Halloween part 1

Alexis made cupcakes for our ward party. They tasted really yummy, although eating a worm and dirt -- only on Halloween. We also carved pumpkins this weekend. Yes, if you look close enough at Alexis' there is stuff coming out its mouth. I'm not the most talented carver in the world, my face ended up being a little crooked and lopsided. I'm still quite craft challenged. We had a good time, which is all that matters, right?

We also toasted the pumpkin seeds, with Alexis' pink salt she bought at World Market, yummy, so it was all worth it.

AT LAST!!!

Now it really does feel like home. I finally purchased a TV. Okay, I have to admit it's nice having one. Movies are so much better. Alexis is also really enjoying this purchase, maybe a little too much.

I finally have an elliptical again. YEAH!!! It's even quiet. It's going to come in very handy with the holidays right around the corner.

Homestead Farm

We ventured out in the search of the perfect pumpkin. Of course, Alexis wanted the biggest pumpkin she could find. The only problem was, she had to be able to carry her own pumpkin. You'll notice the pumpkin next to Natalie, (top picture) was the biggest she could carry, 20 lbs. They offer a price discount for pumpkins weighing over 50 lbs, maybe next year. We went on wagon rides, drank hot cider, and I ate the best caramel apple ever!!! Kimberly made lamb stew for dinner and best of all, her famous harvest pie, which she makes every year after a trip to the farm, YUMMY!!!

The White House

We went on The White House fall garden tour. There were pictures of Presidents and their wives planting various trees on the grounds. As we approached the White House, Alexis wanted to know where the fence was. On our first trip to DC, when she was 4 years old, we took pictures of the White House from outside the fence. Quite a different view. The flag was up on top of The White House, along with the Snipers, meaning the President was there. Pretty cool, huh? We were able to tour the Rose Garden and the Children's Garden. The Marine band was also playing songs show tune songs, i.e. The Sound of Music, Indiana Jones, Superman, Incredibles, etc. Alexis even got to take home a flower seed she planted. I really hope I don't kill this flower. My past experience with growing herbs in the house has not been so great.

Mount Vernon Trail

We finally loaded our bikes to take to Kimberly's. We left in plenty of time from Harrisonburg to go on a bike ride. We successfully arrived with no wrong turns and no traffic, first time without looking at the map, miracles do happen. Everything was in our favor. We hit the trail, to what appeared to be a nice long enjoyable bike ride. After about 10 minutes on the trail it started to rain. Rain storms in the east are typically not light. So we took a few quick pictures and loaded the bikes back on the car. As we were driving back to Kimberly's, guess what -- no rain. It wasn't even sprinkling. We'll have to save the bike ride for another time. Kimberly had made Shoo Vampire Soup (garlic soup) very, very good, with toasted pumpkernickle bread shaped like pumpkins. Soooo yummy.

Big Meadows 10-14-08

I absolutely love the Shenandoah's. We went hiking at Big Meadows. So beautiful, the leaves are changing. Alexis' friend Alexis came with use. We were trying to find another waterfall trail and went on a different hike instead. There are so many trails, YEAH!!! I can't wait to try them all.

Oh, yeah!!!

We finally have a couch. Now I can actually work here instead of my bed. Well, I can if I want, my bed is a pretty comfortable place to work too. Alexis, is enjoying having another place to sleep too.

Drifting kayaks

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As we were having our picnic, Kimberly noticed they kayaks were starting to drift away. Luckily Alexis' was close enough that she could still reach it. She saved the day. Thanks Alexis.

Kayaking on the Potomac

Can you believe it was warm enough to kayak in the middle of October. I love it! It was in the high 70s all weekend. Fall is becoming my favorite season. The leaves are changing and the weather is so nice. We stopped at these rocks in the middle of the Potomac and had a picnic.

This was also our first successful trip of actually taking the right roads to Kimberly's, YEAH!!!

We've taken every other possible way to and from Kimberly's, we were bound to eventually get it right. I think next weekend we won't even need a map.

I also went to my first actual trial, yes, I do work on weekdays. The trial was six hours long, but it did not feel anywhere near that long. This has been such a great opportunity for my career. I'm learning so much each and every day.

Roosevelt Island Oct 5, 2008

We went to Kimberly's this weekend to watch General Conference. The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was such a nice weekend. We sat around on her comfy couch and ate the best food ever. Swedish Pancakes for breakfast and the best chili I've ever had for dinner. During the break on Sunday we drove to Roosevelt Island. You could completely forget you were in the city. There are trails all over his island. Very nice tribute for the President who understood the importance of National Parks.

Dark Hallow Falls Oct 2, 2008

We went to the Shenandoah's . Absolutely beautiful. We decided to hike to Dark Hallow Falls. There are 10 different waterfall hikes in the Shenandoah's, YEAH!!! I truly felt like I was home on this hike.