Nikki's new friend Ellie and her sister came to play today. It was so fun for Nikki. It's fun to see her start to build confidence and socialize independently. I just can't believe how big she is getting.
We headed to the pumpkin patch with Nikki's class today. We had a great time. While on the hayride I saw the workers throw pumpkins on the ground for the cows to eat. I had no idea that they'd eat a pumpkin like that. Cameron and Nikki spent a lot of time feeding the goats and I enjoyed shopping at their fresh produce market.
This morning we had an unusual seminary class. We all got together to view a presentation on preparing for college, specifically church schools. The students got to bring their favorite sugar cereals to share. I hope these youth will take the opportunity to create a plan for their future. Whether they attend a church school or not, I hope that they will be smart and apply themselves. I'm so grateful I got to attend BYU and I hope that our kids will have the same opportunity. Whatever they choose, I hope they choose to BE SMART!
Last year Nicole was playing with some acorns she during joyschool. Beka let us borrow a little book called Miss Suzy about the sweetest little squirrel who makes a beautiful home, with little acorns as tea cups. Nikki loved it. Then when we collected more acorns I was reminded of the book and thought to ask Beka what it was called so we could buy it. Well, today Beka brought the book over to us. She had bought it as a gift and was planning on bringing it over. Pretty incredible timing and so very sweet of her. Nicole loves to look at pictures and retell her stories "read" it out loud. She can do this for hours.
Henry died this morning. The kids flushed him down the toilet. It was sad that he only lasted a few days, but that's how these little feeder fish are...they just don't last long...my favorite kind of pet.
We celebrated our October family birthdays tonight at Tiffany's. She had the most hilarious signs up with everyone's faces on them. The orange jump suit and black afro wig are a tradition that Tiffany started one year when she and Justin were only married a short time. She made a video called "Justin's Groovy" and went around to friends and family in this jumpsuit and wig. She kept the same character the entire time when she was interviewing and there was even some dancing. I remember her recording some interviews over the phone (my parents and Amatchi). It was very thoughtful and kind. I helped her make that video when we lived in Provo. Who knew that the phrase, "Is there a birthday boy in the hooouuse?" would come to be a long standing family birthday greeting. Happy birthday to some super groovy peeps!
Mary got to go to Adele's birthday camping party after her soccer game this morning. She got a fish. for her party favor; such a creative family. Then we traveled to Medford for Elise's birthday party. I forgot how much ice skating bother my shins. I just don't understand how figure skaters make it look so easy. But we had a great time celebrating this sweet cousin. Nicole wanted to be independent moving away from the walker every time I brought it to her. By the end she could do a lot. They all want to go back really soon.
Then we met up with the rest of the family for dinner at Wendy's and to the theater to watch Meet the Mormons. It was a fantastic video and very inspiring. I was particularly touched by the convert single mother and her story. It was so touching to hear her share her feelings that God knew her and wanted happiness for her.
Another great Saturday.
