Wow, October has flown by. I cant believe it. I dont remember a whole lot of what went on in October. We were able to go on a drive up the canyon. We tried to go conference weekend but there was a huge line so we turned around and went a week or so later. It was beautiful. So colorful. sorry the pictures are out of order. Halloween was fun. Kaylee had a little party with Joy School and sang some songs for us. it was so cute. Ethan did the Halloween parade at school. I forgot the camera. He was totally in character of the emporer...face: scouled, Arms: folded. He looked like he was on a mission on the death star. Then we had our beautiful snow whites. The weather wasnt so good. It rained until 6:15ish then we went for it while there was a break in the storm. We took Taylor around to 2 circles and brought her home. Needless to say she loves candy and was happy to go eat her treats. I took the others out for some more trick or treating. Luckily it wasnt too bad and they got plenty of treats.

We went up to Big Springs park and hiked for a little bit. This swing was mounted on a tree so the kids took it for a spin. They loved it. It was such a beautiful day. It has been a very mild fall so far and for that i am grateful.

So what else went on in October? We were able to visit some old friends from Simi. It was a nice evening. Ethan was the only boy there and most of the girls were all dressed up in princess stuff. He survived though. It was a nice evening. fun to reminice. My dad also came up this month. He went hunting with my brothers and then stayed for a visit. My kids were very glad to see grandpa and tell him all about school and everythig else. Rob went elk hunting with my brothers. It was cold but he had fun. Ethan is still doing well in school. His reading is improving and it is harder to say something to rob i dont want the kids to know about. I cant just spell it out because Ethan will start sounding it out and then asking for us to spell it out again so he can figure it out. I am glad though that he is trying. I was able to help out in his class. It was fun. Kaylee has like joy school. I had fun teaching. I was supposed to teach to day but Taylor has been sick. She is currently sleeping. The kids are young with very small attention spans but we make it through.

I am so excited !!! i get to go to Puerto Rico!! Finally!!! Robs project is winding up so it is one of his last times to go and i get to tag along. I am happy. Mary of course will have my kids. I hope they are ok. At least it is only 4 days this time.

As the holidays approach this year i am going to try to be more grateful this year. I want to focus on gratitude and express it to those who have inspired me over the years. Hopefully i remeber to do this. I look forward to the holidays and the happiness they bring. I want to do the 12 days of christmas this year and have fun with it. With the attitude of grattitude i will begin with this: I am grateful for the little moments that make life wonderful. Taylor has been sick the past few days and i have had the opportunity to rock her to sleep a few times. This doesnt happen too often anymore and the peace and love i felt for her cuddling with her and holding this precious child made me so grateful to be a mother. There are many days things are just hard. We cant overlook the simple ness of love and joy we have in life. there are always trials and we cant let them get in the way of seeing and feeling love in our families. Kids grow up. Ethan never wants to just sit with me and i miss that. i need to stop and smell the roses more often instead of trying to go with the flow of the hustle and bustle of life. I need to savor the little moments.