October 2022

October was here and we knew we were in for a crazy busy month but that it would be filled with a LOT of fun things. 

Coco is so lucky to have a street full of cute friends...

Over General Conference Weekend we decided to get out in nature for a bit so we went up to walk around Kolob Reservoir. This place is absolutely picturesque. The water is like glass and with the leaves changing color it was the perfect place see the beauty of God's creations during a weekend of being spiritually fed.  

The next weekend, Addy, Quincy, and I joined our friends Emma and Melanie Cluff to see Katie Perry in Las Vegas.  It was such a fun night and a great concert. 

The very next day, Melanie took my girls home and I waited for Devin to meet me in Las Vegas. We went to do a session in the Las Vegas Temple and it was a beautiful experience.  As you walk into the Celestial Room, there is a life size picture of Jesus Christ with His hand extended toward you. I was mesmerized and got a small sense of what it would be like in His presence one day. 

After the temple we met up with our friends, the Udy's to go to the BYU game at the Allegiant Stadium. The stadium holds so many people and the streets of Vegas were completely packed afterward. 

Grandma Payne had a glow stick party with the girls while we were gone. 

Devin took the 2 littles to see Mary Poppins at the Tuacahn. They lasted until intermission and then decided that was enough for the night. 

Tired babies...

Dinner with Dad...

Next up was Fall Break. Since moving from California we had missed seeing our friends the Villamizars. They had moved to Seattle a few years back so we decided to go and visit them.  Although she had already been on a cruise ship, this was Coco's first time flying in a plane. She was so excited. 

Mt. Rainier from the plane 


Besties reunited...

Just taking a walk around their neighborhood I was amazed at all the lush greenery. Moss growing everywhere, overhanging trees, and so much green. Beautiful. 

We spent some time in downtown Seattle seeing all of the sights we could take in. The Space Needle, Chiluly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Market, The Gum Wall, and Gas Works Park. And of course trying out their favorite ice cream and restaurants were a must. 

Coco made herself at home in their beautiful house!

We drove our cars onto a ferry that took us over to Bainbridge Island. This was one of the most beautiful places and it was so fun exploring everything... shops, art, restaurants, and of course down by the water. 

                               

On Sunday morning, we took the girls to see the Seattle Temple and spent some time enjoying the peaceful grounds. Such a beautiful place. 

After that we found a lake nearby and explored around that as well. Seattle is such a beautiful place. No matter where we went we found the most beautiful spots. 

We also got to hike up to Snoqualmie Falls. This was yet another gorgeous atmosphere and it was so fun to play in the river at the bottom. 

                               

Dan and Adriana taught us how to make arepas and then they taught us the game Secret Hitler and we laughed so hard. We sure love this family and had such an incredible time reconnecting with them. 

We stopped for one last seafood meal by the water before it was time to head back home. This was such an amazing trip. One that we will remember for a  very long time.

Once we got back home we got right back into the grind of preschool, school, and extracurricular activities. 

                                         

Halloween crept up on us and it was hard to believe that October was coming to an end. But it's always a fun way to wrap up the month and head into November. 

Phew! Lots of memories, lots of going places, and lots of craziness. What a great month... but here's to a calmer November.