Pumpkin Patch with Miss Kelly and Fam

A friend texted me and asked if we had a pumpkin patch local. Since we just had Rebekah's field trip I offered the orchard. She continued the conversation by asking what we were doing on Saturday and all the sudden I had plans with a friend. Love it when that happens! 

We got there about the same time but because the place is HUGE we had a few moments while we got our bearings and when in and out of cell phone range. Don and Rebekah checked out the view. 

We finally made contact and headed in similar directions. While we were in route we found this lovely map and took a picture so we could constantly refer back to it.

We finally met up and Kelly's kids went one direction, Don and Rebekah went another and Kelly and I had some moments together. We ended up going into the overly crowded store where she purchased some cider and then we went to the outdoor food trucks where I purchased Don a caramel apple and a bowl of sliced apples with caramel and sprinkles for Rebekah. The bowl was delicious!

We got everyone back together to partake of the treats and then we headed up towards the pumpkin patch. It was a long crowded walk but beautiful. Rebekah went off with the kids and found a good pumpkin.

I made them pose for a picture while we were waiting in line. (Actually, the adults waited in line while the kids looked for their pumpkins. They were able to reach the patch, find their pumpkins, make it back, and still have the pleasure of waiting in line for over 10 minutes.)

We started the long walk back when Kelly suggested we all pile in her car (since she parked close to the pumpkin patch) and she would drive us to our car (since we parked close to the apple orchard). Rebekah got to sit up front for the first time. She was rather pleased.

I asked the group to come over to our house for dinner which meant I would buy all the ingredients and Miss Kelly would make her famous shaped pancakes with spray whipped cream. It's a Miss Kelly thing.

Rebekah enjoys the spray can of cream and I caught her right before she attempted to lick the top. Miss Kelly then provided Rebekah with "the correct" way to do it. 

What Rebekah is learning these days is astounding. Can't wait till I go in the kitchen to see her drinking directly from the milk carton.

Fall Break

Long before fall break got here I thought about what I should do with my little snuggly for a whole week! I went back and forth about going somewhere or visiting someone never truly coming up with anything. So, we stayed at home. However, we still had some good moments. Hence, the following:

Waking up to playing with mama's phone. 

Early morning shopping at the store and finding fun pumpkin ideas.

Conference sweet rolls.

Right now this is how Rebekah realizes conference is important.

Bribery first, then testimony will come. Right?

Giving daddy much needed exercise.

Seeing some pretty amazing sunsets.

Playing pirates in the living room.

Arrr! There be mermaids here!

Feeding the little fish in the back yard.

Making halloween decorations.

And getting much needed hair cuts.

Grammy spend a good portion of the break with us. The last day of break we had the opportunity to meet one of Rebekah's old friends at the local Subway.

We love Tenley!

I also stopped by and spent a few minutes with an old friend. She was suppose to be in Florida but was chased out right before Hurricane Michael landed. Apparently it was a hugely traumatic experience. However, we chatted and had some good puppy time. 

Rebekah needs a dog. And I'd probably get her one too if it wasn't that I liked going on weekend trips and flying to Utah occasionally.

Before we new it fall break was over and we were back at school. For one day. Then Rebekah got a huge cold followed by a fever followed by pneumonia. It was not pretty. Not to mention public schools are not parent friendly. I had no idea of the red tape you have to weed through just because your child is sick for an extended period of time! Yikes! But Rebekah is basically back in business now and although both Don and I have some lingering issues, we are still up and running.

First Grade Field Trip

Rebekah's class was heading to the local apple orchard for a field trip. I got my form in on time and was able to join them. Yay for being the early bird! 

I find myself being a student of Rebekah. I study her immensely and still haven't quite figured her out. She continually tells me she doesn't have any friends but... 

I had to get my proving I was here picture. Apparently we also needed to prove Rebekah's necklace was here. 

The entire 1st grade class.

They gave them a tour of the apple orchard and let them pick one apple. Then we took a ride around the orchard and followed that with a tour of their facilities. After the tour they taught them all about their orchard, their apples, how apples grow, etc.

They even let them try some. That's Rebe's hand ready to receive said apple. They grow over 70 varieties of apples there. The one Rebekah got to taste was called Sweet Sixteen.

Rebekah is also an avid rock collector. She found this little gem. If I let her she would fill up her pockets with rocks from everywhere.

The group that I was watching over. Seriously, watching three 1st graders is tough. Give me 90 middle school students any day.

It was very beautiful out there. Perfect for me recent endeavor to keep things anxiety free.

They had a petting zoo and Rebekah's teacher gave each student some quarters so they could have the opportunity to feed the animals. Rebekah was very brave.

She is also conquering her fear of heights. That's her almost to the top.

Had to get a picture in the bus, which was not easy. The boys dominated the bus most of the time and the energy level of 1st grade boys... wow. So grateful Rebekah is a sweet snuggly girl. 

Finally it was time to get on the real school bus and head back to school. I'm very impressed that Rebekah handled that new experience as well as she did.

So glad I got to be with her on her first field trip at her new school.

Don's Childhood

My mother in law is all about pictures and picture books. Turns out it's a wonderful thing because I found these: Don's K - 12 pictures all in one little book! Some pictures are missing but all the elementary grades are there. So, I present to you Little Don!

Kindergarten. What a cutie! And yes, those are silver teeth in front. Apparently he fell on a coffee table when he was little.

1st 

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

His report cards were in there too, but I didn't think everyone should see his grades. I'll just quote his mom by saying, "...he wasn't the best student..."

Love you Don! 

End of September

Forgot a few September moments. 

Rebekah decided to be Jasmine for Halloween. I was so excited it wasn't Elsa I bought the costume immediately. 

She's going to make a cute little Jasmine but I hear I have to be Aladdin....

More art work from school.

Seriously. Why so much laundry?! I have one child and one husband! This is out of control. On the other hand, this is how I read so much: laundry and audio books.

We also took one last trip to Gene's Rootbeer. It's a lot harder to get there since we live an hour and a half away now. We happened to be in town for a doctor appointment (I talked Don into taking a half day off to go with us) and we ended up heading to Gene's with grammy in tow.

Spanish Dog with onions:

Corn dog:

After, Don took me to Good's for Blackberry Chocolate Chip ice cream. It's heavenly. Rebekah got Blue Moon and loved every mouthful.