Rethinking Halloween, or Are We?

This year was the same as most in the past have been. We did go to a small party for children our friend put on, which was really fun. But still no trick-or-treating, no real celebration of a holiday that doesn't really celebrate much anyway. I thought maybe the kids would enjoy a train ride, so we took them to the Stringtown Nightmare Express with the Thompson's. Austin & Matt were at a training for scouting, so it was fun for us to have something to do with the boys (though my pregnant brain had a ridiculous time trying to find the place - even though it's not hard).

We had a good time with our friends but it didn't change my mind about Halloween - in fact, I think it solidified our regular thoughts on the holiday. Cadence said he wouldn't want to go back on train because he didn't like getting jumped out at (even though thankfully no one jumped right at him). Every time he saw Halloween decorations he said "I don't like Halloween". It wasn't until AFTER Halloween that he was hoping for the holiday again, only because he learned you usually get candy. He also liked the pumpkins (but not scary jack-o-lanterns). 

  He does love to dress up, so I took the pains to find some cheap dress-up clothes (because this is the time they're on sale) and he took turns all week (and still most days) being Woody, Thomas, a Knight, etc. The truth is, anything redeeming or fun about Halloween can be done any day... so that's what we've been doing and we don't feel like we're missing out at all.

Tough Mudder Aftermath & BYU Homecoming

For a little more explanation on Tough Mudder I thought I'd share some of Austin's thoughts afterward.

Welcome Home!

During Austin's last fall in the electro-shock, his right eye hit the mud-covered hay bail and was just caked in mud. He went over to see the medics soon after the race was over. His eye was filled with rocks and dirt. They did their best to clean it out, but for the rest of the day, it was pretty puffy and still clearing the dirt out. Here he is, explaining a little more of what happened.

 Dad bought us tickets to the BYU Homecoming game. I waited for Austin to get home and clean up before going to join him and Keaton. It was my first BYU game - after living here almost 6 years! Sad, huh? Cross it off the Provo bucket list - we can move now! I still haven't seen one start to finish though (even on T.V.). I'm not sure the other fans appreciated me showing up 3rd quarter and asking a ton of questions about how the game of football is played. But, Austin was grateful his wife finally attended on with him.

Dad, Keaton, Austin

Austin, Amy (and Ethan) - check out the eye.

After the game, we walked for awhile to be picked up by Mom and the kids, then went out to eat for Michaela's 15th birthday (which, unfortunately, we have no pictures of because the camera died). Then we came home and Dad & Austin put a new wax ring on the toliet and we had ice cream cake for the birthday.
  The kids have been exhausted today, but we're so glad to have had a visit from family! We canned grape juice, finished the Christmas shopping for the boys, got the pipes cleared out, etc. It was a lot in such a small trip and we were so grateful for all of the help (I was especially feeling VERY pregnant this weekend).

Austin Tackles Tough Mudder

Yesterday, Austin completed the Tough Mudder obstacle course - 12 miles of obstacles designed for British special forces and now touring all over the United States. He finished in about 4 hours (the average time is 3 hours), an amazing feat for having hardly trained physically. His friend Beau invited him to join their team several months ago, and he said he was grateful to have a team to go with. Here are some pictures, graciously taken by Beau's parents (we didn't actually go to watch - can you imagine the boys sitting still with all this mud?).

On your mark...get set... GO! (It's actually not a race)

The Team Line-Up (Austin on the right, preparing for Dirty Ballerina)

Mount Everest on Film

Wounded Warrior Carry (Austin took a turn carrying as well)

Heading into Dirty Ballerina

Dirty Ballerina: In the trenches

Dirty Ballerina: Helping others over

Dirty Ballerina: Check out the mud

Time for a snack... thanks Mom!
(Beau's parents were there filming and nourishing the team) 

Just the Tip - Beau helping Austin get started

Scaling Just the Tip

Just the Tip: Finishing Up

Funky Monkey: "Hmmm..."

Funky Monkey - two bars in, dropped in and swam the whole way (ice water)

Funky Monkey: Completed!

And now what you've all been waiting for...

 

Electro-shock!!!

Tough Mudder: Mission Complete

Welcome Little Levi

We had a new nephew born in September. Unfortunately, he was born when all of us were sick, so we didn't make it up to Logan to see him until he was almost two weeks old. He is such an adorable baby and we're so happy for Taylor & Jon.

 We're also grateful for any excuse the family takes to come out and visit! We had Kelsey with us one week (she helped me paint the bedroom), Keaton with us the next week (who helped Austin with his projects), and went up to visit everyone during the last session of General Conference. We're looking forward to having the family visit this week.

John & Lynda Smith's grandchildren: Cadence, Kory, Levi, Sadi, & Cael

Shane, Cadence, & Kory - wearing the Armor of God

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Handsome Smith Boys and The Favorite Aunt

The Smith boys are growing up! I haven't taken new pictures of either of them since last December, so we ventured out for a photo shoot during the fall leaf change - General Conference weekend. Aunt Maria was a big help, and we got some good photos of her with and without the boys (the ones w/o aren't included). I'm really pleased with how they turned out, just wish I could've gotten some pregnancy photos of me... maybe soon? (though I realized the reason I don't ever have many is because of how awkward I feel taking pregnancy photos..). Then again, the ones after the baby is born are so much better :)