so many visitors

This has been a busy crazy month already! Karlee's BFF from Texas, Victoria, and her mom came to check out a couple universities. They with us from the 4th-7th. 

On Tuesday I let Karlee leave school a little early and she went into the city with them. I'm thinking they had fun!

Brian's parents were here from the 7th-14. Victoria and her mom left in the morning and I pinked up Larry and Julie that night at 11 pm from the airport. That was a long day. 

Then my sister, Waynette, and her family arrive on the 14!! What are the odds of ever having three separate visitors over lapping like we did ever again?! Larry and Julie's flight was at 3 and I went back to the airport at 11 that night for Waynette. 

The plan was for her family to get a rental car the next morning and head to Nauvoo. That made me sad for them to leave so quickly but ok. Colette was dragging her feet about spending so much time in Nauvoo. So I jumped in and and suggested they stay for the afternoon. They did!!! We had lunch at Giordano's. So yummy!! (That was my second deep dish in 10 days! We had some with Victoria and Shanna too.) The boys went to a movie while we walked around 3rd St. in Geneva. We also had yummy ice cream from Graham's and Bailee and I shared the most delicious turtle cheesecake from All Chocolate Kitchen. The four of us had fun!

 

It's was great having friends and family visit but to be honest it was nice Friday morning to have peace and quiet with the house ALL to myself. :)

I hope this car sticks

It's been two weeks since Karlee's cute covertible died. It hasn't been fun either. There's been extra driving for me, frustration on both our parts, plus many days of looking at cars in person and online. 

The Saturday after it died, Brian and I found a cute Sunfire converible. We found it about an hour away. Once we were close to home Brian stopped to get gas. The car didn't start at first. Once it started the check engine light came on. Sigh... We turned around and took the car back immediately. They were very nice about it and retuned our check to us and shredded the documents. 

On two seperate occasions I went and drove a couple cars locally. No luck. Monday night Brian and I went out agan. We drove a white ZX2 and was frustrated that the radio, speedometer, and odometer didn't work. We then went to drive this gray ZX2. It was very clean, everything worked but had a bad muffler. He gave us a couple hundred dollars off and I took it into the shop Tuesday. It ended up being the resonator, not cheap. I really hope that's it. I'm tired of looking at cars. I'm tired of talking about cars. It was so nice for Karlee to stay after school and not have to worry about picking her up. I truly hope this car sticks! Fingers and toes crossed!

scarecrow

This may have been its 30th year running but it was our first! 

So many choices to choose from. It was hard to vote on our favorite. 

Then the boys went on a few rides. The ride below was their last ride. The only ride Karlee went on. She found friends and walked around with them for a bit. 

I loved the sunset tonight. :)

The ride above was Mason's favorite. Carson liked them all. We all had a fun evening. 

opening night

Today was Carson's first show of Pippi Longstocking! He did a great job!! They all did. 

This is Isaac his new friend. We met him and his mom at auditions. 

I'm so glad his grandparents could be here to see the play. We all had fun. 

Fall adventures

This morning the boys, Grandma, and I went to Leroy Oaks for a hike. It was absolutely beautiful!!  Grandma found this cool tree for the boys to climb. They liked the idea but didn't go higher. The tree was huge and the branches were too far apart.

 Then we found this cool tree that Carson rested upon. ;)

 Beauty was everywhere! I've ran this trail a couple times before. This has been the most amazing Fall!!

This afternoon I made some apple fritters for the first time. They turned out great!! I'm loving everything about this fall.

a first for Adam

 


I was talking with McKinzie Wednesday afternoon and Adam wanted me to know he had homework for the first time! I'm so glad McKinzie sent me a couple pictures. He has pretty good penmanship for a Kindergartener.

 

new toy

Brian gave me the coolest toy for my birthday. It's a Fitbit!! I mentioned it to him a couple of weeks ago that I'd like it for my bday. Then I checked it out online, Karlee's car died, and one more thing happened (I don't remember). I told Brian not to get it for me. It was too expensive and frivolous. 

He gave it to me anyway!! And I love it!! 

My first day I hit 10,000 steps by 2 PM. My wrist vibrated and there were fireworks! So fun!! 

The next day, today, I hit 10,000 steps by 10:30 AM!! 👆🏼Yes, both days I ran four miles. Not a lot but I did run. 

Now, as I'm waiting at the airport for Larry & Julie I noticed I'm almost at 20,000 steps. 👇🏼Wahoo!! 

Luckily I still need to walk to the parking lot. I might reach it yet!!