General Conference

I'm a little out of sequence here, Travis had these pictures in his phone so I forgot to add them to my blog. We decided a few years ago that since we could get tickets to conference from my Dad so easily that we would try to go as much as we could. It is such an awesome experience. We love it! It is also a real bonus to be able to see the Halls. We have so much fun while we are there, that I forget to take pictures! It's just so much fun catching up with everyone and seeing all the cousins play. The kids count down the days until they can see everyone, and then spend every possible minute together while they are there. It's the best! This October was pretty cool because it was Brody's first chance going to the Conference Center. He was a little nervous about having to walk through the protestors, but he lucked out, and there weren't any that day. He said that he really liked being able to see the Prophet. That's my favorite part too! There's such an amazing spirit there being in the same room with all the Apostles and General Authorities... and hearing the choir! This visit we got to see Grandpa in the hospital and then be there when he came home. I loved it when all the little girls would go into Grandpa's room and sing him songs to help him feel better. The boys really liked playing with Grandpa's new gadgets that helped him to reach things. It, of course, became the new "weapon," and everyone wanted to play with it! We love Grandma and Grandpa and want to thank them so much for letting us stay and not minding all the chaos we brought to their home!

Halloween

The boys started out Halloween with a costume parade at school. Then, they went back to their classrooms had juice and donuts, took off their costumes and they were done. They didn't get to celebrate much at school, but we had lots of fun that evening. We went to Grandma & Grandpa LeDuc's house for Pizza and chili, and then off to the church for Trunk-or-treat. The little kids love this because the cars line up and can get candy from each car. It's really fast and easy. After that, we came home, and T J and Brody went trick-or-treating with their friends. Trey went out with Dad and Grandpa. Trey didn't stay out for long. He came back and loved helping me hand out candy. The doorbell would ring and Trey would say, "We have another customer," and he and the girls would run to the door. It was so cute! My niece was here that night too, so that made it even more fun! Now what are we going to do with all the candy they got?

Jack-o'-lanterns

It's a good thing that we didn't carve our pumpkins until the day before Halloween because it has been so warm here the last few days that they didn't last very long. Trey wanted to carve a pirate skeleton in his, TJ carved Homer Simpson, Brody carved wolves howling at the moon and the girls painted theirs. Alyssa got a little paint on the pumpkin!

Halloween Parties

Halloween is so much fun! This year our ward had a Halloween party at the church. We got our pictures taken, there was a cake walk, and plenty of games. The kids loved it! This year Charli, Lyssa,& I were 50's girls. Trav was my jock boyfriend (no dressing up needed!) TJ & Trey were Indiana Tones and Brody was Iron Man. My mom was an absolute lifesaver & made jackets and bags for the boys & Lyssa's skirt! She's the best! Trey & Charli were the only ones that got to have a party in their school class.

Biking in the canyon

Last week when the boys had their fall break, my Dad took us for a bike ride in the canyon. It was such a beautiful ride with the changing fall leaves. We saw this herd of about 6 bighorn sheep. It was awesome! My mom watched the girls and I toted Trey in the trailer. Trey loves riding his bike, but it was just a little too far of a ride for him. I really wanted him to go because I knew he would love it if we saw animals, and we did! We also saw a herd of deer just a little ways up the mountain. TJ and any Dad could have biked all day, but we had to make a few stops for Me and Brody, I didn't think that it would be that much harder with the trailer, but I thought My quads were going to explode! Anyway, it was funny because out of no where Brody said, "Grandpa, you've gut to FEEL the burn, not just TAKE the burn!" I don' t think my Dad was feeling the burn, but I sure was! It was a great memory!

Brody's Bobcat

Our last pack meeting was a lot of fun because Brody earned his bobcat and he got to dress like a character from his favorite book. He dressed like Jack from The Magic Tree house Series. I guess it must be a popular book for kids his age because quite a few of them were the same character. Well when it got it be time for Brody to go up there, he told everyone that his favorite book was this Spy book and he gave a very animated (as you can see) account of his book. Afterward, I asked him why he made up the story. He looked at me like I was so out of it, "Mom, I just didn't want to be like every one else! That's boring!"

TJ's tennis lessons

TJ has been taking tennis lessons for the last few months with one of his buddies. He has really enjoyed it. He wants to play this winter too, so we'll see how it goes. When I was watching him play it just made me want to get out there and play with him. I told him maybe he could give me a few pointers to improve my game. Well, I need serious help with anything athletic, but it would be fun!