I didn't die or come in last

Those were my goals for the Santa Barbara Half Marathon and I am happy to report that I did it! I was really nervous but it all worked out. The friend I was training with broke her ankle so wasn't able to do it with me. So it was just me and my music. I felt great for the first 10 miles and then the gas light turned on if you know what I mean. Then the question we all ask is... how long can I go with the gas light on? Well I made it all 13.1 but I just barely. My goal was to run the whole thing and I did but there were some people speed walking at the end that were flying by me. The last mile was rough and you can't see the finish line until you are about 20 yards away. I could barely walk on Sunday but now a few days later I am already planning my next one: The Great Race in Agoura! McKay was super sweet and bought T-shirts for everyone to match and cheer me on. He also bought me a new watch the night before. I was going to wear Anna's Barbie watch but he came through for me. Thanks hon!

McKay was just as exhausted as I was keeping the kids happy during the 2.5 hours it took me to run!

Reflection's Showcase

Anna and Carly both entered the Reflection's contest this year. They both painted pictures. The best part was all of the kids that entered got to eat pizza one day at lunch. The was definite motivation for them to enter again next year. They are already planning what they are going to do. Good job gals!

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating was really fun this year. The kids even complained of being hot! Mac was not about to put on that construction outfit again so we threw on his BYU jersey and called it good. The kids came home with a TON of candy. Carly got the most because if they just held out the bowl she would grab a handful. She learned quickly just to pick one. :)

As a side note... the hardest person to keep out of the Halloween candy is my wonderful husband!

Baptism

It was a great day to witness our friends getting baptized! McKay had the privilege of baptizing them and we are super happy for them. They are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Even though the service was in Spanish and I understood very little the spirit was so strong and I could tell it was a great day for them.

Congratulations!

Visit and Party with G&G Thompsen

It is always so much fun to have G&G Thompsen come and visit! They go by too fast. Mac is so happy because he brings Grandpa book after book after book for him to read.

Grandma made this cake for Anna so we could celebrate her birthday while they were here.

She also gave her this cute outfit for her birthday.

We ate dinner at Anna's favorite 'Andria's Seafood' at the Harbor. We had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather and the awesome company.

Halloween at School

We had fun watching the kids parade around at school. Their principal was dressed up as Jack from Jack-in-the-Box and Mac kept asking me if we could go see the snowman. I was helping at Anna's class party with the cornstarch + water = slime game so my hands were nasty and I didn't get any pictures but it was fun!

Carly decorating her cookies for her party. She didn't want to wear her costume all day.

All of Carly's class.

Carly and Mrs. New.

The parade.

Anna's Art Show

The first grade had an art show one night at their school. The kids dressed up and acted as docents and took their families around to show them their art. I was impressed with their very cool works of art! They studied the lives of some famous artists and then created works of art to go along with them.

Good job Anna!

Ward Halloween Party

We had a really fun ward Halloween party. We ate yummy chili, tried to eat donuts on a string, played other games and had a trunk-or-treat. It was a fun night - plus it is always a bonus to get to wear those costumes more than once!

Our cute M&M's. I was a red M&M but we have no picture of that - big bummer! McKay was playing a basketball game for the first of this party so I was flying solo for awhile. I have to admit it was a bit stressful trying to keep track of everyone and keeping them happy alone. Of couse it all worked out (almost always does) but I was exhausted by the time the fun was over!

They had a cute place set up where you could take pictures. Brad was a tomato and Mac was 'Bob the Builder' but absolutely refused to wear his construction hat. Thanks to Carly for always making sure Mac is looking at the camera. He was all about the candy this year. I don't think he fully understood how wonderful Halloween is until he got all the candy. He kept saying to me "Mom! I got candy!"

FHE Pumpkin Carving

Anna wanted her mouth like her: missing her top teeth. I got smart this time and cleaned out the pumpkins during the day so the FHE choas was slightly less than it normally is. Nevertheless, the kitchen still needed to be hosed down by the time we were done.

Primary Program

The kids did great on their primary program! They practiced really hard and sang so pretty. The theme this year was about being an eternal family. We listened to their CD so much that even Mac had most of the songs memorized. A big thanks to all the leaders for making it so wonderful!