Halloween

Halloween this year felt a little bit crazy. Ben was in charge of the food for the trunk or treat at the church and I was teaching piano right up until it started. So, the kids were kind of left to their own devices.  Other than Amelia loosing her kitty ears right before we left, and me forgetting the lights for the jack o lanterns decorating our trunk, things came off great and the kids had a fun night!

 The whole troop

Iyah the Dementor 

A the black cat 

El the horse (she did not like her costume BTW) 

G the "Lobster-back" His only complaint... "Some people got it wrong and thought I was a patriot, but at least they had the time period right." I wanted to say, "That's because it's weird that you wanted to be the enemy-the enemy that lost, no less!" But like a good mom, I held my tongue. ;-)

Happy Halloween!

First Day of School!

It was a good first day of school! Hopefully the rest of the year will follow in kind.

 I'm finally getting around to posting some pictures from our trip to Utah. As usual, I forgot to take the camera along on most of our outings, but we managed to get a few pictures. One of the best parts of our visit for the kids was playing with their cousins (above). These guys really hit it off together and I even caught Amelia in a rare show of emotion when she hugged her cousin Mia when she came to Grandma's one day.

 The kids and cousins with Great Grandma and Grandpa Jackson

 The kids with Grandma Great

 Isaac displaying one of his fish from the much anticipated fishing trip with Grandpa.

 George and one of his fish.

 Taking a break from fishing with Grandpa.

 Winter Quarters, NE. Cute little pioneers!

Nauvoo. It was REALLY hot- 108 degrees. The kids were good sports. George said he wished we could live there. :-)

I managed NOT to get a picture with Grandma and Grandpa- how I don't know, but we had a great trip and really appreciate all they did for us and for putting up with us for so long. Thank you G&G!