Happy Halloween!

Last year our attempt at a family costume theme was a complete bust. I'm proud to say that this year was much more acceptable than last. That being said, don't be too surprised if we're lazy and repeat next year. But who knows, maybe I'll get creative again.

Cornbelly's.

One of the happiest moments of every year is jumping on an over sized, super inflated, cornbelly. The thought alone reduces to me a fit of giggles. The first year I went to Cornbelly's was in 2009 with my Brittany roommates. Since then I've returned almost every year [it got away from us last year because Vince was still so little].

Marlee and Ashley are pure genius and had the idea to reunite the Brittany gals at Cornbelly's this year. Although this time it was a little different, seeings as two are now RM's, two are now married and we have a baby! Regardless, it was blast to be reunited with some of my favorites for the first time in 3 years!

Water Baby.

Ice Skating in October.

We're cheap, which means we love our "Pass of all Passes" to death. We used it numerous times this Summer to swim and zip down slides, a few times to play Putt-Putt and now we can check free ice skating off our "Pass" list. The catch, however, was that we had to go ice skating before the true ice skating season even began. Early or not, we had an enjoyable time and Vince was as cute as could be on the ice. Three cheers for cheap, wholesome, family entertainment!

This is Love.

Putt Putt.

Does anyone out West call it putt putt? Or does everyone from around here call it mini golf? Either way, we went for Family Home Evening and had a blast. We didn't know how Vince would do and he turned out be a complete crack up. He chased our balls when we hit them, ran to the hole to fish out our sunken putts and frequently swiped the ball from the tee box before we got a shot. And not to brag [just kidding, I'm totally bragging] but I got not one, but TWO holes-in-one. Boo yeah! I've still got my skills.

Back to School.

Paul has been going to school for over a month now!  He is handling it like a champ. Seriously. He is going to school, working full time, watching Vince while I'm at work AND taking care of me when I come home exhausted. I have never been more proud of him. I  keep asking him if he needs to cut back on work hours but he presses on, never passes up an opportunity to make Vince scream and giggle with delight, makes time to take me on dates, while still, somehow, finding time to do all of his homework. I love him. And I can't help but brag about how spectacular he is. 

Little Man.

Are you trying to tell me that my little boy is going to grow up some day? Nah, I won't believe it.

This Beautiful Life.

Fall is upon us. The leaves are changing colors, falling, and getting crunchy. We've pulled out sweaters, long socks and all of the blankets you could ever imagine. Vince has learned how to "get cozy" with me, go down the slide all by himself, pull down every single book from his shelf, take his clothes off during nap time, give bashful side glances, and point at every object that passes out our front window.

This life is beautiful. I am enjoying it more with every passing moment.

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice.

Prepare here.

Watch live here.

Read later here.

Fall Colors.

Paul and I bought a hiking backpack for Vince earlier this Summer and haven't gotten around to using it. That is, until I made the split moment decision early one Saturday morning that we were going to hike Stewart Falls. I asked Paul if we were going to get a work out and his response was, "yeah, we'll... breathe." Love him.

Long story short, we didn't even make it to the falls. BUT we did enjoy beautiful fall colors, crisp air and quality time as a family. Vince was happiest when we gave him fruit snacks. We couldn't stop laughing because he would stick his arm out expectantly and grunt until we obliged.

As Vince became tired and grumpy we decided to continue on with our spontaneous streak; We stopped at Ripples, a burger joint we frequently drive by but never stop at, to satisfy our hunger. Delicious, I tell you!

Play Dates

I love play dates. Love them. It can be hard to coordinate schedules, but it is so worth it. I've had the unique opportunity to get close with two of my classmates as we began working together at Stonehenge of Orem. We began to band together during school because we shared a special bond-- motherhood. All of the pieces fell together as job positions opened up and Jos helped us put our foot in the door. Sadly, and simultaneously happily, Courtney's husband got a job in St. George. Needless to say, I'll miss these fun plays dates. Good thing I'm still surrounded by lots of mommy friends!