Highlights of the last month

Cardinals Game:

Spence made it to a game this season after all and

what an exciting season it had been.

My brother gave us tickets when the Cubs were in town.

Rich had rented and catered one of the terraces at the field,

which came with a number of tickets.

He invited many of the dentists that refer to him.

We met many great people and had a fun time.

Avery turned 7:

We celebrated Avery's seventh birthday at the Cheesecake Factory.

Then we went and let her pick out a new pair of roller blades.

She is one fearless little girl, hope we don't end up

with any doctor bills with her riding.

New Calling:

When I was young I ALWAYS wanted to be a SCOUT.

Many tears were spilled over not getting to go with my Dad

on scout camp outs.

I never understood why girls couldn't

do all the cool stuff boys do.

Well my day has arrived...

I am a CUB SCOUT LEADER:)

Fall Party:

The amazing Megan (and hubby Greg) who does it all,

hosted a fabulous FALL

PARTY in her back yard.

The ambiance was magical

and they even had a s'mores buffet.

First time CAMPING:

In the 9 years of having kids we have never taken

them camping, until now.

We went to Cabela's and picked out a tent and set it up in our up stairs living room

for a few nights to test it out.

Then went with the Tilton's to a local state park for a night.

The weather was perfect and

the kids actually slept really well.

My favorite part was Spencer's apple crisp

he made it the dutch oven, soooo yummy!

Exploring:

The morning after camping we went exploring at the camp ground

and then by the river.

There were millions little frogs around the water

that were so fun to catch.

From there went to the Purina Farms,

where we watched a dog show,

enjoyed seeing the animals in the barn,

and took a hay ride.

I was sad I didn't take any pictures there,

the grounds were really beautiful.

Eckert's Farm:

After taking two ferry rides over the Mississippi river in our car,

we made it to Eckert's farm in Belleview, IL .

We were able to pick out pumpkins and

then go pick some of the yummiest Fuji apples.

Evan cried most of hay ride.

Once he picked his pumpkin out he got a little happier.

It was the most beautiful pumpkin patch

I have ever been too.

But if I ever go again it will be

when Spencer can go too.

Hannibal Missouri:

On the way to Nauvoo we stopped by the hometown

of Mark Twain.

It was a darling little town with tours through

his childhood home and places

that were in his famous stories.

Carthage Jail:

The original door is still there with the hole from

the bullet that killed Hyrum Smith.

The mob that killed Joseph Smith

and his brother

thought that the church would

end with his life.

Over a hundred and fifty years later we now

have close to 14 million members

and still growing.

Nauvoo:

Nauvoo visitors center

There are so many places to visit.

We knew Evan would only make it through a handful

of them so we went to all the ones that give you a free souvenir.

We came home with a Nauvoo brick, a nail ring from the blacksmith,

and a cookie from the bakery and some really great memories.

I look forward to going again.

The rebuilt Nauvoo Temple