Octoberbest

Fall has been SO beautiful this year--especially here in our town full of old trees and rolling valleys up against the mountains, but I know these above pictures don't really capture any of that.  They only show what a dangerous driver I can be, and how happy Spencer is to throw leaves for the camera ;).

Other than a cool night getting to clean the temple w/ Brian & some ward members--basement to roof!!, all I can remember from October is from pictures, so here's a little smattering of what we we've been up to:

For Fall Break, we still had enough home projects to stay busy with (Brian and Brent worked hard getting the Basketball hoop cemented in by the driveway!) but a few of us did check out the HUGE Brigham City Bird Refuge one chilly, drizzly day--they have Jr Ranger backpacks full of nets, magnifying glasses, and other kits and guides free to rent, a great visitor's center, and lots of bird nature.

 Maddie joined in a group for the Girls Choice dance at School (Halloween costumes:  Red Riding Hood & the Woodsman)

 Brian was honored for serving on Syracuse City Council w/ a cool clock and (look on the screen) being formally included in the minutes one last time.  Such a great experience being able to serve that way.

 Lucy made a great "O" Octopus in Kindergarten, and we got some great apples in Perry for a great batch of applesauce.

 Jane's hair has grown long enough for pigtails and some bad Mom bang-trimming (not pictured), and Emily is our in-house braiding expert--were all of these hair intricacies just invented??? I don't ever remember there being so many varieties!!

 Spencer's been very active with his joint scout troop (they combine a couple in the area since there are sometimes too few boys a certain age)

AND... Maddie got her Driver's License!!!--6 months before her 18th birthday :)