Happy Halloween!!

2008 costumes!
One homemade with her own two hands (juicebox), one reused from a previous year (M&M), one put together with things from his closet (Indiana Jones) and last but not least.....what is he??? Another fun year of knocking doors in the neighborhood! It is always such a fun night to stop and chat with neighbors and get to know new ones!

YES ON 8!

Nothing like getting the whole family out to rally for Prop 8! What an experience this was for all. About 30 prop 8 supporters took three corners at a major intersection while the fourth corner was occupied by rambunctious 'no on 8' high school students. We had many honks and waves that supported us (and a few honks and other types of waves that did not). A neat lady and a family of 4 even decided to stop and hold a sign with us instead of getting their Saturday shopping done. In the end, there where many other fun things that we could have done today as a family, but we decided to teach our children about freedom of speech and getting out and supporting something you believe in . Besides is there anything more important than protecting families???

At our Best

Some siblings sent over some funny pictures of them in their "high school years".....not really.  We had a good ol' time doing some of his own!  It is scary that this could really be my senior picture!  How hot is my hubby?  I am so lucky he is mine!

The Race

While driving in the car yesterday my five year old asked, "So when McCain and Obama race will they wear track uniforms?"  His brother and sisters are  in track.....those are the only kind of races he knows!  How crazy would that be if the election was decided by a foot race!  I cannot believe how interested a 5 year old is in the election.  As we drive around town he points out every sign;  "there's another Obama sign....who do we want to win again mom? McCain and the lady??"  With all that is going on here in Calif. with the Prop. 8, it is hard for the whole family not to get involved!  

A Walk on the Wild Side

We love living in where we are  due to the fact that at the end of our street is a 1,700 acre park with 27 miles of hiking trails.  The terrain includes volcanic rock formations, several canyons with sycamore and oak trees, two year round streams, and two waterfalls.  Almost every Sun. morning "dad" takes the kids, and myself on one of these hikes.  Today was no different.  We woke up, had some not so good homemade cinnamon rolls and off we went.  The kids love looking for lizards and chatting as we walk.  Avery likes to annoy us by asking hundreds of questions.  We usually head down to the waterfall where the kids skip rocks and then try to cross the stream without getting their shoes wet.  Dad likes to climb off the trail and worry us that he will fall.  On the way back we stop at the tee pee, have a drink and head home.  Today unfortunately Aubrey's shoes did not stay dry.  We also didn't get through the hike without a little drama.  On our way back dad decided to take us on one of his "shortcuts" (how is it that his shortcuts are always longer??)  By this time we have tired kids and one with very wet shoes.  As we are hiking up a VERY steep hill on a trail we had never been on  I noticed a wasps nest in a hole in the ground.  Down the trail a little further Aubrey starts screaming that she has a thorn in her shorts.  As I got closer to check it out I realized it was a very mad wasp that was biting her repeatedly.  So now with wet shoes and wasps bites you can imagine she was not a happy hiker.  We made it home 2 hours after our hike began.  Now we are all clean and enjoying watching general conference together in the comfort of our home!  I am worn out.........but happy.

Favorite Fall Treat

 Its the first day of October.............what do I smell?????????  PUMPKIN BARS!!!  These are our family favorite!  We can't wait for October so we can have them!  Between Oct. and Nov. I cannot count how many times I make a pan of these yummy treats!  They are great to give to neighbors, friends and the girls you visit teach.  Even if you are not a pumpkin fan, I promise you will love these!   Go ahead, make them, your house will smell divine!!  

2 cups flour 1/2 tsp salt

2 cups sugar 1/2 tsp cloves

2 tsp baking powder 1 cup oil

1 tsp soda 15 oz can plain pumpkin

1 tsp cinnamon 4 eggs

1 tsp nutmeg

frosting-

2 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup butter

3 oz cream cheese

1 Tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix together all ingredients thoroughly.  Pour onto greased jelly roll pan. Bake 25 minutes.  Frost when cooled.