Halloween 2020

Although we didn't know if Halloween would be even remotely what it usually is, we decided to continue the tradition costume pick. This year Rebekah went with an astronaut. 

Complete with helmet. Just in time for 2020. 

Turns out her cousin was going in the same direction!

The ward ended up doing a trunk or treat but we decided not to chance it. Going with friends house to house was also not an option. However we have some awesome neighbors and Rebekah and the other little kid (that's right there's two of them) in the neighborhood were well taken care of with much candy from each one. 

Yeah for pandemic style Halloween. 

One of the lady's in our ward made sure we were much loved as well. I don't decorate for Halloween so this was much appreciated by the Bee. 

Rebekah liked it even more when she realized there was candy in each of the ghost's heads. 

So proud of her organizing her candy. Guess she does share some of my DNA. 

Probably for the best that she can't open this package. 

I decided to make it even more special by doing the dinner in a pumpkin thing. 

Kind of fun.... but a lot of work. 

And turns out no one liked it but me. So, we won't be doing that again. It's been 10 years. You would think I would learn.

After dinner we got cleaned up and ready for bed. Then played a few more games:

October Misc

Our neighborhood is constantly under construction which means Rebekah always seems to find a dirt pile to climb on. 

Loving the fall colors. 

And fall covid friendly playtime. 

Rebekah occasionally plays with my phone and after the fact I discover...

This one freaked me out. She looks like an entirely different girl! 

Apparently she needed mama to get in the mix. Do like the sun glasses. 

Fall sunsets. 

Oh, and apparently Rebekah is growing. Big time. How is she wearing 3's?

And you know what else is growing? Her attitude. I was at the store getting her shoes and she asked me if she could watch a show. I said not until school is done - meaning her school work. Her reply, complete with a sticker face rolling eyes:

But sometimes the sweet little girl comes out and we get this lego building session. 

The sign on our lot in Pendleton says "Available" but it was down on the ground not in the ground, so maybe that's their way of saying no so available...?

And finally, Rebekah sure knows how to make a mess. Got to work on getting her to clean up. I have hope. It's small but it's still there. 

And finally: 

I've seriously had to get up and cook dinner so - many - times.

Things I Ate in October

I spent the last 100 days going without so I kind of binged with the candy. It started with these. My brother Michael highly recommended them. I ate most of them in the car so I wouldn't have to share. 

It wasn't all junk food. I made White Bean Chili. It was very good. 

I was having a really hard week / day, so much so that Don bought me the fancy candy. 

Mel's kitchen cafe taught me to make chocolate steel cut oats. This may be one of my all time favorite breakfasts. 

Rebekah made corn bread muffins. 

I was given a box of apples so I made several batches of apple sauce and also my grandpa's apple cake. I've never made it before so I texted this picture to my aunt to make sure it looked right. At that point she mentioned that they used way more apples then the 5 - 6 specified in the recipe. Seriously, why do people share their recipes but don't tell you how to make it correctly...? But I'll know next time. 

Oh, and this french bread turned out so good! 

Apparently things cook faster in Indy. My mom said to cook it for 30 minutes. This was 18. 

Seriously so good!

And then there was the peanut butter fudge cups. 

Oh heavens they were way too good. 

So I may be 10 pounds heavier but it was a yummy month. 

Siblings

About 2 months ago (can't believe it's been that long - this pandemic is brutal) I suggested to my little brother Michael that he get us involved in a family zoom to help my mother feel more loved. Why did I not do it myself? I feel social suggestions come off better heard when they come from someone male and not some overly sentimental girl. "Dude! We should family zoom!" sounds a lot better than, "Hey, mom needs us and I'd like to see everyone, please please please...!" 

So Michael took charge and here we are. I recently learned how to take screen shots on my mac so:

Can you just feel the love?

I love this one simply because Michael's dog Pepper's ears take up most of his screen. 

I think my mother has enjoyed these 40 minutes of family bonding but I know I have. Indiana is so far away and the pandemic has made it seem farther. It's extremely nice to know I get to see family albeit briefly every week. We usually get me, Michael, Spencer and mom. Sometimes Daniel and Joseph are able but Joseph's work has been working him a lot during the pandemic. His office is working on the virus testing kits. So we miss him but know he is doing good. 

The other day Spencer texted us with this picture saying one of his patients mentioned he looked a little like Elder Oaks. He replied all white bald guys look the same. 

 

My brother Joseph texted back it was the white shirt and tie. Loose them and there wouldn't be a resemblance. Then he sent this picture. 

Know I'm bias but I really have a handsome family. Then the pictures got fun.

Michael sent this one. 

Love the shirt by the way.  Then I suggested he could use a white sharpie and make his own smily face. To which he replied: 

And....

I tried to get in on the fun but only got this:

Sure love this family. 

Oh, and their dogs. 

Pepper found a squirrel and had a great time until the squirrel changed the rules and ran up the tree. 

And good ol' Chester-Bester.