Idaho in October

The children had 2 days off of school this week, so we took the chance to have a long-awaited trip to Idaho! We drove up after Brian's court Thursday morning, and got to Dad & Kathy's in time to go "gleaning" for free potatoes!! (after the Ruth and Naomi story, gleaning sounded so romantic!) Todd had been driving spudtrucks, so he clued us in with where to go, and we quickly loaded up 2 big boxes in BEAUTIFUL weather and BREATHTAKING landscape.  Spencer had stayed back playing with Cousins Aiden and Landon, so we took another mini-trip back to the farm later for them to see all the fun.

We (OF COURSE!) played cards after the children fell asleep that night, and Friday morning, I went to the temple before we all dropped into Grandma and Grandpa Stewart's.  Sweet Grandma had been busy recovering from stitches on her head AND stitching (crocheting) Christmas slippers for EVERYone!! They've also kept busy cleaning out every corner of their home.  Grandpa brought out his amazing scout neckerchief collection to give some to the boys--most of them homemade--I only regret not having gotten a picture of the full set! The weather was just right while we were there, so the children had a blast playing in the leaves while Brian and I took Grandma to a quick Dr.'s appt for a cough she'd been having.

We went back that night to enjoy a huge feast with all of the nearby family, and to celebrate my birthday.  I think this was the first time I'd been in Idaho during October, but it was BEAUTIFUL!! Brian had secretly gotten a bunch of candybars with the children to make a big poster card for me as well! A bit more cardplaying that night, and then we left right after breakfast Saturday morning to be back for piano lessons, merit badges, and Stake Conference, where we got to hear--in a rather cozy setting from Elder M. Russell Ballard! He really focused on the need to follow the Spirit, and told story after story of following those promptings (or not!) to help another, and how in his season of life, THOSE are the moments most remembered and most meaningful.  Emily enjoyed her first babysitting job last night (as Maddie got sick and offered to have her help) for another couple going to the adult session!--Brent moved up to 1st Class at a Court of Honor this week (thanks to GREAT scout leaders!!), I made great strides in my closet cleaning efforts (pictures still to come!), spent one morning at the cannery (another version of a temple), and things continue to hum along.  We all enjoyed Elder Ballard again this morning at Conference, though Anne and Lucy kept wondering when we were going to SEE Elder Ballard (they wondered if he couldn't come over for dinner for my birthday!).  As we got up to leave, Anne resolutely walked toward the stage and said, "I want to see Elder Ballard up close," so we did all get a chance to shake his hand as he was leaving :)--though he nearly fell down the stairs as Brian mentioned having met him on his mission (Brian just has the effect on people :) ).