Usually we go to Apple Annie's, but this year we opted for a change. I can't remember the last time we didn't go to Apple Annie's, so that was kind of sad for us to break tradition. But Katelyn's class was going to a patch we hadn't heard of, it was a little closer, so we decided to try it out. They had a hay maze, a petting zoo and lots of other fun things that Apple Annie's didn't have. However, their pumpkin patch was so bad. The sticky, pokey weeds were taller than the adults and we had to hack our way through. The kids were so miserable! It was awful. I wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that they had a "vote for Obama" table set up. Boo hiss. Anyway, most of it was a lot of fun, but I would have been happy to take the hay ride around the patch, and pick one from the little store they had set up. Good times. And it was a lot of fun, because everyone (but Jer and Jana and family sniff, sniff) were there. We missed you guys!!!!!!!

Halloween Fun!

More Fun...

Ward Halloween party, one of the "booths" was lightsabor fighting. The boys weren't too excited about that.... haha Darth, Luke, a witch and a Princess (Grandma Lawlor is AMAZING and made the Luke, witch and princess costumes)

I straightened Zach's hair for four different events. He was such a trooper! It didn't stay straight for too long, but I was amazed that he even let me do it! Anything to look like Luke Skywalker!

and more fun...

Zach's preschool class

MS. Cooper with Alyssa. This is Ethan's teacher, and she is AWESOME!
Pumpkin carving activity at the school

We had a lot of fun events the week of Halloween. Of course I had to get a little bit on the sick side, so I wasn't entirely up for all of the fun, but the kids had a blast. I hate being sick during these times, I feel like I am too grumpy to enjoy things. But here are some of the picts of our kids.

Primary Program

Today was our ward's primary program. I was so impressed with the kids in the ward, and the leaders. They did such a good job. Ethan was asked to recite the third article of faith. I was proud that he had taken it upon himself to memorize it. We work on those things here and there, but I will admit not nearly as much as we should. I often get overwhelmed at the responsibility of teaching the kids, and what to teach and priorities! But they are eager to learn the things of the Gospel, and that is so helpful. Katelyn had her part memorized the first week we started to work on it. But she got a little nervous and I think they thought her hesitation was because she needed help, and so that confused her a little bit. But for as shy as my kids are, I was so proud of them! It was so fun to watch them sing their little hearts out. I taught relief society today. The lesson was on the Second Coming and the Millennium. To have read all of the things about destruction and desolation and things to come and wars and contentions, to watch those kids today filled my heart with a lot of faith and hope for the future. It was really a good day.
Although getting to church for us is another story. Involving Alyssa having and accident in the tub, to a toilet overflowing. Etc... Seriously, for us, we are kind of used to having catastrophes on Sunday. It means that we are on the right track! But it is always worth what we go through to get to church. After church today, Zach's teacher called and said that she had to share with us something that happened today. Zach was on one of the riding toys in the nursery, and another little boy really wanted to ride it. Without really any expectation at all, the nursery leader asked Zach if he could let the other little boy have a turn. She said Zach didn't even hesitate, he got off the bike, said here you go and went and found something else to do. I heard Dan say on the phone things like, that was my kid? and That is really nice to hear. So here is a shout out to the kids for a great day. Alyssa even stayed in the nursery without a lot of drama. Way to go guys! I was so proud of you!
When we got home from our two minute drive from the church, Alyssa was sound asleep. But because we get home so late we didn't want her to sleep for too long, because we wanted her to go to bed before 10. So Dan laid her on a pillow in the living room, and covered her with a blanket. Katelyn came in, looked at Alyssa and said, "ohhh". And then she went to get some of her favorite dolls and a bear, and laid them all next to Alyssa. Dan said, "Katelyn, that was nice of you." and Katelyn said, "well, I didn't want Alyssa to get scared". I have to say, it was a really good day!

We're still here...

I can't believe how fast time is going. October was such a blur. There were a lot of fun events, but it just seemed like it was over too fast. I am now almost 26 weeks pregnant, and I feel great. I get tired, obviously, but other than that, it is going really well. The kids help out so much and I think this time around is a little different because Dan is home a lot more because he is done with school. His schedule the past couple of months has been nice, although as nice as it is, we are hoping it will change soon! It is so hard to know what to do when you are job searching. Certainly kids play a huge part in our decisions, but throw in the fact that we are expecting again, we have to be really careful about our choices. And then the fact that no matter what we decide, it is ultimately up to the people who are doing the hiring, well, and Heavenly Father.
I would love to comment on the events of last week, and all of the election hoopla and the comments that I made on the news articles. But today I think that I can safely say it is what it is, and I have to make good and sure that I teach my family good and correct principles. And stay away from that nonsense as much as possible. Especially because I am pregnant and the stress it causes me to listen to talk radio, or read the news on the Internet. I especially become a little disturbed when I google LDS temples to get some clip art for my lesson and see images that should be kept sacred. Very disheartening. So, for now I think I will keep my blog what I have wanted it to be all along and that is the comings and goings of our family. And leave the nonsense to the rest of the world.
I guess that I should catch up on October.... That may take all of Novemeber, but I will see what I can do....