Cowboy Roundup, Joyschool & Halloween

This years fall party was a cowboy theme. I was the MC, so I didnt get many pictures. Illness rampaged through the ward, cancelling numerous acts in our program. People stepped up to fill in and I was so grateful. I think people had a fun time. There was a thunderstorm group activity (cowboys are afraid of those on the open range), a standoff (even though it wasnt high noon), cowboy poetry, fiddling,dance numbers,and some sing along numbers with a guitar trio. It was really fun. Im glad I did it, Im glad its over. My brain had been fixated on it for months. Here are a few shots.

Jason did a great job as our cowboy poet!

A primary child behind bars...is this sending the right message? :)

My friend Jenny and I in our cowboy hats! YEEHAW!

An artist in our ward made this photo opt...isnt it great? Somewhere along the line, the person who was suppose to take pictures for us, didnt get the message. Most people didnt get to use this. DANG IT!

Then it was the Joyschool Halloween Bash! The kids watched Casper the Friendly Ghost. We talked about Kindness and friendship. The colors were Orange and Black. And the shape was a triangle, for a witches hat. Here a couple pictures.




Then it was onto Trick or Treating! Halloween crept up on me this year. Zach didnt have a costume until the day before. He finally decided he wanted to be a super hero. I thought he looked darling. Tanner was a pirate, he LOVED IT! Asher had to be a bee...mommy was supposed to be a flower for her bee, but I got too busy to finish my flower headband. I settled for an angel.



The Poulsons joined us. Do you see their theme? Harry Potter, Hermione, Hedwig the owl, and the Golden Snitch (around Nates neck). It was Darling!

Playing Catch Up

Its been a while since my last post. I cant believe October is almost over, it went by so fast.

We left on the 8th and flew to Utah. The plane ride was amazingly easy with the kids. Tanner and Zach were great. It was a whirlwind of activity and reunions in Zion. So many fun things happened. As well as a few sad things. Fun things included Hogle Zoo, Grandpa Banzhaf flew in from Tucson to play, Cornbellies at Thanksgiving point, overnighter in the camper trailer with daddy, SLC Temple, PACES DAIRY ANN!! (my high school hang out), Cousins dinner at the Binghams, The aquarium, Mike reunited with missionary friends, Mike college buddies and families all met us for dinner, visit with grandpa Chamberlain, visiting Grandmas headstone, Timp Temple, LOTS of CAFE RIO, early trick or treating, family pictures, family dinners and movies. It was a BLAST!

While we were there the American Fork Band had a bus crash driving home from competition. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude when we were informed that none of the students were killed. A girl from Mikes ward, who was on the bus, bore her sweet testimony that Sunday about the miracles that saved them. It was a reminder about how instantaneously it can all be gone. We must live each day to the fullest. Never wavering in our attempts to live as we should.

Camille, Mikes 19 year old cousin also added to the concern while we were in Utah. She drove her 4 wheeler off a 30 ft cliff and broke numerous bones in her body, including her pelvis, orbital bone, nose, foot and others. She was blessed and will recover but her journey on that road has only just begun. As I prayed for her, I was again touched at the sense of love amongst our extended family members. We are so fortunate to be in such a family. We love Camille and wish her the best as she heals.

We love all of our Utah family and friends. We feel sad that we were not able to see more friends. It was busy and illness cut our visiting short. Zachary turned up with Hand Foot and Mouth the last few days we were in town. Several of the family, including myself, came down with severe colds (sorry about the coughing all night everyone!!! I know you wanted ME to go sleep in the camper!). It made the last few days in town tough to get out.

We love you all and miss you! Thanks for such a great time!

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My sweet Granny

Oh how I miss you Granny. You are so sweet and soft. My hips dont miss you...but my heart does. Why cant you come to Pennsylvania. People would love you out here. My yummy cookie love. Toodles for now.