September and October 2009

September

For Labor Day, we had a gathering of the Abbott clan to celebrate Papa's birthday! I've been so grateful for him and all that he does. We love you tons!! We're so glad to be near to a good portion of the Abbotts and to get together with them as often as we can. We definitely miss Randy, Sandy, and kids, but were glad Sandy was able to make it out for the birthday celebrations. We went swimming, hung out at a park, played games, and had lots of chats. The boys (i.e. Papa, the seven brothers, and Miles) all went to a Dodgers game where they sat in a special area with unlimited free food. How much more awesome could this be for all the guys? I can't even tell you. Mark definitely came home feeling a bit sick... way too many hot dogs, sodas, pretzels, and nachos. The girls (i.e. Abby, Sandy, Becky, Rachael, Cam, and me) all went out to eat and had fun just sitting in the backyard and chatting. Nice to have some girl time sometimes in that house of boys. :)

October

We had a few more happenings during October. First, of course, was General Conference. I tried to make a big breakfast like my mom used to always do for Sunday morning session, and it mostly worked out. I'm just not a huge morning person and having conference start at 9:00 am seems early for me. Thus why I look ridiculously tired while making the food. Also, we were super excited to use the online version of watching the sessions instead of having to go to the chapel like we originally thought we would. Nothing quite like watching in your pajamas while eating a yummy breakfast.



We also got the chance to see Wicked in San Francisco. I'd seen it once before and Mark had never seen it. We had such a blast. It's fun to get a little more dressed up and make a big evening of something. Mark also really enjoyed the experience, which was good to hear. Here's to future cultural attempts! We got up to the city way early, which worked out well because we got the most perfect parking spot and were able to just walk around for awhile.



And last, but certainly not least, Halloween!! And our first Halloween married, so we had to make a big deal of it. We bought and carved pumpkins together...


For the weekend of Halloween, we didn't have any legit plans and were so thrilled to be asked down by Brett and Becky to spend the holiday with them. They are absolutely fabulous and we love our nephews (and are excited to meet our now new niece!). On Halloween, our nephew Jackson had a soccer game that we were able to go to and cheer him on. Sadly I didn't get a picture of him in his uniform, but he was so cute. Mark and I had fun watching the game and entertaining our other nephews on the sideline. Here's Jacob and I just chillaxing...


That afternoon we headed over to the world's most amazing pumpkin patch. Maybe I'm not a true connoisseur of pumpkin patches, but this definitely took the cake for the best I've been to. Mark and I are going to make great farmers someday...


Brett and Becky hanging out at the corn seed playing area.


They had all sorts of animals you could pet and play with. Someday we'll get a puppy...


The whole Brett and Becky clan, just waiting for their new addition baby Katelyn on the way!


I have loved inheriting new sisters. Becky is fun to hang out with and chat with.


Uncle Mark showing off his muscles for Joseph.


Walking around the corn field maze...


Afterward we stopped at the best grocery store ever, Winco. Every time we go to Visalia, we have to make a stop at Winco to buy their bin candy, especially the chocolate covered peanuts. Oh my gosh heavenly. Joseph was hamming it up at the store. And Jackson was being the stellar helper in the back!


We got Mountain Mike's pizza for dinner (delicious!) and the boys loved playing around with the small arcade while we waited for the pizza to finish.


After pizza, the boys got dressed up in their costumes and went trick-or-treating! I remember how exciting trick-or-treating was back in the day. Not that it's not cool now, but well, it's not nearly as magical as it used to be as a child. We loved being able to be part of that excitement with the boys though. Let's just say that Joseph didn't much care for his lion costume, at least at first, even though he looked seriously adorable.


Jacob and Jackson both wanted to be Darth Vader that year. By this point in the night, tired guys, the masks had come off and they were getting a bit tired of walking around and carrying their bags of candy. They loved going through their candy piles back at home and organizing them and playing games with them. We had such a blast hanging out with these guys and are grateful that they are so close to us!