November

My niece, Kirsten had a pretty intense surgery on her ear the end of October. I was worried about Dynelle having enough time and energy to give to Kirsten while taking care of her house and two other kids, so I drove up to see if I could help out. I saw some pretty scenery on the way and I really had a good time with Dynelle's family. It turned out to be a good thing that I went, although they really seemed to have a handle on it all. I was able to help a little, and our kids were happy to be together.

I asked Bekah to smile for a picture for her Daddy, and this is what she came up with:

Then I wanted to send one of Xander. I caught him signing for "help" with with a toy.

The next day I caught him wearing Audrey's sunglasses.

Since we were so close to Jess and Brett's house, we stopped by for a few hours to play and meet baby Evie. She is so cute!! I was so happy to meet her. She is very chubby and has big blue eyes and she reminds me of Bekah when she was a baby. 

After spending a few days with the Howcrofts, we made our way to Vernal to visit all our family out there for a few days. We spent tons of time with my mom and sisters and their families, which was so enjoyable. Sherrie threw me a belated birthday party, which was so so nice. She and Chelsey and Kristy cooked a delicious meal for me and spoiled me with presents. They were so kind and I loved being with everyone.

The kids and I were enjoying the autumn weather that was just starting in mid-November. I don't remember ever playing at the park all through November in just jackets. It has been so much fun to spend time outside with the kids now that I'm a stay-at-home mom. I'm just loving being with them!

Xander's favorite way to get me to say "no" is to climb up on the table and wreak havoc on the napkin holder. He's so adorable!!

The last Saturday of the month, we headed up to the mountain to chop down a tree! The kids loved riding in Dad's new truck and we sang and talked the whole way. That night we broke out the Christmas decor and music while we decked the halls!

October

Oh, October. such a beautiful time! I love the air, I love the weather, but mostly, I love that my birthday kicks off the holiday season. We were all settled in our new house and ready to STAY put! No more moving. Ever. Except, I don't really want to live here forever. So...

Anyway...

Temperatures began dropping drastically. I mean, one day, the beginning of the month, it got down to 63 degrees. Compared to our first week of September spent in 115 degrees, my kids thought it was winter already.

I decided to use some of the techniques and activities I learned in school to help Bekah and I use our time together wisely. She looked worried when I pulled out my backpack and asked if I was going to school again. I told her no and that I was just going to teach school to her. I started explaining that we were just going to do a couple of fun activities a month but before I could, she jumped off the couch and said, "I have to get ready!!!" She ran down the hall and came back moments later dressed in her favorite dress, with her backpack on, her shoes on, and her tiara and earrings. She was thrilled! Then I had to tell her that, no, we would not be riding a bus, and no, we would not be going to a real school, and no, there wouldn't be friends with us. "Well," she said, "I guess this will still be fun." (Also, notice the photo-bomber above. He's so cute!)

In mid-October, we took a trip to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It is a short hike up and then you get to walk around in the dwellings. It was gorgeous and the kids liked it, too. On the way, we crossed several bridges and had to say, "Trip trap trip trap" and then run from the troll that was definitely hiding underneath. 

Another day of school. We read a lot of princess and fairy books this week so we decided to make a crown and wand. It was really a fun time. 

We went to the park several times each week. So much outside time after being stuck in with the air conditioner all summer has been heaven.

For school we made a bunch of Halloween decorations like pumpkins, skeletons, and bats. It was lots of fun. Also, we spent a lot of time with the cat. Bekah adores her.

Happy 25th to me! My husband surprised me with flowers and chocolates. Love that guy!

Another fun school day: we made an autumn tree by collecting leaves on our nature walk (above) and sticking them onto contact paper (below). It looked beautiful and we left it up there for about a month.

On Halloween I pulled out the pumpkin costume Bekah wore two years ago. Xander didn't like it, but Bekah was in love and tried it on immediately. 

This is her on Halloween 2012:

After Xander saw Bekah loving the pumpkin costume, he decided to give it a try. We took the kids trunk-or-treating. It was Bekah's first time and she was giddy, but as we went to the first car I found that she really didn't know what to expect or do. I coached her to say "trick-or-treat" and she hesitantly complied. The person put candy in her basket and I coached her to say thanks and then she looked at me with awe as she realized the magic in the phrase I had taught her. She giggled so excitedly and dragged me to the next car as quickly as she could! It was so much fun!