October in a flash.

For about 6 weeks somewhere in the middle of September through about mid October, Mar and I had the opportunity to care for Evie Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays because Nae was put on "full pelvic rest," meaning she could not lift or carry Evie (or any other heavy objects), and was advised to sit or rest as much as possible. (Have I mentioned she's expecting?? In March. A baby girl. We're so excited!)

Our days with Evie were always an adventure.

We made a trip to UT for a BIG party.

 Lex had flown in from AL on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and then we caravanned on Wednesday to UT with the girls. Mar went with Nae & V, I drove with Lex & M. Nae needed to stop and stretch every couple of hours (per her doctor's recommendation), and I'm sure it was good for Lex, too (also expecting... have I mentioned that here?? In January. Also a baby girl. We are so excited!)

It took us 12 hours... totally worth it to have everyone there.

Bill drove in yet another vehicle with our nephew Cole to southern UT to attend Deer Hunt camp with his dad and brothers. He planned to drive up to Bountiful for the very important party on Saturday morning.

 Lex and M stayed at Britt's, Nae, V, Mar and I stayed with my gracious and lovely MIL.

On Thursday evening (Oct17), Britt threw a Baby Sprinkle for Lex at Kneaders.

It was super fun to visit and "sprinkle" Lex with some baby gifts.

It was a lovely evening.

Friday morning (Oct18), Mar and I attended a session at the Salt Lake Temple. I was so excited for her to have the opportunity of going before it closes for 4 long years.

The session was HUGE, and we were, sadly, at the very back, but it was awesome.

Saturday, Oct19, was the BIG Party.

We were celebrating mi padre's 80th Birthday.

It's technically in Nov, but we wanted to schedule it at a time when all my sibs could make it, and Oct19 was it. After the family reunion (reminder here), Jill and I had formulated a plan for delegating party assignments so everyone could contribute and participate. I think it turned out amazing.

Mi madre (with a little help from mi padre), put together lots of photos and memorabilia to display.

Jill and her amazing Feil girls were in charge of decorating, a fun photo booth area, and desserts.

These ladies are so talented and did such a super fantastic job.

 My parents really wanted to get a family picture with everyone who was there, and we were all hoping it could be done outdoors... the rain, however, deterred our plans, so Stan generously offered to scope out a few indoor location ideas. We ended up at the Bountiful Art Gallery.

The hilarious thing about the picture below (Greats with all the great-grands), was that the kids that might normally pitch a fit all sat relatively calmly. The great-grand that didn't...

was Francis (on Great Gran's lap).
You know, the baby I've NEVER seen cry in my life?
Of course she selected the perfect moment to show her emotional side haha.

It was so amazing to have nearly everyone there
(we were missing Jason, Rob's daughter Evelyn, and a few adopted-into-the-fam grands/great-grands).
We also missed Jana - wish she could be here.

Then it was time to party.

Matt, Lia & my mom were over the food, and we all pitched in to help.

Best. Food. Ever.

Matt smoked brisket and chicken... so good!

After everyone had feasted, mi padre blew out his candles.

We may or may not have had a fire scare haha.
(Shhh... don't tell anyone)

Rob had arranged for the birthday gift... a trip to Hawaii... and Marty put together a fun Aggravation tournament. I loved how everyone had an opportunity to participate in the planning, the party, and the giving.
It was perfect.

Happy 80th, Dad!

We love you!

Friday, Oct25, was our ward's Trunk-or-Treat.
Since we were watching V that day, Mar and I had fun getting her ready by curling her hair, finding a crown, and of course applying lipstick.
She was Rapunzel from Tangled, AFTER she cut her hair.

Tay met up with us after work.

He was, of course, Flynn Rider.

Doesn't V look so happy?

Our Trunk-or-Treat was held at the Polson Barn this year.

We came, we ate (chili, corn dogs, rolls),

then the kids Trunk-or-Treated.

It was perfect.

Sat, Oct26, Bill mowed the snow.

It's been a cold cold Fall.

Wed, Oct30, V was over and wanted to play in the snow, but was a bit unhappy about how tight her boots were feeling.

She managed to pull herself together and enjoyed making snow angels and tinkering around in the backyard for a while.

Thurs, Oct31 was different.
Bill served at the temple.
Mar had an Institute activity.
I handed out candy when the doorbell rang.
I kind of liked not having to rush around getting kids ready,
but I kind of missed it, too.

That's all folks.
October.
The flash took a lot longer than I anticipated (thus it's getting posted mid-Dec).
I'll be flashing through Nov, too.
My goal is to catch up before the New Year.
We shall see.