Makeup artist to the stars

Everly was in her first play! 

She did makeup for the lead, Anastasia, and helped with costume changes as the actors transitioned between scenes. I feel like all those dramatic cat-eyes in 3rd grade are really paying off! She's got a steady hand and discerning eye. 

We celebrate with Freddy's!

 

Janitorial

We had an unexpectedly good time cleaning the church building this morning. 

My job was to move the vacuum chord a little with my toe when I thought it was encroaching on Mark's path. 

Crucial.

Vital. 

Indispensable. 

Yellow

This is my favorite. And there are spots where the two trees are touching over head and it is magical.

Holding on for a donut

This year donut night was my reason for living. 5 days before the blessed day, I had a baby heart attack when I thought for a brief moment that we had missed it. 

I don't know. 

Sometimes you just NEED your darling friend to make you fried bread dipped in sugar.

You need it it like you need air

or two pillows 

 

or secret chocolate

or a crying song

or a caffeine stash

Consider me tided over.  

I might make it to Pie Night.

Halloween 2024

 The Costumes!

Laney went as a character from Lackadaisy. 

Obscure? 

Of course! 

Adorable? 

Undeniably. 

I offered fox ears and a tail, but Laney decided to go with a less literal interpretation. 

Gotta love dressing up with a friend!

AJ decided on Beetlejuice....with some decidedly feminine touches. 

Her and her buddies headed out with pillowcases to make the most of the neighborhood. 

Everly made the cutest little witch! She has a way with eyeliner and lipstick! Her friend groups fell through and she got to go trick or treating with Megan and Mark. 

Megan was rocking her best big sister chaperone outfit. 

I stayed back to hand out candy. My hip is still in recovery mode and can't handle a long trek around the neighborhood. But I got be here when these cute friends came by to collect Laney. 

I love Halloween! We've grown out of the days when I make matching bird wings for everyone, but watching them create their own looks and have fun with friends is just as fun!

Guess who has school tomorrow? Everyone!

Pumpkin Time

 I did actually wait until the last possible moment to buy pumpkins. I searched high and low, only to find every vegetable and fruit for sale, except pumpkins. I remembered that I saw a pile of (probably expensive) pumpkins outside Hen House, so I got myself over there post haste. 

And look at that! I got the last six acceptable pumpkins in the city. For real. 

Winnie likes this tradition!

Looks like the girls love it too! 

Mark was working late, but got home just in time to scoop, plan, carve and light his pumpkin in record time. 

In order: Anna, Meg, Mom, Everly, Bug, Dad

Ethan and Kassie had their own pumpkin carving night!

Newlywed punkins!

A week in the west

I took a trip out to Utah to spend time with Mom. I snagged bonus visits with Ethan and Kassie as well as a fun trip to St. George to see Kaira and her family and her cute puppies!

The first night there, we went out to one of Ethan and Kassie's favorite spots, Chubby's. It didn't disappoint! 

Mom had a sick day, and I used the time to sit down and catch up on months of budgeting. But the next day she was feeling better and we took the opportunity to hit the grocery store and avail ourselves of the fine spread of Utah "salads" at Macy's. In all seriousness. I'm impressed. 

We got to see Ethan and Kassie's apartment and have a little chat. I love that they are making those newly wed memories! 

The next morning, mom and I headed down to St. George. I got to spend lots of time with the three wiggly pups. They were so cute! And their teeth were so sharp. 

Cinnamon, Stubbs and Silvie

A few other highlights....spending time with my nieces!

Scootering in Snow Canyon. So gorgeous and strangely meditative, even speeding along. The red rocks and desert just give you a solitary feeling. I'd love to bring Mark and the kids back here to do this again. 

We got to sink our toes into the red sand, softer than any beach I've been to, and we spotted lots of lizard tracks

A trip out the the adorable Frei's Fruit Market

And then the Taffy Shop....Kaira know all the best places. 

7 bucks to fill a bag. The only rule is it has to be able to close. 

Oh. It's on. 

The best part was the taffy identification chart. I'm all about the proper organization of my candy. 

Dinner with the Tuckers, even Charlie! Mom's treat.

Before you know it, we were driving back up to Spanish Fork, had one last visit with Ethan and Kassie and I was flying back to Utah. I briefly considered getting another almond croissant from my favorite spot in the airport, but even I know that's excessive. 

 Until next time!