the kids and their costumes

I am really happy we could be here for Halloween and see Matt's nephews and sister dress up. We had forgotten how awesome Halloween is. We loved seeing the costumes, watching Brandon and Justin pass out candy and the kids willing to share their loot with us wasn't so bad either.

back in cali-forn-i-a

Matt's sister, Kelli, will be back in the States Friday! Matt has always been planning to be home for her mission homecoming and he found a cheap flight for me to be here too, so we are lucky to be here celebrating Halloween, birthdays, and Kelli's return!

1. A beautiful sunset and crescent moon while flying into LA. We stopped at Chick-Fil-A for dinner (which I haven't had in a year or so) and I don't know how I have lived these 24 years and have not had Chick-Fil-A sauce. Seriously, how have I not heard people raving about what could be the best condiment ever invented?!

2. Playing at the pool with Kobe and Cassi. Matt's first priority was to lay out and get some sun.

3,4. At Justin's game, meeting our newest nephew, Jacob.

5. Kobe and that adorable smile!

6. Matt and Brandon.

7. The one and only Yanni's Tri-tip sandwich at Mackenzie's Market.

bend, oregon smells like pine needles

Earlier in the week we were in Bend, OR. Matt had told me wonderful things about it and I was excited to see it for myself. I don't know if the fall weather is making me like everything a little more than I normally would, but it is a pretty great place. We decided that if we could choose any place to endure snowy winters, so we could have all the possible year-round outdoor activities, this would be our pick. It has a secluded, homey feel that you wouldn't expect for a tourism/recreational based city.

Below: We visited Newberry Volcano and Obsidian Field. The Obsidian and Pumice stones were surprisingly sharp.

matt's a diehard fan, i'm more of a bandwagon fan

We went to the BYU/Oregon State game last Saturday in Corvallis. There was a big show of BYU fans and it turned out to be a beautiful, fall day for the Cougars to get another W. We got to see a few friends, spotted Jimmer and were impressed by the Beavs pre-game and halftime shows. I find that away games are much more fun than those in Provo.

waterfalls everywhere!

Saturday turned out to be perfect to hike Eagle Creek Trail in Columbia River Gorge, OR. Our goal was Tunnel Falls, but Matt counted 10 waterfalls on the hike. Most of them were slightly hidden and we would've had to make our own routes to see them with unobstructed views. After 5 hours of hiking, we couldn't feel our feet anymore and were whining like big babies, but having had experienced Tunnel Falls, it was worth it. I have to thank Pinterest for informing me of this beautiful place.

last bit of summer

Way back over labor day, we got to spend time up North for the holiday weekend. We love being able to spend time with family and this time we were able to be there for Oliver's blessing, visit the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton, WA, walk around beautiful downtown Poulsbo, WA and spend time outside squeezing in the last bit of beautiful, warm weather. So excited to experience our first NW fall, but clear and sunny days will be rare from here on out.