October

10/24: David and I both got hit with a stomach bug. We overlapped for one evening. We were a pretty sad pair taking care of the kids. They had yogurt and graham crackers for dinner. David took Esther to bed, but she was having a hard time settling. I always take her to bed when I'm home. So I went down to her room to do her normal routine. I barely made it back upstairs to throw up in our bathroom. Not fun. The next morning, David was feeling quite a bit better. But I still needed to lay around that morning. Esther came in my room that morning and sat by me on my bed. She kept snuggling against my back. After a few minutes she said "Get up. I hold you like a baby." She has a tender heart! We love her sweet and sassy personality.

Zack took our family pictures on October. I love them! We took them up by the grain silo east of David's parent's property, next to the old shops. It was worth the candy bribe to get these great pictures!

True love at about 27 weeks pregnant

we picked apples with Brandon and Janelle for FHE. I made 2 or 3 batches of applesauce and we're going to keep the rest in the fridge to eat fresh. Kathy made a few apple pies too. I love having access to free and fresh apples! 

We're sure going to miss these guys whenever they move away. I wish we could be neighbors forever!

playing in the wheat in Janelle's garage after apple picking

I went with David to his first Mosquito Control conference! It was in Whitefish, Montana. I've never been to MT before. The views on the drive were incredible! The lakes, rivers, trees, mountains. I was so into the scenery that i didn't want to take a nap. David's parents watched the kids so we could get away for the two nights. We left Wednesday morning and were back by dinner on Friday. The kids did great while we were gone. Esther did get into Annika's three pack of vibrant eye shadows. But I was content to hear that the kids were happy while we were away.
We went to dinner Wednesday night at an excellent pizza joint. David was in conference all day Thursday. So I spent the day shopping at 5 or 6 thrift shops in the area. I had a great time but definitely would've enjoyed some company. I went back to our hotel for the afternoon and watched netflix. Then I went out to see what Oktoberfest was like. But, apparently, the festivities didn't begin until later on. So I walked around a lot, searching for a place to buy a smoothie. Several shops had closed for the day. I did find one smoothie place but they were like $9! I got plenty of exercise and didn't eat enough that day. David had his fancy dinner that night and didn't get back to the hotel room until 8:30. I was sick of leftover pizza. So we went to Safeway and got some bagels and Naked Juice. That spontaneous outing to the grocery store was probably my favorite part of our stay. I felt like we were in college again :) We don't get to do things like that very often now that we're responsible parents :) Overall, it was a fun trip and refreshing to step outside of our normal routine for a few days. We were definitely happy to be home with our kids again though.

Annika collected her wildflowers :)

Spunky girl!

We took this picture at the stake center after Glenn and Kathy were set apart for their mission to Ukraine temple. We had a yummy breakfast dinner. I feel blessed to have had this unique time living with my in-laws and all of the memories and bonds that my kids have formed. But, I am quite relieved to have our own home again! :) 

sweet shades

love this one! haha

Annika wanted to have a Halloween party. She colored some cute invites and we made it a costume tea party. They decorated sugar cookies and drank juice in tea cups. I kept it pretty simple. The kids just played after. Annika made a little scavenger hunt for them. I love watching her party plan and host. She really has a knack for it!

Reagan and Olivia Harris, Natalie Anderton, Amber Stutz

Kinsley Roylance and Annika. I found Annika's dress at goodwill the day before the party. She called it a snow white dress and was perfectly content. I love her easy going nature.

playing Barbies after treats

crazy hair and pajama day at school!

Happy Halloweena! (as Esther says it:) We went to moses lake for a winco and grocery outlet run in the morning. It was fun to wear some of our Halloween gear.

David (EQ) was in charge of trunk or treating. He bought donuts and chocolate milk. It was supposed to be for the adults. But I think it was mostly consumed by kids. Benson is wearing a batman cape that used to be one of my brother's. Esther the monkey and Annika is Snow White. David's shirt (his idea) says DEAL (kind of)- "Kind of a Big Deal" :) The kids loved collecting candy, of course

We went over to the Stutzes after the trunk or treat so the kids to trick or treat their neighborhood. I stayed home with Brandy and baby Evan while dad's took the kids. They made quite a haul on candy! David and I were happy about that :)

love this little monkey!