Family, Birthdays, Halloween, and the Stake Fair

Life has been good around these parts.  We've been staying somewhat busy, which I like, and events seem to be more fun now that the kids have more of a clue.  At the beginning of the month of October my sister Stephanie came for a visit (thank you Southwest and your super fantastic sales).  It was SOOOOOO much fun and we really had a grand ol' time.  I was hoping all would go well with the transferring to the car, bed and what not and glad to report it was a success!  We had one sketch transfer from the car to her chair but Zac was there to save the day!  We tooled around town, went to dinner at Joes Farmhouse Grill (which Steph gave a ten for the ambiance), went to the candy store, ate pizza, laughed at YouTube videos, and hung out with Ashley (Hawks) Otteson.  The kids had a great time with Steph,and Cru was constantly talking about how she is in a wheelchair because of cars smashing and no seatbelt.  Needless to say when my kids don't want to buckle I ask them if they'd rather be in a wheelchair like Aunt Steph and now they have a visual clue and they don't argue very long.

Chillin in car.

  Zac's birthday was a few weeks ago and Baba came for a short visit which was really fun (a shout out to the SWA again).  The kids really enjoy when company is here and so do I.  It gives us all a shake up from the norm which we all can appreciate.

He wanted cookies rather than cake.

And then Grandma and Grandpa came at the end of October (ah-thank you SW).  My mom's brother lives in Tucson and had an 80th birthday and so her siblings came into town and surprised him at a lunch.  We rented a van so we could all travel together (since it is about two hours away from me) and had an adventure.  Plus my Aunt Elaine and Uncle Kent (plus spouses) came into town and we got to have a grand old time.   Me, Zac, my dad and my Uncle Eric also got to go golfing on Friday which was REALLY fun.

The van ride.  My dad was teasing Zac about the amazing mini-van the whole time.  If any of you know Zac you will know his distain for the mini-van so it was funny.

I love this picture of my kids and their grandparents!

And then of course was Halloween which was really fun this year.

Cru was Puss in Boots, Zoey was a butterfly, and I was a wacky inflatable tube arm man.  We went to a ward trunk or treat party and then trick or treating in our neighborhood.  

And last in this fun month (well the beginning of November) we had the epic Stake Fair.  It is a riot.  All the wards in our stake have a huge celebration which reminds me of something that would happen back in the 50's--which I love because if I ever have a chance to go back in time I am going to that era.  It was full of carnival games, face painting, tractor rides, zip line, chili cook off, hot dogs, obstacle course, petting zoo and about 3,000 people.  I figured since people went to such a huge deal to put this on, I should at least dress up for it.

I wore my SWEET cowboy boots I got at the thrift store, my pearl button shirt, giant star belt buckle, and of course cowboy hat.  People thought I was serious....I was not. 

Cru had a blast.

Zoey.....not so much.

October was a really good month and we had fun with all of our visitors visiting!  Now bring on the holidays!