Ward Trunk or Treat

 This year, the Young women and men were in charge of the ward trunk or treat.  I am the young women's president so this meant that I needed to put in a little extra effort this year.  It was a success!!  We had so much fun.  We gave out prizes for best chili and hottest chili.  We dressed up and had a fun trunk that the kids had to try to get a penny in a bucket of water.  We gave out 80 full size candy bars!  A total success!

Over the weekend our sump pump got clogged and we had to live with out water and flushing toilets for 48 hours.  It was tough.  It made me so grateful for modern plumbing and that I was born in this day in age where we have so many little luxuries. 

Cross Country

 This year, I haven't felt as good about coaching cross country because it seems to take away from my family more and more.  I love running and I love cougar; however, not all of my family is there anymore so it doesn't make as much sense to spend every single night and weekend at cougar.  I feel like I need to spend more time with Edward as he only has three and half years at home and that time will fly by. 

Nolen has had a rough start to the season.  After many doctor visits, we found out that Nolen is completely backed up with poop.  So he hasn't felt well enough to push himself at practice.  He is also feeling more overwhelmed in his life and just needs a break.  Either way, he is out there running and trying to do his very best. 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

 Today is my Mom's 71st birthday!  I just love her so much.  She has truly struggled this year and has been in a lot of pain while going through her treatments.  I love spending time with her and I love that she is living so close and that I get to see her nearly every single day.  She is my light.  

Also, Edward and I unintentionally dressed as twins!

Balloon Fiesta 2023

 This weekend, my best friend Melanie Iverson drove down with four of her kids from Denver, Colorado to watch the eclipse and attend Balloon Fiesta!  We had so much fun.  They arrived late Thursday night and we all slept about four hours before we woke up at 5 AM and headed down to the Balloon Fiesta.  We arrived at just the right time and saw the mass ascension.  There were so many balloons.  It was gorgeous.  

We headed home and everyone needed a long nap!  I taught some piano lessons then we went to the jump park to hang with some of our friends.  We had dinner with my parents and played Uno!  So much fun.  Saturday, we slept in and then headed over to Craig and Blair's house to watch the eclipse.  It was incredible to see the full ring of fire.  We laughed and laughed with Craig and Blair while watching the sun slowly get covered up by the moon.  

After the eclipse we walked down to the river and played in the water for a few hours before we headed back to the balloon fiesta.  Stephen got VIP passes again this year so we got to park close and get taken right down to the field.  Melanie and I decided to go get food for all the kids inside the VIP tent.  When we walked in we saw so many yummy treats.  So we grabbed eight cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches, and waters.  We started walking out when the people at the gate said we couldn't take the food out.  So Melanie put all the cupcakes down her jacket.  It was hilarious!  I put the ice cream sandwiches in my pockets and we walked out.  For sure the security guards knew we took the food because it was pretty obvious. When we got out, Melanie had frosting all over her shirt and jacket!  AND the kids didn't even want the cupcakes!  We just laughed and laughed and laughed.  

The kids loved the drone show and while we were watching the fire works a lady gave the kids some free light up swords.  It was a blast!  Sunday, we all headed to church, then Melanie headed home  It was such a fun weekend.  I am so glad I have a good friend who is willing to do anything with me.