No, we haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I think it just took longer than I thought it would to recoop from a summer of camping and traveling. Here's a bit of what has been happening since our last post in August.
We went camping for a final time up Santaquin Canyon at Tinney Flats campground. It was enjoyable, but I think we were all worn out. Mom got sick at camp and the kiddos took turns being sick when we got home. Luckily it was a short illness for all of us and we were ready for...
Cole to start 1st Grade. He absolutely loves it and is thriving there! He came home a couple of weeks ago proclaiming that he wants to be a first grade teacher when he grows up. His teacher is fabulous and really knows how to help the kids be their best. (Such a difference from last year.) Cole has had a few run ins with the pavement and swing set bars at recess, but other than that I've haven't had any calls from the school.
Jarad and I took a cruise on the Mexican Baja to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It was beautiful and so relaxing. I was actually able to sit and read a book without any interruptions. The food was delicious. Jarad, the king of NO seafood, even tried the lobster...and liked it. Best of all, it was nice to get away from the colder weather and find the sun again! Thanks to my parents who kept the kids all week long. They enjoyed it, I know, but I think they also were reminded why we have kids when we are younger. (:
Halloween was fun this year. Cole was a vampire. Isabel was a cheerleader. (No this isn't because I felt like re-living my old cheer days, but because I found her costume for $3 at a thrift store.) At first when we told her a cheerleader said "Rah, rah, rah", she said it like a lion or tiger. With a little help from Grandma and Cole, she came to differentiate between the two kinds of "rahs". On Friday, Jarad's work hosted a trick-or-treat for the kids. They made a load there. Then it was on to Grandpa and Grandma Duersch's for the annual pumpkin carving party. It just isn't Halloween until we have this party. Jarad helped Cole carve a Dracula face in his pumpkin. Isabel made it easier on me by only wanting a "happy" face. Saturday was filled with a soccer game, a primary activity and night-time trick-or-treating. My kids are still at the ages where they don't last too long out in the cool night air, so we got away with about an hour of trick-or-treating then came in and watch a movie as a family.
So, there's our catch-up! 
Camping at Tinney Flats!
Cole's first day of 1st grade.
In Ensenada, Mexico.
Trick or Treat!
