Super Trunk or Treat

We were able to go to Sullivan Farms for Family Home Evening while Rachel's mom was still out before she had to leave on Wednesday (Rachel also treated her with a trip to the fabric store before she left). It was Walter's first time where he could enjoy himself, and did he ever! He loved the train ride and the wagons most of all.

On Saturday we went to the stake (yes, stake) Trunk or Treat. I have never been to one so large before. It was estimated that about 500 people showed up for it, despite how cold it ended up being. 

The kids had a bit of a hard time with the cold when we were outside, and with the length of time before they actually started it. The numerous games set up were lots of fun, but it was all still a bit too overwhelming for them.

Finally the time came to go out for the Trunk or Treat. All the kids, including Walter, had a blast. But again, it was so large, that they got cold and tired enough to want to stop before they had even finished. They all took in a pretty good haul though. By the time we got home, they were beat.

Also, Rachel and I both got new callings this week. She was made the secretary in the primary presidency, and I'm the new 2nd counselor in the stake Sunday School presidency. Looks like our schedules are about to get quite busy, to put it mildly.

Party Like a Mormon Millennial

Rachel's mom, Brenda,  flew out on Tuesday evening to visit for a week. Everyone has been looking forward to it. She has always been fun for the kids and helpful around the house. Rachel prepared so well for her arrival while I've been at work, despite the kids' best efforts to continually plunge the house into disarray.

They've already been able to visit the botanical gardens & Grant's Farm, with plans to see Sullivan Farms and more this coming week before she leaves Wednesday evening. 

Yesterday we cleaned and prepped all day for the youth I teach in Sunday School to come over for a barbecue. We ended up having: Sam Horn; Hans, Emma & Lilli Larsen; Rowan, Iris & William Wilson; Mike, Adair, Jacob, Hannah, Jordan & Rebecca Von Hall; Kevin, Carmen, Dallin & Gracie Lake; Reva, Brandon & Melissa Gomes; & Ashleigh Judd. Everyone seemed to have a great time, enjoying the barbecue, the fire, the s'mores, the basement (younger kids) and the company. 

Tonight is a temple training that I need to attend for a few hours. Luckily Rachel's mom is here to be able to help put the kids to bed. I'll miss them - family has become more precious as I've been serving in the temple each Friday evening.

Wiggly Tooth & Indian Summer

So the weather has had a couple of dips into the 50's & 60's, but it keeps coming right back up, hanging on to near 90 temperatures - and October is half way over! We only have tree that's beginning to change. This morning is plenty cool, which is nice. But by this weekend we'll still be looking at almost 80 degrees. Rachel and I assume that the contestant fluctuation is the reason behind Walter's mild cold that he's come down with.  Hopefully is clears up soon, so he can enjoy the fall season with better nights' sleep.

Annalyn has her first loose tooth! It's looking like it's still a ways away before it comes out, but she is so ecstatic. She had been reading about how Fancy Nancy had lost her tooth and she was dying to loose a tooth herself. Well Annalyn, the time has finally come! 

Serving in the temple continues to be a blessing for me self, as well and the family. I've gotten to the point where I've done almost everything in the temple, and feel comfortable with the wording. Each week I look forward to Friday nights. It's the best way to start off the weekend.

Rachel and I enjoyed a fun evening out for our date last night. We went to Kobe, a Japanese steakhouse and enjoyed quite the show. Our chef was very lively and funny! We laughed, enjoyed great food, and created happy memories that will last a very long time. Plus, Rachel was finally able to catch a shrimp in her mouth!

Conference Weekend

We enjoyed watching General Conference this weekend. Probably the most memorable aspect of this conference was that Elder Hales passed away between the Sunday Sessions. Elder Andersen gave a great talk at the conclusion of the conference with part of Elder Hales talk that he had written, had his health permitted him to speak. It was very touching.

We finally got rid of a nasty yellow jacket nest along the back of our house, so we got to get back outside and get the yard cleaned up - and get eaten alive by mosquitos. It always has to be something...

Autumn should hopefully arriving soon, along with Rachel's mom, who is coming out to visit for a week. We're looking forward to Brookdale farms again and all the other fun fall activities we can do as a family.