October/November

Right before Halloween, probably around the 28th or 29th, we got a huge snow storm. I've been wanting to post these pictures, but on the 31st we got a phone call from Texas, saying that Karl's paternal grandma, Angelita, was dying and asking for him. With that kind of message, we packed up, got an oil change and headed straight to Texas, driving 20 straight hours through the night, arriving the next morning around 9:30 am. We made it on time, and were able to visit her while she was still awake and lucid. We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the bay, which is right across the street from the Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital. It was beautiful, the weather was mild and temperate, and it was wonderful to be around so much family. She fell asleep shortly after we arrived, and barely regained consciousness for the week that we were there. We finally decided that we would leave on Sunday, come what may, and miss the funeral. That day came, and early that morning she passed peacefully in her sleep. We were happy to see her, and happy for her. It was a wonderful trip, regardless of the circumstances. We took our time coming home, stopping in New Mexico at the Carlsbad Caverns, which was AWESOME, and Roswell, which was not. For a little town that thrives on tourism, they could really use a lesson on merchandise, customer service, and marketing. It was aweful. But the caverns truly were magnificent, I would recommend a trip there to anyone.

We were only home for about a week before we left again for Thanksgiving in San Diego. That was also a great trip. We spent time with both our families, and the boys really enjoyed playing with their cousins, Taylor, Alexis, Hailey, and Sandra. I enjoyed visiting with my edible nephew James, and kissable sister Lainey Rose. Such wonderful babies. On the way home, we went through NV and UT, and stopped at Cove Fort, which was a small fort run by the Hinkley family during the time of Brigham Young. It was really cool, and worth a stop if you're driving through there. We also drove through the mountains, which was absolutely beautiful, even at night.

So now we're home, after traveling about 80 hours in one months time, and we are thankful to be so. We are also grateful for so much loving family that we are able to visit with and make memories with, that we have places to go, and people to see throughout the country. I am excited for what next year brings, as we already have some trips in the planning stages.

I love how the snow is not even on the roof tops, but swept in to banks.

Icicles, to die for.

Stinky Toast's first time in the snow. He was as cute as a puppy in the snow.

Licking snow off his paws, he was doing on purpose, dipping his paws in and licking it off.

He didn't realize how deep it was and sank right in up to his head.

Our poor pumpkins froze right through, I wasn't able to cook them up this year.

Our little patio is unrecognizable.

Violet after a chocolate donut breakfast.

Sam with his board. He found this piece of a board on the beach and fell in love! He declared that it was "part of my boat!'

The boys, notice Sam has is board...

The prettiest girl. This was right after we got there, after seeing grandma, and before nap-time.

The boys (and Sam's board) with aunt Emily.

CAUTION: WIDE LOAD

(Just kidding)

Look I'm actually in a picture!

Oh my goodness, I'm in another one!

Violet with her Miss Buttons, she drags her around everywhere.

The girls

This was taken from right outside our room at the Holiday Inn.

The kids, Violet trying to keep up with the boys of course.

Our room was the sliding door to the right of the stairs.

Quick! Attach the massive 9 inch waves!

The mud flinging begins.

I love her round toddler tummy. The boys call it her fat tummy (adoringly of course)