It's Fall!

First, it's back to school time.  Both boys got to go this year.  Yay!  Liam's in 8th grade and Gavin is in preschool.  So glad Gavin gets to go.  Not because I want the time (although it's nice), it's because that child will not listen to or believe either of his parents!  The sound we say letters make are wrong.  How things work is wrong.  He'll believe his teacher though and is actually learning things!!

 Liam was able to earn his Life rank in Boy Scouts.  Now, we need a good Eagle project. 

The first two attempts were turned down.  Boo.  They really are a ton of work.

We better get moving and get this done!

 There were 3 dead trees in our yard (and one half dead).  So, we finally got them all cut down.  So glad.  And I have to say that the view from the deck is much better now that dead trees in the way.  Plus, look at all that free firewood for this winter.

 My dad was able to sing in a men's choir for the Priesthood session of General Conference this fall.  I'm so glad he had that experience.  He invited us up for the dress rehearsal since we girls wouldn't be watching him.  They sounded great.  

 Liam and Trev watching Grandpa Rick sing.

 Liam is in men's choir this year.  I'm so glad that he likes to sing.

He's planning on doing this choir again next year.  He does a great job and really sings.

 Gavin and I went with Jackie, Andrea, and Trey to the pumpkin patch at Vineyard Garden Center.  Fun fall tradition, but frustrating when they put a sign at the front of the maze telling you to find the treasure box in the "hidden room" in the maze.  Well, I'll tell you we looked for a long, long time and there was NO hidden room in that corn maze.  Seriously.  Poor Gavin didn't want to give up, but we couldn't be there all day.

 Jim's sister Roxanne hosted a fun Halloween cookie decorating party.  Yummy.  

Gavin made some great cookies for us.  Plenty of candy on top.

 We didn't get to go anywhere for Fall Break so I decided to take the boys up the canyon.  Unfortunately we were a couple weeks late for the really bright trees, but there were a few pretty ones left.  We grabbed lunch (at our favorite Taco Amigo) and ate at Vivian Park.  Then we started up the Alpine loop.

 Gavin collected leaves and Liam took some pictures for his photo class.

 And then it was pumpkin carving time, an activity I really don't like. I like having the tradition, I like going to pick pumpkins, I like them on our porch, but I hate the goo. It makes my arms red and itchy.  I guess it's worth it for the yummy roasted seeds though.

 And it's Halloween.  Half the people thought Gavin was the Hulk (which is correct) and a quarter thought he was Green Lantern and the last quarter though he was a Ninja Turtle.  I guess I better do a better job on costumes next year.  Liam wouldn't trick or treat again this year.  I tried to convince him, but I guess his friends weren't going.  He was our door answerer and candy passer outer.

 Gavin thinks he's one of my scouts.  Actually, he thinks he's a scout leader. We took all the boys on a short hike (walk) to Bridal Veil Falls.  Gavin came and froze his hands trying to grab ice in the water.  Crazy.  I was going to put up a picture of the scouts, but one kid had his mouth open and full of trail mix in every shot!!  Boo to that kid.

 Oh my gosh!  Look at this, we are at the track by my house!  

Really, why am I not there every single day.

 And what would fall be without leaf clean up?

Gavin and I have had leaf duty.  Well, we just work on it during the day because it's warm.

We just have too many trees and way too many leaves to clean up.  

Finally, it looks like fall is ending and winter is coming.  

Gavin was up and out there very early this morning, in old short snow pants.  

I love snow and I love Christmas, but I hate cold and I hate icy roads.

Too bad I guess, here comes winter.

P.S. If it seems that I only have one child, it's because I have learned that 13 yr old boys do NOT want their picture taken and they do NOT want to go anywhere with their mom.  Rude.