fun- and 4 dollars

We have had a pretty great October. Dave has been doing well in school, I mostly have had a bit more energy, Jordan has really started getting Algebra, Nicole has been reconnected with much better friends, and Kira has ridden her bike more than she has all summer. We were so lucky to have our Lagoon Season passes this year. They really were so much fun for our family! If we would not have bought them, we probably would have had a pretty boring un-employed summer with very little to do. But as much fun as we had with them this summer- it was NOTHING compared to the fun of Lagoon in October! Frightmares was amazing! We have never really gone before, but it truly was wonderful! The weather was fabulous! The decor at lagoon this time of year is top notch, and they go all all out on the haunted houses!

Our favorite had to be the "The fun house of terror!" It was unlike most haunted houses we had ever seen- you know, the kinds with bloody ghouls, and icky lecherous scenes. This was decorated like a fun house! It was only filled with clowns, and strange rooms. As you enter you are handed a pair of 3-D glasses...and to be honest I thought- sure these are really going to make a difference.... But NO! It was like a trippy mind boggle-er. EVERYTHING stood off the walls, the clowns make up stood off of their faces, and rooms filled with seeming normal neon decor, were so confusing, you start getting really spooked! It was AWESOME! To anyone who has never been- Skip Lagoon in the summer- and save your pesos for Frightmares! Really really worth the trip!These doofy jackets were picture worthy. Mr. and Mrs. matchy matchy were behind us in the haunted house line... We hated these jackets so much I knew it was something to document for all time...they were the scariest thing we have ever seen!

There were these silly board cut outs every where, but we had a blast posing in them. At first the kids were party poopers- but I insisted they let me take pictures, and once they saw Dave and Alex being silly in them for me, they got into it. Thanks boys!

I really thought it was going to be a bummer not being able to ride anything all summer (although totally worth the sweet little baby I have kicking away right now,) but it was a blast watching the family have a great time! And I do have to say kudos to Dave and Kira who went on Rattlesnake rapids with me WAY too many times, because it was the only ride we felt I could go on. I know it got a little boring, but me being wet helped all of us! I am sure we will not be getting a season pass to Lagoon again this next year, probably the Zoo since it is so much cheaper, but we will do it again...another year!

All 3 kids carved their pumpkins free hand this year. Super great job- They put them out on the porch before I was even allowed to look. Nicole's Jordan's Kira's

We told the kids they would have to come up with costumes all on their own this year, seeing as though we could not buy anything. I told the kids, MAYBE 4 bucks a piece. Jordan was sweet enought to donate his 4 bucks to Nicole, and Kira gave Nicole half of hers. Jordan found the perfect costume out of what he already owned. Seriously- Great costume huh! Kira was pretty resourceful. He even painted his friends face who had nothing to wear.She borrowed one from a friend and only needed white hairspray. She ended up looking quite adorable...and a bit scary! Nicole wanted to be a bumblebee and made her own wings, while I made the yellow skirt. Dave took her old too small bra, and cut off the straps to hold the wings on. I think it turned out quite cute...a bunch more imaginative than her friends lady-bug costume, but I am allowed to be biased!

I am excited for November. I can't wait for the new year to get here! If I could will the holidays away quicker- we would have our baby that much faster!


I have more pictures I will add later- but this awful, horrible, evil, piece of garbage log-in on this crappy window based loser program is freezing up and dying. oh how I wish all my programs and cameras and everything else would run ok Linux or Ubuntu- I HATE windows. Rant out.

Whew!

We knew a huge storm was coming- so we drove to Cache Valley on Christmas Eve. We LOVE spending Christmas Eve and morning at home- but strangely we LOVE living too! The storm did not disappoint. I have been looking at the ladies blogs and have not seen any pictures of home- but I will find out today when we go home! Cache Valley looks gorgeous! We were happy to be safely here. Derrick and Kelli braved the storm and made the drive. We were on pins and needles waiting for them and after their white knuckle drive, they too arrived safe. I guess we are pansies!!Christmas was wonderful! WE spent our drive singing carols. You have NO IDEA what a treat this is for me! I love love love to sing while the rest of my home does not. No one EVER sings with me! However, this one time a year- Dave tells the kids its a special time of year and as a gift to the Savior and to their mother- they have to sing. Yay! I love it sooo much!
Our children were so sweet and gracious with their small, humble Christmas. I did not see one look of disappointment, one wistful sound escaped their lips. They are truly fantastic children! We have all worked really hard this year to be a better family in many areas. They have embraced each topic and strive to live the best they can. Humility is something we have talked alot about this year, and I am sincerely grateful that they understand the concept. It was a joyous morning watching them.

We spent time with my family and David's family. We love them all so much. ( more of the picture extravaganza to come. )