We came back from our trip this week late Tuesday night. We found out that the kids had a fun Halloween. Ben went trick or treating with friends. Beth and her friends went trick or treating with Sarah and McKay and other Hatchs. Cali and Chey watched a scary movie with friends and Savannah hosted the two trick or treaters who came to our door (ha ha!) and also took the kids to Grandma's house as per tradition!

The kids seemed to do really well without us. My favorite story was when Sarah came into the kitchen to find water all over the floor and in containers covering all the counterspace. Ben was in the middle of it. When she asked him what he was doing, he responded that he had learned about the water cycle in school and had plans to give our family a continual water source: he was working on making a cloud. This made me laugh and laugh but I have to admit I was glad I didn't have to part of the clean-up.

The day after we got back was the Pinewood Derby! Since our ward only does this every other year, this was our first derby ever. Since the church ends its BSA program in January, this was also our last derby ever. Wow! This ward also invites the activity day girls to participate so Beth and Ben both participated. This meant that Kevin got to make two cars! We think we would eventually get good at it, but the learning curve was definitely not in our favor. In any case, it was a lot of fun. Beth and Ben both came in 4th (out of 4) for their first two heats and then made adjustments to their cars and came in 3rd and then made further adjustments and came in 2nd. I'm calling it a victory.

Other than that, I spent a lot of time getting caught up on accounting. Kevin had an IITAP conference to teach in Salt Lake City so he was gone Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday. Poor guy! At least he didn't have to be in any more airports. I also resumed my job as taxi driver taking Cali and Chey here there and everywhere! That's a job I think Sarah and Savannah are glad to hand back over to me. Well, that and dinner and keeping the kitchen clean. Oh, and putting kids to bed and making sure rules are followed. Not to mention keeping clouds from being made in the kitchen. Maybe they did miss me while I was gone. . .

Friday night Kevin stayed in SLC because he had to be there early the next morning. Chey, Cali, Beth, and Ben went to Grandma's for a fun late night -- going out to eat at IHOP and seeing a movie. Sarah and McKay worked late for McKay's brother, Shane. Savannah worked until about 7pm, but when she came home and found me alone, she offered to watch a movie with me. Yay! We watched Hunt for the Wilderpeople. It was alot of fun. Now we can sing "Happy Birthday Ricky Baker" together. Ha ha!