Fangirls

 I went all fan girl with a few of my friends and we showed up for the Smitten Kitchen book signing at Powell's City of Books.  We never did get our books signed but we still got to catch up with Deb Perelman and have some fantastic eats.  As a young person I used to hang out with my friends all the time.  Now I recognize these moments for the treasure that they are.  I love being in a group with smart, lovely women.

Ruby Jewel

And then it was back home to my little shadow. 

 I was trying to make my Thanksgiving shopping list but this guy wanted me to tickle him so I had no other choice.

 I made such a big deal about my kids acting like babies at the doctor's office, but when it was my turn I was just as nervous.  It wasn't that bad though.  Brandon scheduled our appointments together so we could take turns with the kids, and the worst part of the whole thing was just trying to keep them from breaking anything in the exam rooms.  Luckily Brandon is a genius.

Nursery Class

Don't Be a Wimp!

 Ike and I do almost all our shopping together.  The other day I took him to Safeway and they have kid-sized carts.  He looked just like a little man.  He walked around so seriously putting things into the cart. I think for a second he thought I was actually going to let him get the Cheetos and King Sized Kit Kat bar that he put in there.

How many kids can watch one iPhone at the same time?  Answer:

 We were setting up for Evening in Excellence and these babies got stuck at the church for hours.  I remember being at the church as a kid while my mom was doing her callings too.  They are fond memories.  I hope my kids feel the same way.  They probably will because how could it not be fun sharing a tiny screen with 5 other kids?

They also went along for the early morning youth temple trip.  We met at 5 AM.  The visitor's center doesn't open until 9 so we spent some quality, freezing time outside until Trader Joe's opened at 8.  That place is like a Wal-Mart on Black Friday.  I have never seen so many people in a grocery store at 8 on a Saturday morning.

 It was worth it though because we also got to see the Johnsons and get haircuts.

 And we rode the tram which was delightful.

Sunday Selfie

 Our new house came with a pet turkey.  We call her Bobette.  She is mostly sweet and only terrifying when she chases you to your car.  Who knew that turkeys were so ugly?  And so cute?

 We all had to get physicals for the State Department medical check.  The kids were ridiculous.  I thought they were going to have to be treated for shock after they got their TB tests.  I thought that I had raised Pioneer children who were tough, boy was I wrong. I think the group mentality got to them and they freaked each other out.  Somehow they all survived.  Barely.
Also, Ike didn't even blink an eye. He wasn't phased.

 Even though they had to get shots it was redeemed by the fact that they have the best pediatrician in the world.  Leslie is my friend, my running buddy, and she also takes great care of my babies.

Bobette joining us for a quick presidency meeting

Expecto Patronum

 So, after narrowly escaping from the TB test with their lives we got a call and unfortunately there was a mistake and they had to get the bubble in their arms again!  I laid down the law and promised them that if they acted like drama queens they would be kicked out of the family. The second time they were still scared but they put on stoic faces and met their fate like brave humans.  I was so proud that I took them to get a Slurpy.  I had not realized that it was the first Slurpy of their lives.

A Momentous Moment

Best Picture Award:  Credit: Feather

Pumpkin Patch Catch Up

We waited almost a year for Amazon Park to be re-opened and it was worth it!

Ike Eating Butter

Trouble Brewing at the Local WinCo

Another trip to Johnson's Farm for the hayride of your dreams (maybe nightmares depending on your personality).

Me and my buddies Tiffany and Rachel

Clayfest

Another Snow Hike

 We took the kids to hike Bohemia Mountain.  This time I was prepared.  I knew there was going to be snow and you had better believe that we were all wearing sunscreen.  The drive up to this trailhead was the hardest part.  It was up, up, up and old mining road.  You can actually see the old mine shafts as you drive.  In fact, some of the mines are actually still being mined.
On the way up we came across a Jeep that was heading down.  You should have seen the faces of those guys when they saw us in our minivan trekking our way along.  I admit that there were a couple of times that I thought we should turn back, but it was kind of like what happened when we hiked South Sister.  We had made it this far, it seemed a shame to turn around so we just kept going.  One icy patch took us several tries.  We went until we were stuck, reversed, and then tried again.  Brandon has some skills when it comes to slick patches and he didn't give up.  On the fourth attempt we cruised through and were rewarded with a gorgeous hike and an incredible view.

Eating Orange Sno-Balls in the Snow

Nature therapy always seems to heal my soul when I am feeling low.  Thanks be to God for this beautiful world.

This is Halloween

 Ike couldn't wait to call Opa and tell him that we were all dressing like him for Halloween.

Nailed it!

 We couldn't think of anyone we would all rather be than Opa.

 On Halloween we realized that the mustaches had lost their stickiness when we wore them to parties earlier in the week so I let the kids put together a last minute trick-or-treating costumes.  They did pretty good for themselves. 

 We went with our buddies the Caves and it was a delightful evening, for once, not raining!

I worked really hard not to eat all the candy while the kids were at school. 
Sometimes being a stay-at-home mom has its challenges.