Pie Night

 The evening before Thanksgiving we went over to our friend's the Anderson's for "Pie Night".

 The premise behind it is another excuse to get together with friends (because face-it, we just don't get together enough anymore), and eat pie, since we are usually too full to truly give pie the proper attention it deserves on Thanksgiving day.

 My friend Shannon and I both found the same recipe on-line and made (for the first time) apple cream cheese snickerdoodle crumb pies. (And they were as good as they sound!)

 We visited while we ate our choice of pie,

 and then played board games (there are our lovebirds again, Amanda and Noe),

 "name the inkblot" game,

 the "name game",

 and "Catch Phrase".

 We had such a good time that I had to literally pull my husband out the door at midnight! We want to thank the Andersons and Charles for inviting us, and everyone else for such a nice night!

Wedding Time

 I kind of like to think of Shayanne as one of my own daughters since she grew up with my girls, and I did teach her every morning for four years!

 David served in our Ward as a missionary and was very well liked. The interesting thing is that Shayanne wasn't living in Kentucky while David was here. They became friends after David's mission, when he moved back to Utah.

 Shayanne's reception in Utah (Shayanne and David were married in the Payson Temple) with more of "my girls" Katelyn, Bekah, and the Jenkin girls, who now all live in Utah.

 Shayenne and David's reception in Georgetown, Kentucky.

 I've never understood the smash cake in each other's face thing, but at least David was nice enough to place napkins around Shay's neck and protect her dress somewhat.

 

 And at least he was nice enough to clean off her face afterwards!

 

 Shayanne then sang David a song, as a special gift to him.

 (More lovebirds Amanda and Noe)

 The couple then danced alone together after Shayanne danced with her father,

 and then it was time for everyone to dance!

 Even Merinda said "yes" when Brad asked her to dance.

My pictures would have been more clear if I was closer, but then I would of risked Merinda choosing not to dance with her dad, and although fuzzy, these pics are priceless!

Kathy Alexander was the DJ, and let me just say that I want to get married again just so she can be my DJ!!! 

 Merinda dancing with Jake Hale.

 Josiah & Nikara, Mark & Kathy, and Jake & Merinda swinging around the dance floor!

It was such a fun night, and we wish all the best to Shaynne and David and their new life together!

I Love Fall!

One of the reasons Fall is my favorite season is because of all the vibrant colors! Brad has been traveling this month, and even this picture he took of downtown Tokyo, Japan, from his hotel room, is picturesque will all the Fall foliage.

I then decided to take a picture looking through by bedroom doors at all the Fall foliage in my own backyard.

 More views from my bedroom deck (or veranda, which I prefer to call it).

 Views of the backyard from the main-floor deck...

 

 

 

 I don't know what this little shrub is called, but it's one of my favorites in the Fall.

 And, just the other morning, I awoke to the most amazing sunrise! The overwhelming color from both the sky and leaves were almost too much to behold!

 I consider it one of God's little gifts to me,

 and a blessing that I only have to look as far as my backyard to enjoy the beauties of the Season!

Happy Halloween!

I love Halloween and one of the best parts is our Ward's annual Trunk or Treat.

This year it was held at the Alexander's farm, which is such a fun place for people of all ages.

There was a chili cook-off,

fun games, a haunted trail for the older kids, and even a petting zoo for the little tykes!

My favorite costumes, scary creature thing and unicorn. 

 

 Brad's councilor, who was the unicorn, on his way to the petting barn.

  Yoda (without the mask) in deep thought.

 Natalie, Randi, and Will trying to stay warm.

Even Brittney and her co-worker Colby, got into the Halloween spirit at work.

Brittney riding her horse, 

  and enjoying being a cowgirl (and might I add, a dang cute one!) for a day.

 I have the cutest nieces and nephews ever!!! (Melanie's kids Mason & Aspen)

 Sasha's kids Ari & Dante (and cool pumpkin)!

Too cute!!!