Leaf Peeping

We've been waiting for that perfect time when the leaves are in their peak of color to go for a nice drive to enjoy them.  Well after some big storms this weekend, lots of the leaves were already blown off the trees, so we never got that "perfect timing."  That didn't stop us from making the best of things and enjoying what was left of the leaves.  We piled in the car on Sunday afternoon and drove all around town.  Even if the leaves weren't as fantastic as we'd hoped, the night was made when we spotted a field with 8 deer just grazing away.  Bridger had had some stomach issues and didn't enjoy the drive quite as much as the rest of us.  Poor boy.

 And I love living in a place that getting stuck behind a local farmer with his tractor full of logs is just the norm.

Grandpa Nelson

On October 19th our sweet Grandpa Max E Nelson returned to heaven.  Today is his funeral in Utah, and it's difficult to be all the way here in Pennsylvania when we so wish to be there, but he's in our hearts today as we celebrate his life.  He performed Dean and I's sealing in the Salt Lake Temple 10 years ago, and every time he saw me he'd pull me into a tight hug, look me in the eyes and say, "I'm so glad I married you!"  Oh how we'll miss him, but at 96 he lived a full and wonderful life that won't be soon forgotten by his countless children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  His life was full of love and service to his family, his country, and to God.  What a legacy he's left behind.  This week  since his passing everyone's been sharing pictures and memories and here are a few of our favorites...

How grateful we are that we got to see him this summer.  Until we meet again Grandpa!

Red Ribbon Week

Last week the boys got to dress up every day for Red Ribbon Week.  Each theme had something to do with the fight against drugs.  They loved dressing up and really got into it.

Day 1: They were "sockin'" it to drugs.

Day 2: They turned their backs on drugs with backwards shirts.

Day 3: They were too bright for drugs in their neon shirts and socks.

Day 4: They showed that drugs are crazy by their crazy mismatch outfits and crazy hair.

Day 5: They wake up drug free and wore their pj's to school.

Pumpkin Patch 2016

Today was a whopping 80 degrees outside so we made plans to visit the pumpkin patch while the weather was still so nice.  This year we wised up and bought our pumpkins for a fraction of the price at Aldi's and just went to Hozak's for the experience, rather than to pay a grundle for pumpkins.  It was crazy thinking that last year at this time Bridger wasn't born yet and we were all anxiously awaiting his arrival.  Some of us more anxiously than others!  Admittedly it was nicer walking through the pumpkin patch with him outside my body than in.  Ha!  We love going on a week night when the crowds are low and it was the perfect evening as a family.  With the boys all in their skeleton shirts we got even more comments about our four, crazy, boys.  But we wouldn't have it any other way.

 

 
For the first time ever we have more family members than fit in these faces.  So one pic with Dad and one with Mom...

  

  

 

 Practicing our walking.  At this point he's taken up to six steps in a row.

And despite my insistence they stop, these four just keep growing like weeds...