport... that guy.

The Haux family joined us for Thanksgiving.  Which was really nice.

Christmas Tree!!!!!

These ladies are seriously the best.  Sabrina and Lynn and I have decided we need monthly projects to work on.  We have so much fun hanging out and sometimes we accomplish stuff too!

Andrew being honored for being a stellar reader.

These 2 kids were deemed old enough to come to Dad's work party at a glass blowing museum.  They didn't break anything... so I suppose they survived.  It was really fun to watch.

I got released from my primary chorister calling, but this was my view every Sunday and I pretty much miss it a lot.  They aren't always as sweet as this mind you... they also can be kind of naughty, but overall, pretty dang good kids!

Ordinary Days

 I'm kind of sad that Aaron didn't have this calling very long, but it sure was fun while it lasted.  He was asked to work with Jackson, who is the cutest little guy with Angelmans syndrome.  Aaron is such a big hearted guy and Jackson will always have a special place in our hearts.

 Sometimes Grayson and I like to go to our favorite furniture store just for fun... and to take silly pictures.  

 Andrew's class after the fun run.

 A little fall cooking.

 We're enjoying this nice fall weather for just a little bit longer.  Below is where Grayson stood on a bridge and reminded me about the Billy Goat Gruff underneath.  

Zions

This year we decided that I would take the youngest two kids to participate in the annual family outing to Eric and Heidi's property at Zions National Park.  After some serious stress with planes and car rentals and lots of shuttles, we then proceeded to get lost while driving around looking for the right site.  I found myself at the spot my gps had directed me to at the end of a dead end road and seeing no one in sight.  It was dark, we'd been travelling all day and the kids were tired.  I braced myself for a complete break down from the kids as  I started to tell them that we had to turn around and I had no idea where to go next.  They did panic a bit, but Sam surprised me with his immediate idea that we should pray.   We did and no miracle immediately happened, but we felt peaceful.  I knew that things would be okay.  And they were... we'd lost our signal, but after driving back for about a half hour... I got a signal again and managed to call my family who directed me to the right place.  It was quite a touching experience for me and for Sam.   

 After kind of a rough start... we ended up having a wonderful time.  I love seeing these cousins play together.  They had so much fun running around, sword fighting, digging in the sand, hiking and shooting bb guns.

 My favorite part was each evening after the kids were tucked into bed in their tents...quickly falling asleep after their busy days... my siblings and I all gathered around the fire and talked and laughed and had a great memory-fest!  It was such a great time.

I'm not sure if I'll remember what this means 10 years from now... but Eric's lesson about the "royal we" was one of the best laughs I've had in years.  

 Nothing ends a great trip like ice cream sandwiches.