Jenkins Family Halloween Carnival

Again, another tradition, highly anticipated by the kids (of all ages). We partied at David and Lynette's house- thanks again!- and had all of our favorite activities; cake walk, pumpkin painting, pinata, carnival games, treasure hunt and a yummy pizza and finger foods dinner. John and I dressed up this year-first time for us, and it was no easy task wrestling him into his Fred Flintstone costume, but in the end John admitted that he was glad he dressed up. Kudos go out to Jared for his hippy costume, complete with afro including a pick that was stuck in his hair. I think his costume curbed John's whining! Everyone looked great and it was a lot of fun as always!


Sorry Jason, some how I missed a picture of you! But you were a great car repairman!

Oh, and Happy Birthday Grandpa!

The story of the cabin and our 2009 fall pictures

It's tradition to take a picnic up the canyon between sessions of October conference and enjoy a hike, indulge in the beautiful colors and take pictures for our Christmas cards for the season. This year we were offered a nights stay at a cabin owned by a guy that John works with. My mom agreed to watch our kids over night and John and I headed to Logan canyon for an evening/ night together, just the two of us. How romantic right? A cozy mountain cabin, the gorgeous fall colors, a fireplace. Unfortunately when we arrived the cabin was filthy, and covered in rat and mouse poop. It was everywhere! All over the carpet, the couches, the backs of the couches, counter tops, table, on top of the microwave, on the pillows, the bed and even on the seat of the toilet. It was a kind offer, but we didn't stay more than a couple of minutes. Instead we checked into the Marriott Hotel in Logan, the nicest place in the valley. Why waste an over night babysitter, right! Feeling guilty since the coworker had been so excited to share his cabin, John wanted to take the kids back to the cabin spot the next morning, enjoy our picnic out on the lawn and hike and take our pictures around it. That way he could tell the friend we had enjoyed ourselves without causing hurt feelings. They had a fun old swing that the kids enjoyed and the hiking trails around made for some great colorful family pictures. The kids were even more excited to find snail shells dotting the hillside. We did end up having a really nice traditional fall picnic!

To choke, or take a picture, that is the question!

September 30, 2009
Today there is a high of 47 degrees. Compare that to yesterdays high of 85 and you can see that we all think it is freezing!

October 1, 2009
Yesterday was freezing cold, and today is even colder! Our tomatoes all froze to death out in the garden along with the squash and all remaining plants (with the exception of all the ripe tomatoes that we brought in for one last batch). Truth be told, I am glad! I have had enough canning/ freezing/ jamming for this year, and now that it has frosted, the apples will soon be ready along with the grapes. There are fall colors everywhere and snow on the mountains all the way down to the benches. I know it will warm up again before winter actually sets in, but in the mean time it is so cold that the kids don't want to go outside, and it's SEP conference time along with UEA weekend, so no school for the week. The kids decided to entertain themselves by dumping out EVERY game, toy bin, box, doll, dress ups, blanket, pillow, etc. Which is the thing in this world that will make me go crazy faster than any other "activity" other than when they tear my newly made bed apart! ARGHH! So now they are all grounded to their rooms until the stuff is put back because I need a time out!It's going to be a very long winter...and fall just started! I love my kids, I love my kids, I love my kids!