can you believe??

First of all, it's already OCTOBER and the weather has been PERFECT (85 degrees the last few days). I have been loving every minute - although I am NOT looking forward to the Winter that I'm afraid is going to hit HARD.
We've been getting ready for Halloween...




























and I'm more excited than usual as I'm in EXTRA Halloween mood after spending the last week-and-a-half reading these:

I realize I'm probably the LAST person on EARTH to get on the VAMPIRE boat -but I've been completely distracted since I started Twilight - LeGrand's just glad I'm almost finished!

Oh...and Laex needed a turn - so here's a dose of him in all his glory!

Rise and shout.....

LeGrand and I enjoyed a fun Saturday afternoon at the Cougar game, we had great seats close to the field, good weather and the game was a blowout, nothing new :)! We actually left during the third quarter due to BOREDOM...when they play so well there isn't any competition that tends to happen! Go Cougs!

"sweet skills"

Greener :)

We've become a little Greener :)

{BEfoRe}

{and, aFtER!}

Making progress.

This Day

{Taken July 28, 2001}

9*11*2001

I remember vividly, I will never forget.

It was this day 7 short years ago:

I was a resident of Franklin Lakes, NJ.

I received a phone call from a dear friend at home, concerned about my well-being --I was clueless.

I was quickly awakened to the situation.

I witnessed via television the second attack.

I received a calls from many caring people, including my mother who wanted me home.

I drove to pick up the kids from school, what was once the beauty of a NYC skyline was now smoke, nothing but smoke (and would remain this way for weeks).

I lay in bed that night, with all air traffic ceased I heard only the sounds of helicopters circling.

I visited days later and felt the peace, eery silence, heartache, anger, frustration, and sadness.

On this day I hold my family closer, remember to Love easier, Serve more and Live happier.

Fall

*I love the shorts and sweater weather
*I love the leaves changing
*I love the excitement of a BYU football game (I am an Alumi and my hubby a devoted fan)
*I love the the windows open, the fresh air filling the house
*I love the anticipation of the holidays
*I love the harvest and all the yummy fresh-from-the-garden produce
*I hate the shorter days (darker earlier, lighter later)
*I hate the freezing cold and snow days that are quickly creeping up
*I hate the school that consumes my spouse, leaving me a widow half the week (although, I wouldn't have him quit - I just wish it was over)

Annual "Hoopes" Reunion

YAY! This is by far one of my favorite times of the year, when Labor Day rolls around and the Hoopes reunion is in full swing! This year my Aunt Toni and Uncle Joe hosted us at their place in Fruita Colorado, the Theme for the reunion: A Family for all Seasons! Each family was a holiday (Us=Easter) with the hosts (The Weaver Fam.) being Christmas. It was a weekend full of Christmas activities including:

Stockings to greet us each morning, filled to the brim

A Christmas tree

A Gift exchange

And a visit from the Jolly Man himself, accompanied by the singing of Carols

We also enjoyed the fun of Thanksgiving (Turkey dinner and all), St. Pattys Day (Green Biscuts and Gravy), Halloween and Valentines!

{Our Family Flag - yep, I made it :)}

{Somehow, everytime I got this kid dry he ended up back here!} {This kept the kids entertained while the Women did a craft and the Guys went golfing}
{What do ya know, here he is again, back in the water}{Don't worry, Avi's mom doesn't really let her drink Mountain Dew - although she is trying awfully hard to get anything out of this empty can, Laex...he'll settle for a tomatoe!}

Next year...A LUAU in Waikiki Whiterocks!