October was filled with family, friends, good food, lots of laughter, and plenty of memories! It seems we managed to squeeze a little bit of everything into this month, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
We kicked things off by deciding to check out the Tater Tot Festival in Ontario with our good friends, the Browns. The tater tots were delicious (definitely the highlight!), but let's just say the event itself was a little less exciting than we had hoped. Sometimes it's not about the event anyway, but the people you get to enjoy it with!
My cute husband!
Me
General Conference was wonderful, as usual. There is something so special about setting aside time to listen to the messages of our church leaders and feel spiritually renewed. Of course, we also made sure to celebrate the occasion with our delicious, traditional Conference foods. Because what's General Conference without a little something yummy to munch on while we listen?!
Bacon - Orange Danish Rolls - Sweet Rolls - Mil's Always Eggs - Funeral Potatoes
We also had a special family evening celebrating Trus's Senior Night at his soccer game! We all showed up to cheer him on, celebrate his accomplishments, and let him know how proud we are of him. I really love being his favorite aunt! (Ha ha!) It's hard to believe these kids are growing up so quickly!
Ben - Jetta - Trus - Kristi - Candy Corn
Trus and some fancy foot work
The Lillywhites also had a fun October adventure at Comicon! They went all in, enjoyed the excitement, costumes, characters, and all the fun that comes with a convention like that. It sounded like they had an absolute blast! I love hearing about the adventures everyone is having and seeing the different ways our family finds fun and makes memories. There's never a dull moment with this crew!
Kiara - Cody - Red Jellybean - Red Skittle
I was also in charge of organizing a fall potluck for our piano teacher group. I chose the theme "A Symphony of Flavors," and we enjoyed an afternoon of delicious food, conversation, and getting to know one another a little better. It's always fun to connect with ladies who share a love of music and teaching. And, of course, any gathering with good food is a bonus!
Brothers!
B Cell and T Cell
B Cell and T Cell
Red Skittle knows Grandma likes Batman
That smile!
One of the highlights of the month was having Kiara, Cody, and the boys come for a two-day visit! I loved getting to cuddle Red Jellybean and soak up some grandma time. Red Skittle and I also had a special movie date watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets since he had read the book! I love finding little ways to connect with each of the grandkids. Their visit went by much too quickly, as they always seem to do!
Red Skittle
RED Brothers!
I LOVE my grandsons!
Just as one family visit ended, another began! Katia and her girls came to spend a week with us while Skylar was in Canada for work. We had the BEST time! There was plenty of laughing, singing, delicious food, dancing, and even some bathtime karaoke! Our house was full of happy noise and activity, and I loved every minute of it. These are the kinds of memories I hope we all tuck away and remember for years to come.
"Grandma, I stuck."
Feeding the chickens with Aunt GJ.
"Here I come!"
Open mouths - like birds!
"I like snakes!"
Vanilla Bean
Aunt Shanae got to meet Vanilla Bean
Then came something that made my mama (and grandma) heart especially happy. My daughters spent the last week of October together! I absolutely LOVED getting updates and pictures of all my grands enjoying their time together. They read books, played, made memories, and even took a trip to the pumpkin patch. Knowing my girls are together, enjoying each other and watching their children build relationships with their cousins, makes my heart so happy. There is something pretty wonderful about seeing the next generation create the same kinds of family memories we have always treasured.
I absolutely love that all 3 of them are reading in this picture!
Books are sooooo wonderful!
Books are sooooo wonderful!
Skittle with his new cousin!
Red Jellybean and Vanilla Bean
My "BEANS!"
Nursing Mothers
Apparently Jellybean told Aunt Katia he wants to be a linebacker.
My "BEANS!"
Mango loves her baby cousin
Sisters! MY girls!
Kiara and Katia
The Lillywhites
The Browns
Jellybean and Skittle
He's so cute!
She's so beautiful!
Vanilla Bean and Mango
All in all, October was full of music, family, food, laughter, and a whole lot of love. My heart is full, and I'm feeling especially grateful for the people who make life so sweet.
US
But October isn't quite finished with us yet - stay tuned for Halloween costumes and celebrations!
