Action-packed Autumn Activities

I've got a thing for alliterations, can you tell? I also have a thing for fall. The air and sunlight is just different than that of summer's. And I'm liking it. It's still pretty warm here in good old Northern California, but it is cooling down and it does feel like the falls I grew up with (hot, but breezy with not a whole lot of changes) and are therefore reminiscent to me. I'm also liking that. (It's probably because Folsom hasn't gotten nearly as much rain as they normally do and has therefore felt more dry, like that of my hometown).

We've been enjoying ourselves (as always) and are continuing to be awesome in every way.

We started off fall right with a "Dr. Seuss" party put on by Nana and Papa. 

So many fun games!

Including this family-favorite: Put the gold-fish in the bowl as fast as you can without dropping it out of the spoon.

It got pretty crazy.

And then we finished off the evening reading some favorite Dr. Seuss books.

Another fall evening was spent at our ward campout, which was a BLAST. It was our first campout with kids (or even as a married couple) and Ellie was in heaven.

So helpful with the tent.

It was the perfect first campout because we didn't have to worry about any of the food (because the ward provided it). We got to just enjoy ourselves and the company.

Tristan and Ellie and Bryan and Alexandria watching the ward skits.

Ellie absolutely loved roasting marshmallows; easily her favorite part. 

Two of my favorite families: The Camusos and the Nethercotts.

Caleb and June loved eating the S'mores too.

How adorable are Ellie and Gwen roastin' 'mallows?

Felicia and Alexandria and Adeline and Cari. Love these women!

I think the term "happy campers" suits this picture swimmingly.

Our ward is pretty big and it was packed around the campfire.

But soon everyone got tired and we got to really enjoy the fire.

This is me teaching Ellie the importance of using the hot cinders to properly cook the marshmallow from the inside out. Ellie didn't really heed much of my direction and went straight for catching it on fire. We had lots of fun.

(Obviously it wasn't even a little cold outside since we were in shorts and Ts.)

That night, most of the young families which make up our ward were in their tents by ten o'clock! While us rebellious few stayed up and played some games until almost midnight (gasp!). It was lots of fun. Caleb woke up a few times in the night (which he rarely does) due to the change in environment, so I consoled him and laid him back in the packNplay. Ellie loved sleeping in her sleeping bag and did great throughout the night.

This was when we were packing up after a great night. Can you spot Ellie? ;)

We, again, spend at least a couple days a week at the park with our friends. Just this last week I went to a park that I'd never been to and I've been in Folsom for over two years. I love that!

Gwen lovin' on little Scout. And Cortney blowing some bubbles with the kiddos.

They live a hard-knocked life.

We celebrated Sheldon's birthday with some cake and delicious food!

We love our papa! He is a man who is always willing to serve his family, no matter what. He is reliable, hard-working, and serves in a quiet, humble manner in whatever capacity his family needs at that time. You'll often find him doing dishes or sweeping the floors at my or my Sister-in-law's house without ever being asked; he's just that type of guy. I'm grateful to this man (and his wife) for the son they raised. Good genes go a long way, I'm telling ya.

And as is our tradition, we went up to Apple Hill to get ourselves some apples, specifically those covered with caramel-ly goodness.

Tristan likes to keep it simple, while Ellie, Caleb and I love the Apple pie one.

I didn't give Caleb his yet, so he wanted some of Dad's.

Problem solved! My happy boy makes me so happy.
(Can you see the bit I snagged from it before handing it over? They're used to it).

Hey Lesa and Trent! We love you, I'd say even more than the apples. I think.
 Okay, yes definitely more ;). 

Caleb, you're the best sharer.

Love my little family.

Tristan also won tickets at work for Disney On Ice again (like last year) except now Intel has a box! We had so much fun. We got lots of free drinks and Caleb wasn't confined to a chair throughout the whole thing.

Ellie was very excited (despite her face, we're working on the whole "cheese" face haha)

Getting ready for the show!

Caleb's favorite part was definitely seeing Mickey mouse and friends. 

Ellie and Caleb sharing a seat. The BEST.

It was a great night filled with disney music, laughing, and over-priced popcorn. 

Sounds like a set up for a perfect evening.

It rained on Halloween but that didn't stop me even a little of going out with the kids! Ellie was a ballerina again (same as last year) even though we had a Rapunzel costume for her. She's hilarious. Caleb was superman but refused to wear his cape. We went out in the rain and got some delicious candy.

They loved that I let them walk in the street.

They were pretty slow trick-or-treaters, walking around looking at all the decorations. I tried to explain to them that the faster we walk to more doors we get to and the more candy we get! They didn't follow my logic. (Slightly joking on this manner).

After a while (like 30 minutes) they got tired and so we stroller-ed it. They lasted about an hour. I tried to get them to stay longer but Tristan said they had "enough candy". Those words didn't make sense to me ;).

Afterward they dumped out the buckets to check out the loot. They're the best and always share with me (really they do!). I'd say it was a successful evening.

We've also been spending a lot of Saturdays this fall and Garret's football games. This last Saturday they won the championship against an undefeated team, it was pretty cool. Tristan soaks it all up; he loves it.

Great job Garret!

We love you fall, keep bringing on the goodness!