Sarah, Mariah, Calianne, and Cheyenne

We had a piano recital this week!  All the girls played a Halloween piece and they even got to wear costumes.  We had a bit of a Halloween preview!  It was pretty fun.  I was so focused on getting all the performers spruced up and there on time that I didn't realize Bethany was barefoot until we got out of the car in Orem.  Oops!  Sarah played Phantom of the Opera, Mariah played the funeral march, and Cali and Chey both played some spooky songs, too.  They are all sounding really great and I am proud of their continued hard work.  What awesome kids!

Many moons ago, Sarah decided that she'd like to make sock monkeys as a service project for kids in need.  I thought it was an awesome idea so I bought a box of colorful, striped socks (they're cheaper in bulk, ya know!).  I waited . . . but no sock monkeys  appeared.  Then this  term for Sarah's English class, they were given the assignment to do something that they've always wanted to do but haven't for whatever reason.  Ha!  Sock monkeys have started to appear in our house!

Aren't they soooo cute?

Which brings me to the very important point that this week was the last week of the school term.  My children have always taken their grades seriously and work hard all the time on their homework, but these last couple of weeks of the term the stress level at our house has been very high.  Holy cow!  I think all four of my oldest dissolved into tears over their projected failure at least once.  Poor dear girls.  They want so badly to do well.  And they did!  As I knew they would.

Benjamin was sick at the beginning of this week.

Good thing I have such an awesome hammock for him to fall asleep in!  He is feeling better, but now sweet Beth is sick.  :(  Poor girl!  These things do go around . . .

It's a good thing we aren't all sick, yet, because we had a very special event to attend this weekend! Kevin's brother, Matt, baptized his oldest son, Conner, on Saturday.  We were so glad when it worked  out that we could  be there.  It was  a  very special day!  What a great family they are and what a great kid is that Conner!  We love them so much!  Congratulations, Conner!

Gavin, Matt, Lynsey, and Conner

Matt lives in Rexburg, Idaho near Grandpa and Grandma Skinner so we got in some time at Grandpa's house, too!  It was beautiful weather. We went to the baptism on Saturday morning and had a great lunch at Matt's afterwards!  Later, we  got to go to a pumpkin patch and back to Grandpa's to ride the four-wheelers!

Grandpa and Grandma!

The pumpkin patch had a train ride!

Both of my guys in flannel! I love it!

We had a  great time!  After church with Matt's family on Sunday, we  headed back home.  It was a great weekend!  It was a beautiful time to be in Idaho!