13 day countdown...11 if you are really counting

One of our favorite things to pull out each October is our Halloween countdown. Over the next 13 days (or 11 now) we will be doing some of these activities. This is a fun month.

Some of our favorite decorations we have been loving for several years now. 

We kicked off the countdown with the Packer Cousin party. Aunt Jessie did an amazing job. We sure missed having a few of our cousins there, but still managed to have fun.

^^ These kids are just hilarious. ^^ 

^^ We didn't have time to make this buddy a costume, so we whipped up a Super Pirate Indian. Do you spy a sneaky ninja? ^^ 

10.11.2014 - neighborhood fall party with too many pictures

^^ we planted a maple just like this one. I'm excited. ^^

We had a new family move into the neighborhood within the year. They hadn't realized they had moved into the neighborhood party planning house. The first day we met them, Justin let them know that they were now in charge of all parties. Not sure if she knew Justin was teasing, but she listened, and then she outdid herself. It was a fun party. 

Hands down, the winner of the night. (at least for our kids) Bobbing for Apples. It was hilarious.

^^ I love that Taylor finally just bit the stem to get it out. ^^

Rudger was like, 'dude, what ARE you guys doing? Why don't you just grab the apple with your hands?' Then he tried to grab one, I pulled him back and he cried.

 Then we gave it to him and he was happy.

Seriously, they loved it. They kept coming back to it throughout the evening. My favorite was watching them watch each other.

Yes, good times were had.

We ended the evening having a little fun at the photo booth.

^^ seriously, those faces ^^

 ^^ and those ^^

 

I just love this man, and I love that he put the new family in charge, because secretly, I know he loves coming to these parties.

10.12.2014 - sunday evening favorites

^^ I just love how excited Rudger is about The Friend. ^^

Sunday evenings are one of my favorites. (especially now that we get out of church at noon)  Favorite things about the night:

+ eating chocolate chip cookies
+ playing card games
+ afternoon nap
+ homemade rolls
+ laughing at daddy telling Halloween jokes
+ and the highlight: boys cuddled around while we read Halloween stories

  

signs of autumn around the yard

The past few weeks when we walk around the yard we have seen lots of fall. It makes me happy. 

We loved watching our pumpkins grow this year. We grew a big pumpkin, regular sized pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and white pumpkins. 

Happy Fall! And now that the weather is just a little chillier, we broke out the supply of hot chocolate.

oct.2014 general conference

This weekend was just what I needed. When 4:00 on Sunday afternoon rolled around, I felt a bit of sadness. I guess that is a good thing - I didn't want to be done listening to the prophet and apostles.

The boys spent Friday night sleeping in their tents. Saturday -  going between listening and playing. Sunday -  playing Conference bingo, building Conference scenes with legos, and listening to some of the stories given in talks. We also enjoyed plenty of food. Saturday - cinnamon rolls, picnic lunch, pizza and ice cream. Sunday - breakfast casserole and leftovers.

This year, to prepare myself for Conference, I enjoyed listening to several of the apostles and their wives on Conversations via the Mormon Channel. I loved learning more about them and how their lives were with young children at home. 

I also listened to this episode. On there, it was mentioned that  instead of having a New Year's Resolution, have a Conference Resolution. Set a goal and work on it for the next six months.  There were several talks that spoke to me, there were things I wanted and needed to hear, but as a family we noticed Richard G. Scott's talk - fundamental habits. 

We have done well at several of these, but sometimes I think we could have more diligence, more preparation, and more respect towards these things that matter most. How grateful I am for the simplicity of the gospel and for the focus on having more joy in families and in this life.

* I just loved the focus on loving and supporting our Prophet!