Last week of October

October has come and gone.  It was a fun, eventful month.  It seemed like we had a lot going on.  The weather definitely got colder already, below freezing actually.  It seems like we have skipped past Fall and gone straight into Winter almost.  We've had some rain as well and a few snow flurries w/ it.  I guess we'll see when the first snow storm officially hits the valley.   Here are some highlight from the last week of October.

Carter is still seeing his speech therapist.  He is over 60 some words now.  He's saying more and more words and isn't afraid to try new words now, which is what the therapist wanted.  He'll probably only have a few more sessions w/ her.  It's neat to see his personality come out and the words he picks up on.  We're thankful he's progressing as quickly as he is.

Cute Carter watching Moana on Grandma Joann's phone for a minute.

Nyles has been doing really well in school as well.  He told us that he likes 1st grade better than Kindergarten since they have more time to do things.  I think since he was only at school a few hours for Kindergarten, he felt rushed when they would start something then would soon have to switch to something else.  Now that he's at school all day, they have more time to work on things.  He's picking up spelling, his letters, numbers and math, plus readying a lot better than last year.  I know others have said each kid learns at his own speed, so we have to be patient as parents.  It's rewarding to see him succeed and enjoy learning.

Nyles showing off his cute mustache from school.

Pretty fall colors!  Carter taking George for a car ride.

This year instead of our Annual Fidelity Summer BBQ, they tried something new.  They did a Fidelity Fall Festival in place of the BBQ.  It was held on Thursday, October 25th.  Many of us wanted an activity where we can bring our family.  So instead of doing the Christmas Party where you cannot bring anyone w/ you (not even your spouse), they did the Fall Festival.  It was held at the Gateway Mall where we work, outside in between the buildings on the Plaza.  We were each given a food ticket to use on one of the food trucks, then we could go around and do the different activities.  There was candy, kettle corn, donuts, games, scales and tales, etc.  Luckily we were there when it started at 4pm, because as the night went on, it got pretty busy and the lines were long.  They estimated around 3500 people were there.  We left around 6pm due to the crowd and needing to get Carter home to bed.  It definitely was an improvement and we all had fun!

Carter playing some games at the Fidelity Fall Festival.

                    

Carter throwing bean bags.

Family picture at the Festival.

On Friday, October 26th, Barb (and 3 of her kids Abby, Dallin and Calley) and my parents drove down to our place so they could be here for Summer's wedding the next morning.  We ordered pizza that night and had root beer floats.  Barb and I went to Macey's and got the big bags of popcorn, some for the Primary kids on Sunday, and one for our kids.  The kids had fun playing w/ each other that night and they ate lots of the popcorn.

The next morning Saturday, October 27th, I made pumpkin muffins for breakfast, then got ready and drove up to the Salt Lake City Temple.  Ava and Abby said they would help watch the boys so I packed some toys, snacks, and even the portable DVD player w/ Moana just in case Carter needed it (to calm down since he likes the music).  Ironically I grabbed the BluRay version instead of the regular DVD, so it didn't work.  Carter was doing fine when we left him in the kids' waiting room, but I guess soon after leaving he had a meltdown and started to cry.  I guess he cried most of the time and when they tried to put the movie on it didn't work, erg.  We waited quite a while before going up to the sealing room, then when we got to the sealing room it took a while before Summer and David came in.  The sealing ordinance is beautiful though and it was great to be in the temple.  After it was over we went and got the kids and went outside to welcome them and take pictures.

Ezra, Nyles and Carter at the SLC Temple after Summer's wedding.

Calley, Nyles, Dallin and Carter.

Summer and David after being sealed in the SLC Temple.  Congrats!

And they're officially married!

Ali, Sophia, Ava, Rose, and Pauline. 

 Calley, Abby, Dallin and Nyles.  Penny, Nyles, Carter and Steve.

Pauline, Barb and Penny.

Rose, Penny, Pauline and Barb.

After taking some pictures we headed home to get Carter down for a nap.  He was so tired but he fought it and never ended up taking one (silly kid).  Barb went to the zoo w/ her kids and my parents went to help Rose set up for the reception.  We went and got some groceries and my flu shot, got a quick bite to eat, then got dressed again and headed for the reception.  It was from 7-9pm, so we got there right at 7pm since it was the kids' bedtime.  Ironically Summer was having issues w/ her dress (it wasn't all the way done so she was pinning it in places), so we didn't get a chance to talk to her before we had to head out at 8pm.

The next morning the kids played and we chatted for a while before Barb and her kids had to head out.  Nyles and Carter had a lot of fun playing w/ their cousins and being w/ Grandma and Grandpa.  Steve grilled up some steak for lunch, then we headed over to church.  It was our Primary Program, so I went a little early to set up.  Pauline decided to join us as well for church, then dinner after.  

Nyles actually wasn't feeling well earlier in the week and was diagnosed w/ Croup.  The Dr gave us meds for both him and Carter (since he was likely to catch it as well).  He stayed home from school the rest of the week and was feeling better when my family was in town, but still had his cough.  Before going over to the church, Steve, my dad, and Chris gave him a blessing to get better.  I'm thankful for the Priesthood in our lives.

Nyles saw the leaves in the yard and volunteered to rack them up.  Thanks Nyles!

Grandpa Grant helped Nyles build a tower w/ cars stacked on it.

The program went well and the Spirit was strong.  Out theme this year is "I am a child of God."  We started out the program w/ the first verse of "I am a child of God" in sign language.  It really brought the Spirit in.  It was strong the whole program, which moved me.  I had a hard time saying my last part of the program w/out crying.  After the program we had the kids go to their Sunday School classes, then we combined for 3rd hour and watched "Only a Stonecutter" and ate the popcorn.  After church we got dinner ready while the kids played.  Ezra brought over his fireman outfit so Nyles had to get his on too.  They played firemen the rest of the night which was cute.  It was a fun weekend w/ family.  Nyles and Carter were especially sad to see everyone leave.  Luckily we'll be getting together for Thanksgiving in a couple weeks.

Nyles and Ezra in their firemen outfits.

Steve has been working really hard, studying day and night to keep up on his studies.  He was just assigned to do his rotations at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray (aka IMC w/ Intermountain Health Care), which he'll start in January.  Every semester going forward he'll be putting in hours at the hospital and learning more hands on how to use the ultra sound machine and essentially how to do his job once he's certified.  Since he is more of a hands on type of a learner, I'm sure he'll really succeed going forward.  He doesn't love the "book learning" necessarily, but he's working through it and doing a great job.  We should know in the next few weeks what his hours will be next semester as well.  I might have to adjust my work schedule, so we'll see.  

Ironically 2 more girls have recently dropped out of the program.  When Steve's teacher heard, he told the rest of the students that they changed the way they selected students this year, which he didn't agree w/ apparently.  He then told them that Steve was his #1 choice, but because of this new process he was pushed back in his spot.  The teacher said he knows who will make a good Sonographer and who won't.  Though it's been rough starting late into the program, we're still thankful he's in.  It's also nice to hear that the teacher has great confidence in Steve and his ability.  I know he'll do a great job as well.  He's such a caring person and he enjoys the medical field.  This will be a great fit for him.   

Steve studying for his upcoming tests and getting ready for bed.  

Steve put rocks in our window wells also after getting our new windows in the basement.

Every year at the Elementary school, they have a Halloween Parade.  The kids come dressed up in their costumes and walk around the school where parents can see.  Nyles thinks it's pretty fun, and Carter thought so too this year.

Steve and Carter waiting for the Halloween parade to start at Nyles' school.

Carter excited to see Nyles come by.  Nyles was a ninja and Carter was a skeleton.

 

I got off work a little early on Halloween so we could head out to go trick or treating before it got too cold and late.  As we made our way around the neighborhood, Nyles and Carter took turns who would ring the door bell.  Carter thought it was pretty fun once he figured out how to do it.  It wasn't even 50 degrees as a high during the day, so it cooled off pretty quickly.  We made it around one block, then I took Carter home to get ready for bed.  Steve went back out w/ Nyles for a little bit, but not before getting a coat and gloves on for Nyles.  Ironically there weren't many kids out trick or treating.  We're not sure if the cold deterred them or if they decided to hit up other neighborhoods.  I put a some candy in a bowl out on our porch while we were out w/ a sign to take one, but then left it there after getting home since I didn't want the noise while Carter was sleeping.  Ironically though it not many kids were out, almost all of our candy was gone.  Nyles and Carter got plenty of candy as well in the short time we were out, so they were happy about that.

Nyles the ninja, Steve the duck hunter and Carter the skeleton.

Happy Halloween!!!

3rd Week of October

This past week has gone pretty quickly.  Here are some highlights. 

Tickles from Grandpa.

Our fall city bulk pick up came on the day they were supposed to (usually they're a day or two late, sometimes due to the weather).  Steve promised Nyles he would video it so he could watch it when he got home from school.

Nyles and Carter built Lincoln logs w/ grandma Joann while I worked on making my way home. The train had a detour (bus bridge) because someone got hit by the train so it took me 2 hours to get home.  Thankfully Joann kept them busy and happy!  By the the time I got home Steve was almost home from class as well since it was a shorter day after he had a test.  It was good to have a little more time w/ him though.

Steve and I went to the Jordan River Temple on Thursday.  It was our first time back since it was rededicated a few months ago.  Thankfully Joann was willing to watch for us so we could go together.  This is "our temple" or at least the one we were married in, almost 10 years ago.  We have so many good memories in this temple.  It's such a wonderful place to be!

Steve had the week off, so he was studying and catching up on his previous assignments.  He also was preparing for his deer hunt.  Since the deer were coming in to Paul Firth's property, Paul suggested they come asap.  So, Steve decided to go that coming weekend.  Ironically Nyles had UEA break as well on Thursday and Friday, so he was off school too.  Steve invited our neighbors Scott Ellis and his son Abe to go w/ him.  Abe had never shot a deer so he was super pumped to go get one.  Nyles was a little excited the whole week as well, to so say the least.  He kept asking if it was deer hunting time.  On Friday, Scott got off work around noon, then Steve and Nyles met him at his house.  His wife Kristi and their girls Emily and Lizzy happily agreed to watch Carter for us so they could leave early.  I got off work then walked over to get Carter.  He had such a great time playing w/ the girls he didn't want to leave.  I ended up talking w/ Kristi for another hour or so while Carter continued to play.  It was cute!

Steve and Nyles headed out to the deer hunt.

Steve and Abe scouting the deer.  Nyles w/ his toy gun ready to go.

Nyles wiping the ATV off after getting dusty.

Nyles standing by Abe's deer he shot.

 

Abe w/ his 1st deer he ever shot.  Nyles was pretty excited for him!  After shooting the deer they decided to drive the 3.5 hours home instead of staying the night up there.  It was nice to have them home even though it was a late night.

The next morning Steve went over to the Ellis' place and showed them how to skin and butcher the deer.  As usual it took most of the day, but at least they got it completely done.  They ground up the meat and put them in vacuum saver bags.

Steve and Abe skinning the deer.

Lizzy, Nyles and Emily watching the show.

That evening we took dinner over to LuDean.  I made some Autumn Soup, Cornbread, and cookies.  It was good to see her and visit for a while.

On Sunday we practiced w/ all the Primary kids in the chapel for our Primary program coming up next week.  The practice was a little rough, they usually are, but hopefully it'll go well.  After church  we went over to Chris/Pauline's house to celebrate Ezra's birthday.  We had Cafe Rio pork then donuts for his birthday cake.  It was fun to get together, and the boys had fun playing!

Getting ready to sing to Ezra on his 5th birthday.  

 Blowing out the candles and watching the sparkler.  Silly Steve in the background. 

October 2nd Week

This past week was a little more laid back.  Steve didn't have class officially, so he's been working on getting caught up in his classes (since he started 3 weeks later than everyone else).  He also went to a class on Tuesday and got re-certified for CPR.  He got all his immunizations and records submitted to SLCC, so he's all caught up on that now too.  He doesn't have class this week either as it's now "Fall Break," so he hopes to get all caught up by the weekend.

I went to a Stake Primary Leadership Training on Thursday.  We learned more about ministering in the Primary and how we can do that better.  We also learned more about what the new curriculum will look like next year and how Primary will function w/ only 2 hours.  It's definitely going to be an adjustment, but we're all excited for the changes and know the Lord is leading His Church through His Prophet at this time.

Saturday I was in charge of being there for the baptisms of 2 girls in our ward.  We decided to go as a family as well, which was nice.  The talks were short so the program was quite short overall.  It was neat to see the girls "glow" after their baptisms were performed and after being confirmed w/ the Holy Ghost.  I am so thankful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the blessing it is in my life.

On Sunday after church we had dinner and then FHE together as a family.  It was a very cold day, so we spend the evening inside.  It was nice to be together as a family and spend time w/ one another.

Here are some other highlights w/ pictures from this past week:

We found this in our room as we were getting ready for bed.  Apparently one of the boys thought the tiger wanted to sleep in Steve's slipper, hahah.  Cute Nyles ready for picture day at school.

Steve worked to get LuDean's trees trimmed that were over the edge onto the sidewalk.  He was there one day when a city worker came over and said if they didn't get them trimmed she would be fined.  Luckily he was able to get them taken care of in a timely manner so nothing happened.  

All of a sudden we are having really cold temperatures.  It was barely 60 degrees as a high this past week.  As you can see we are getting snow in the mountains already and in the higher elevations areas like Park City and Midway.  I got my winter coat out this past week and gloves since it's quite cold waiting for the train sometimes, even for a few minutes.

Joann brought "leaves" over for the boys to play with one day.  

Nyles thought it was pretty fun to throw them and watch them fall down.  

Carter and Nyles have been having fun w/ the blocks this past week as well.

Since the temperatures have gotten so cold we brought in the last of our watermelons.  Carter and Nyles each carried in a personal size watermelon.  Again they were juicy just not really sweet.  Nyles and I still ate them all :)

Steve went over and put in 2 can lights in Dave/Joann's kitchen instead of their chandelier.  He's planning to go back and put in 2 more soon.  They sure are nice to have.  They give off good light and they don't hang down in your face.

Carter working on his penmanship w/ a HUGE pencil. 

Dave brought the ATVs over to our place to store while Carrie/Ryan work on getting their stuff out of his garage and into their new house.  Steve and Nyles are also planning to go deer hunting this Saturday w/ our neighbors, so they'll likely use them then.

The boys just had to go on a ride around the block w/ Grandpa!

While the ATVs are in our garage the boys just have to play on them everyday, pretending to drive them.  It's their favorite thing!