Happy Halloween!

Here are the spooks from our house this Halloween! Benjamin is Luke Skywalker. Matthew is a zombie. Lauren is what she calls "random." Jessica is "laundry." Notice the boxer shorts on Jessica's head.

We had a good time at our annual trunk-or-treat at the church last Wednesday night. Our neighbor, Michael was also with us. They are all out getting lot of candy right now. I am enjoying staying at home while Brock is out cruising the neighborhood with them.

Fall Break

Last week was Fall break for the kids. We planned to do a few fun things while they were out of school. We visited a place called the Fruit and Berry Patch. There was a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, animals to feed, and a cute little store that sold apples, fresh preserves, and fresh pies. The property was pretty big and we enjoyed walking around. We went with the Tullis family. They have five beautiful girls. It was a really fun day.

Brock was wicked with the old corn cobbs. He was throwing the corn at all of us. The kids had fun chasing each other through the corn maze while pelting everybody with the corn. Here is a picture of Brock trying to get me.

Our next adventure for the week was to go on a hike. We had really wanted drive up to the Smoky Mountains and hike up to Abrams Falls, however, we got a late start and... it was raining. The rain did not dampen our spirits. We took a shorter drive to the Ijams Nature Center here in Knoxville. We hike on the trails there...in the rain. It was still a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back when it's not raining. We saw two box turtles along the trail, and enjoyed the beauty of the river and the Fall colors.

Lauren Got Her Hair Cut!

Lauren wanted to get her hair cut short so that she would be forced to wear it down everyday. Isn't she cute? I love it when she is happy with how she looks. On the down side, that last few days Lauren's face has been red and irritated. Especially around her eyes and eyelids. When she got up this morning her face was swollen and her eyelids were massively puffy. I feel so bad for her! I don't know what to do. I have had her show me everything she has put on her face over the last few days. It's just crazy. I can't figure out what could have caused this. I hope she is better in the morning. She wants to look all cute going to church with her new hair cut, and her face is all swollen and red! Ahh!

FLASHBACK!

Brock and I met in November of 1991. It really was love from the very first time we met. This first picture was taken in front of my parents home. Brock and I had taken a trip to Farmington, NM so that Brock could meet Mom and Dad. I remember that Brock was so nervous! On our way into town we had to pull over so that Brock could take a few deep breaths and stretch his legs before meeting my parents. Don't we look so '80's in this picture. Me with my big hair and eyebrows. Notice that little thing I used to do with my belt. Brock was always dressed nice and conservatively. My little brothers asked me if Brock ever wore tennis shoes. I thought that was so funny!

We got engaged in April of 1992. It was such a beautiful day! We went to Salt Lake City to attend General Conference. Brock proposed to me near the temple grounds after we had eaten a picnic lunch. He had the ring, was on bended knee, and was very nervous and sweet. We were two of the happiest people on earth.

The last picture was taken on our wedding day outside the Salt Lake City Temple. We look so young and innocent! We had so many hopes, dreams, and expectations of what our life would be. We truly have been blessed. After four children, a few moves, and several jobs, we are still hoping and dreaming. The only difference is that I have a lot of gray hairs, and Brock has nearly gone bald. We have certainly learned and grown over the last 16 years.

Latin Aerobics at YW

Jessica and Lauren had a fun time learning Latin Aerobics at their activity tonight. They have such a great YW president. Monica is fun, honest, and a ray of sunshine. She is so good with all the girls and her love for them is so genuine. Monica dressed for the occassion tonight by raiding her mother's closet. I wish the bottom half of her outfit was showing. The pants were cropped and she was wearing black heels. I just wish I would have seen the Latin dancing!

By the Fence...

The other night we were out running errands and came upon this beautiful property. I love pictures by fences. I took a few shots of the kids. I was so glad that I had my camera in the car. Jessica loves to hide from the camera, so I was especially glad to get this picture of her. While we were taking pictures the horses came right over to us. It was really fun. Too bad Brock and Matthew were at Lacrosse pratice!

Boys in Action!

I'm not very good at taking action photos. It might be because I don't know how to use my camera very well. Anyway, Matthew and Ben love to race and run around everywhere we go. This is my attempt to catch them in action.