Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! I am happy to report that for the first time in her life, Sam actually wore her halloween costume on Halloween - we did go trick or treating but of course didn't utter a word....and we only went to about 5 houses of people she knows pretty well; at least I don't ever have to worry about her talking to strangers, right? :-)

Here's our Sleeping Beauty!

Who is currently our favorite because her dress is pink.

We had our second annual Halloween bash in our driveway; our neighbors bring over their fire pit, we have hot cider, chili and other goodies to share; and this year, much to Brandon's happiness, he was able to hook a TV up in the garage so the Utes football game could be enjoyed by all. He was quite pleased with himself, as were the other men out trick or treating who got an update of the game while getting warm by the fire.

Tamara & Janie Bell aka Tinker Bell this year

Pumpkin picking

Here we are again, back at our favorite pumpkin patch. Of course Sam has to help Brandon steer the wheelbarrow. And although we actually did grow pumpkins this year, we had to get "a whole family" of pumpkins according to Sam :-)

This is Sam wearing my coat, and I'm wearing Brandon's sweater and Brandon is just shaking his head about what cold weather wimps his two girls are.

This is Sam showing me in the car the 'brother" and "sister" baby pumpkins. Her favorite find of the entire night...

A trip to Temple Square

Our regional conference was at the Conference Center, by Temple Square a few weeks ago. One of the perks of living in Mormon Land is that Pres. Monson was one of our speakers. So we told Sam how we were going to the building with the trees and a waterfall on the roof, that we were going to see the prophet, you know, try to talk up a 2 hour meeting for a 3 year old. Not kidding, 5 minutes into it she said, "are we almost done yet?" Afterwards we decided to take advantage of the fall day and try to wait out some of the traffic home by walking around Temple Square. Here are a few pics.

Sam had Brandon sit by the blue flowers because they matched his clothes and then took this pic. Not too bad, right?

Province Town, MA

This trip was amazing!!! It was our first family vacation in about 5 years and our first time to the east coast. My entire family went there for my brother's wedding (which of course was amazing); every event was so perfectly planned out; they managed to spend time with everyone in the few days we were there; it was so fun and great to get to know Phillips and his family better; my Mom's brother and his wife came out as well; words cannot describe what great memories we have from that week. I have over 300 pics from the 8 day trip, so here are just a few....

If you get a chance, go to Cape Cod! It was gorgeous, the weather was perfect, and so relaxing!


This is the house we all shared together. It was perfect - three floors, 2 living spaces, a kitchen, washer/dryer, 3 1/2 bath, amazing views.


This is the Pilgrim Monument aka "the castle" as Sam calls it. Did you know the Mayflower actually landed here before Plymouth rock? Anyway, we climbed to the top of this tower one day (including my parents) . Seth and Samantha of course ran half way up with Brandon & Neal following close behind them, (the rest of us not quite so close behind them) Let's just say there is a reason they give you a sticker that says " I made it to the top" The view was absolutely gorgeous and totally worth the climb. Sam was sad to see that there was no queen or king living in the castle.

This is Sam & Seth investigating the "haunted" house located on the property of the Pilgrim momument. They are so cute together. They picked flowers for Grammy and had a great time having Uncle Neal all to themselves for a couple hours. These two are always inseperable when they get together.


The wedding was amazing. Perfect weather. amazing lobster dinner, Phillips' Dad performed the ceremony, catering was super yummy, and for the third time in three days we had tears of laughter and emotion thanks to friends & family toasts and gratitudes to the happy couple.

Neal & Phillips had all the little girls dress in white dresses, gave them all a charm of Cape Cod to wear, and had them carry blue hydrangeas. It was so cute to see all the girls (about 8 total) playing in the sand during the ceremony. Here are our two cute girls, Samantha & Jane.

Here's our two little cuties eating brownies on the steps. They really are such good friends when they get together, which is only about once a year.

Of course we visited the beach/coast every day we were there. Came home with lots of shells and great pics, the best of which is crazy Brandon & Danny in the FREEZING ocean... Brandon might not appreciate this pic on the blog, but how could I not post it?

Sam and Dad making her first sand castle. She loved the sand! I was a bit surprised since she hates to have her hands dirty.

I wish I could post more pics - we have so many great ones. And words cannot describe how great the trip was. It was wonderful to be with my entire family and be a part of the events of Neal & Phillips wedding, to be with all their friends and family.

Also a special thanks to Lee & Petra who bought the airline tickets for Brandon, Sam, myself and for my parents with all their frequent flyer miles. It really helped a ton!

Boston

A lot has happened since we last posted. Brandon completed his 4th LOgan TO JAckson (LOTOJA) bike race shortly afterward we flew out to Boston and Province Town, MA for Neal's wedding.

Here is a sampling of the fun we had while in Boston.

This was Samantha's first stay in a hotel. And boy was her excitement evedient. As we were walking from the car to the hotel entrance, she turned to Kara and said "I think there's gonna be some fun things in here!" I think she was right!

As we were planning our trip, we were very excited to see some of the earliest history of our country. We had planned to see as much of it as possible. Unfortunately, to be able to see all that there is to see, you need more like a week or two. One day does not do it justice.

We did get to walk along the Freedom Trail which takes you through some of the most important sites in early American history.

This marker is the start of the Freedom Trail at Bunker Hill. The trail is a small brick path that makes it way through the city stopping at the major sites.

Bunker Hill is where the first battle of the Revolutionary War took place. When walking onto the grounds, you could almost feel the reverence of the significance in what took place here.

What a perfectly beautiful September day!

We were most excited to see the USS Constitution a.k.a. Old Iron Sides (because of the density and toughness of the wood that was used on the outside of the ship. It could withstand canon fire that would sink most other ships of the time.

Unfortunately, they were renovating the ship while we were there, so we did not get to see it in its full glory with masts and sails up. But it was impressive none the less. We did get to go on a tour of the inside and hear all about life aboard the oldest commissioned naval vessel in the world that is still afloat. (Commissioned in 1797)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Constitution

Boston's Historic North End included such sites as Cobb's Hill Cemetary, The Old North Chapel, and Paul Revere's home.

This is a shot of the Old North Chapel taken from atop Cobb's Hill.

"One if by land two if by sea"

It is a little hard to see, but this is a shot of Paul Revere with the Old North Chapel in the background.

It was kind of a long day for Samantha. As you can see in this picture, she was a little tired of trekking around the city...although she spend most of it in a stroller.

Kara posing with one of the locals.

Brandon carying on a converstation with one of the locals.

Don't you just love honesty? The sign reads "help me get drunk"