Halloween

This year was a blast! Henry was a skeleton.




He is a little funny about collars, hoods and anything other than a t-shirt, so I thought I'd avoid a fight and go with something easy. I think it worked out well. He loved being a skeleton or a "guy" as he called himself. He got his first two pieces of candy at our building and he was thrilled! He was so excited for the rest of the night at the trunk-or-treat.




It was really cold and of course he wouldn't wear a coat, but we quickly grabbed our candy and went inside to defrost.





We had a great night with family & little friends.

Thomas

Henry has recently gotten really into trains, especially the Thomas trains. The other day he woke from his nap to a big box of trains from his Aunt Melissa. It was a wonderful surprise and they are keeping him very entertained. Thank you so much!

Pumpkin Patch

A couple weekends ago we went to a pumpkin patch in Indiana. It was freezing, but so much fun. Henry loved the train, the animals and the donuts. What a fun thing to do in the fall!












*Just a bonus picture because it's so dang cute!

Parker's Climbs

While in Utah, Parker (amazingly) was able to add 3 more state high points to his list. He did one every weekend we were there. Honestly, I don't know how he did it -- and he never even acted sore or tired.

First was King's Peak in Utah. He did this one with some family and a man who is the world record holder for the most summit ascents of Everest (19 times), Apa Sherpa. (Parker's Mom met him somehow and he has become a family friend. He basically just went for the experience. When they had finished the climb, he said, "Well, that was a long walk.") This one ended up being harder than Parker had expected, but mostly because of the short amount of time they crammed it into.

The Group



Hillarious -- Parker & Apa Sherpa





Next was Mt. Rainier in Washington. This was "the big climb." Parker and his Dad had been planning and talking about this one for a few months. The mountain is basically covered in snow and ice, therefore requiring crampons (spiked boots), ropes and other scary technical stuff. This climb was a little nerve-racking for me, but I was pretty sure (:)) Parker would be fine. He was. He loved it. I think he's crazy.










The last climb was very spur of the moment. We got together with a mission buddy of his and they decided that it would be fun to climb Mt. Borah in Idaho. They really crammed this one in, so as not to upset the wives. (Thanks) Surprisingly, Parker said this may have been the hardest one. I don't know if he would say that now. I think his body was just very tired by that point. Also, he said the entire climb was basically straight up. . . ugh!







I'm so glad Parker has a hobby he enjoys, although I wish it were a little safer one. I'm glad he got to do these fun climbs with friends and family. And I'm mostly glad he doesn't expect me to take any part in them. :)

A Month in Utah

We spent our last month of the summer in Utah with family. It was so wonderful to have so much time to see everyone and do so many fun things. Henry loved all the people and attention. We had a great time and can't wait to go back at Christmas time.


Henry, Mimi & Charlotte at the park


Feeding the ducks


Playing with Otto at the park


Outside with Grandma


Henry, Uncle Misha & Dad


A favorite -- jumping on (and off) the couch


At Lagoon, on the merry-go-round


On the cars at Lagoon with Sarah


The train! His all-time favorite


His obsession -- the garage.

It's a. . .

. . . BOY! When we first heard, we were a little "surprised," I guess. Then we remembered what a joy Henry has always been and now all three of us can't wait to meet our little guy.



The ultrasound technician even said she thought the profile of the baby looked a lot like Henry. If that's the case, I am thrilled to have another little Henry coming my way!

Door County

At the end of July, right after Parker finished his internship, we got to go stay with his Dad & Laura in Door County, Wisconsin for 9 days. It was heavenly!




We spent our days playing at the park, throwing rocks at the beach, sailing, going to the farm, bike riding, walking around town and eating lots of yummy food.

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Henry was so happy to be somewhere else, doing so many fun things with Grandpa & Lolly. They even let us have a few nights & lunches alone. Thanks so much for the great time! We hope it won't be too long before we can do this again!