A great afternoon

On a back road between Orem & Provo there is an amazingly beautiful park called Nielson's Grove. It is simply spectacular. We all needed to get out for a bit, so we took the kids there for the first time. There is this huge swing that a long long time ago used to be pulled by a horse or a few strong men, so it rotates as the kids are swinging- we just had to be the horse to get it to rotate. There is also a playground, a fountain, and a duck pond. Needless to say we were gone for hours and my little family didn't mind a bit. I love these kinds of afternoons out, especially when the weather is warm!

Trick or Treat

This Halloween has definitely been one of my favorites. We were able to spend time with family & friends, but after they all went home, we were able to get ready to trick or treat with the Madsens! The kids were so pumped! This year it worked out perfectly that we were given Kiersten's costume, Luke's was a hand-me-down from Michael when he was three, and Michael's we borrowed, so they were able to create the perfect Star Wars theme. Too cute.

Michael dressed up as Anakin

Kiersten as Princess Leia

Luke was Darth Vader

The force is strong with this group!

Here was our trick or treat crew- all lined up and ready for fun.

This picture makes me laugh. These neighbors go ALL OUT and decorate every square inch of their lawn as well as themselves that night. After getting the guts to make it to the door to get her treat, Kiersten comes out the edge of the lawn yelling, "This is the best house ever!" I just had to laugh.

Tami and Hyrum helped keep us all on track and make sure no one was left behind. Even Hyrum had the hardest time leaving this house. But it was cold and the kids eventually got tired enough that no one fought us when we told them it was time to go home. It was a great ending to a very wonderful day!

Michael's Baptism Day

This past Saturday (also Halloween) was Michael's baptism day. He was so excited and could hardly wait for the day to come.

He and his daddy were so excited that morning. Neither one could wait until they got to head over to the church to get ready. Kiersten and Luke were so excited for Michael & were proud as could be that he was going to be baptized. I was pretty darn proud myself. It was one of the proudest moments of my life to see him baptized by his father. It was just too wonderful!

Afterwards, we had a few Halloween inspired goodies along with a whole smear of food brought by our families and friends. (Thanks again to all!)

Then we went outside for a few pics with the families. Above: Grandma & Papa Fuhriman with Michael and I

My (Rachel's) mom & dad with our family

Lance's Grandma, Mom, and our family

Great-Grandma Rogerson, Grandma Hansen, Lance, & Michael

It really was one of the most perfect days. It was fun to have family at our home, share some fun, & just be together. Thanks again & again for making it such an amazing and special day!