Sunday Hike

Pretty soon the weather is going to get nasty, so I want to head out as much as possible.

It's so barren. And empty. 

I honestly wonder how we would ever survive here without the comforts and convenience of modern living.

We didn't make it to our original destination because my car just isn't meant for dirt roads.

But we set a goal of this tree and got there. Maria called it the "tick tree". I thought it was rather beautiful, but that might be because it was the only green thing around. We explored a dried up river/stream bed. Eli found some music rocks. He's been using them all week to make the beat for Ella to sing to.

Everyone always loves to run to the car at the end for 1st, 2nd, etc. Of course, poor Ella does NOT like that idea. But then she is fine when she passes me for 4th place and I get last. Ha!

I love my kids. I'll say it over and over, but they truly are my greatest joy and best friends.

I love to be with them. They are my happiness and purpose.

Hansen Halloween Bash

What a night!!! 

3 Halloween parties in 1 day.

Glad to end with Ken Ryan though.

Prom... forward 20 years later.

Heather's house was something straight out of Disneyland. The ornate decorations were just plain magical. It was a lovely party, but we didn't stay too long. Just too tired.

Grateful for the invite and of course to see Sharon and Ry.

PL Ward Party- Shanna !!!!!

Mormon Women. MORMON WOMEN!!!!

Sheesh.

Shanna rocked this party!!!

Ultimate Halloween Party.

Magician.

Super Organized.

Great food- plus corn dogs for the kids!!!!!!!

Fabulous trunks for trunk or treat. 

(Organized kids in a line so cars were prepped ahead of time)

Clean up during the trunk or treat.

I mean, it really was just so well done.

Yeah!!!!!! Shanna!!!!!!!!

The decorations were over the top, but they were nice.

I mean, a dead tree with tons of lights as a chandelier.

What some husbands will do for their wives.

Of course, within 1 minute of trunk or treat time, Eli was mowed down by an older boy.

And!! Of course the said older boy stopped to say sorry and help him out. So sweet.

3 minutes later, we good.

As pictured below.

Loved the elders costumes!!! SO FUN!!!

Ella and her Janie. They had tons of fun together.

I can't tell you how happy this picture makes me.

Janie was recently in a bad horse accident. She had fallen off, was in a coma, and had severe trauma to the brain. Fortunately, miracle of miracles... she is much much better!!!

So scary!!! But God is good and gracious and we are just so thankful that she is well.

That she can walk, talk, and is getting back into the swing of being awake and healthy!!!

The limos!!!!

These 2 made me laugh!!

And of course the Peters, gotta love them!!! So fun!!!

I loved watching Jeff and Lynette dance to Michael Jackson.

And of course, everyone had a great time with friends!!!

Thanks Papa for bringing the extra candy!!!

Riverwalk Trick or Treat

One might ask, why? Why do I take my kids to soooooooooooo many trick or treat functions.

The answer is simple.

My mom.

My mom used to haul me around everywhere on Halloween with Sissy Mattice. I have no clue how I ever met Sissy, or why I never saw Sissy except on Halloween. Sissy always dressed up as some sort of cat. Every. Single. Year.

We'd go to apartment complexes on Neil Rd, Skyline, the mansions by Virginia Lake and along Arlington. We'd go and go and go.

I'd have pillow sacks, multiple!! just full of candy.

We'd go home and she'd let me sort it all.

My mom loved Halloween. And not the spooky, scary stuff, the fun of it all.

She used to get the my kids giant candy bars.

She loved passing out candy at her door.

So maybe, the more I take my kids to, the more I can be like my wonderful mom.

But I doubt it. She was the best.

SILENT DISCO FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tons of people out. Fun to look at!!

We even trick or treated at bars!!! RAY-NO!!!!!!

Eagle Canyon Park

I'm always so glad when there are bathrooms at a park. Granted, here there were only port-o-potties... but still. Very helpful with small bladders.

The city recently renovated this playground and boy, did it turn out fun!!! We enjoyed our picnic and sunshine and beautiful skies!!

I was introduced to the lava game. We all had a hard time trying to not touch the ground.

Eli and Ella made friends.

I picked up trash.

It was a good afternoon together!!

Art Teacher

I've been volunteering at Van Gorder for about 4 years now as an art teacher each month. Usually it's just for Mrs. Kattelman, but on occasion other teachers who request me too.

Maria's teacher, Mrs. Courtney, had me in and we did sugar skulls. 

Great class!!! And it's nice to finally have some pictures of what I do!!! The artwork turned out great!!

SS Ward Halloween Party

Is anyone getting Halloweened out yet?

Possibly.

And yet, candy is always so thrilling.

Nina worked from 10:20 to 2:00 setting up decorations for the party. They turned out very nice!!!

We dragged Papa out with us. He didn't wear his blue suit!!!!!!!

Eli got sour cream and cheese for dinner. Yum. Just like the rest of the food there.

I did Day of the Dead again.

Maria won the costume contest for her age group.

Ella even braved the haunted house!!!

It was a simple, yet fun night!!! Glad to go to bed though!!!