October Ongoings

In addition to our trip to North Carolina (and other than the obvious October holiday), we've had a few fun activities and celebrations in betwixt and between. I started the month (Wednesday, October 1st) with a visit to Gardner Village with Carter, Everly, and Ava. I admit that I miss seeing them as often as I have in the past (but I also love the extra time I have to devote to other projects). I like to maximize my time with them with fun activities. This month, due to Laurin's work schedule, I actually got to watch them twice...which meant twice the holiday fun. First, we set off to search for witches at the annual WitchFest. I remember bringing Jonas to this when he was their ages. It is fun when you're that little, but now he would simply endure it for me because I still enjoy it. So rather than make him suffer, I take the little kids and they love it! We have fun searching for all the witches and laughing at the antics. This time, one of the Gardner Village witches was actually there and stopped to chat with Carter and Everly. I'm not sure they knew what to think of that. They are used to the fake ones that don't interact with you. Haha! We found all the witches and ended our hunt with a little treat.

Sunday, October 7th, we celebrated Jeff's birthday with the family since we were going to be in North Carolina on his actual birthday. We just had a simple dinner and homemade ice cream for dessert. Jeff has never been one to capitalize on his birthday or want to go all out with his celebrations so this was perfect. Just family and good food...and a few candles.

Wednesday, October 22nd, we attended our church community's annual chili cook-off. So many friends and neighbors bring a chili (or soup) or a bread item (corn bread, rolls, etc.) for a community feast. I had the opportunity to help decorate the tables for the event. I think it turned out really cute! We love gathering with the people in our little part of the world. We live around some pretty incredible individuals and families...and it's just another reason to celebrate Fall.

That following weekend, I had the opportunity to watch Nolan, Lincoln, and Addie while Krystle, Jordan, and Camden were on a special trip for his birthday. Jonas and I decided to maximize the fun! Friday (October 24th), Jonas and I picked up the Tanners after school and brought them down to Payson. We headed to the Payson cemetery for a spooky scavenger hunt. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to fit in all the fall fun of past years because of our trip, but I found time to slip in a few favorites (of mine at least). The kids had fun running around the cemetery to see how many points they could get and what prize that could earn them. We actually found all the items on the list and in record time! The kids opted to get their own pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. After dinner, the rest of the evening they spent swimming and playing Monopoly (Jonas's obsession).

The next day (Saturday, October 25th), we headed back to Cornbelly's in Spanish Fork. The kids had a BLAST with all the games and activities. We spent hours there indulging in fall treats, challenging each other to games, and running through the corn maze. We actually showed up a couple hours before the rest of the family just so Jonas and the cousins could get in all the time they wanted. They really enjoyed the bungee jumper, apple cannons, and paintballs. I made them do the corn maze with me; they were good sports. After about 6 hours there, we were ready to leave. 

I was pretty surprised at how many fun fall activities we were able to fit in. I truly love this time of the year! We rounded out the rest of the month with our Halloween celebrations (see other post for more details). Now bring on the turkey...and then on to Christmas!

PS - This is a cute picture of Carter in his first Primary Program on Sunday, October 26th. He did so well! Laurin wasn't sure he'd actually speak when he got to the mic, but he did. I love this Gigi gig!