Ward Halloween Carnival

We just got back from the ward Halloween carnival. The youth and their leaders put in a bunch of work and it turned out really well. I love seeing all the different costumes. Some are so unique and creative. It always blows my mind.

We weren't planning on going since Emma stayed home from school today. I spoke to her teacher this morning and she didn't want to take any chances and asked me to keep her home to see if she got worse or ran a fever. She has a sore throat but never got feverish so I think it is just a cold. She will probably be going back tomorrow. Anyway since I stayed home with her all day I never got ready and I didn't feel like getting dressed or doing my hair and make-up so I threw on some footie PJ's and went as a "baby".

This is Hansel, Gretel and the witch. AKA my friend Beth and her two youngest. Aren't they so cute?!?

Oh to be young and thin again.

Here is Jocelyn (Did I spell that right?) and her adorable little ones Zane, Noah and Bella

This is Rees being about as witchy as I think she can get.

Andrew after winning some fangs.

I can't believe Halloween is almost here. I am so excited. I have a list of things I need before next weekend. I guess I better get on that!

Portland

Paul and I had talked about going to Portland for years. It finally happened and I got to add another state to my list of states I've been to. We got in late Wednesday night. Thursday we decided to spend time in the city. We loved the public transportation for the most part. We got a little messed up at one point and we ended up doing a walking tour of downtown. We made it to the water front where we watched joggers, seagulls and Canadian Geese.

We were both just stunned at how amazingly bright the colors on the trees were. I love autumn so this was a real treat.

We hit Powell's which is rumored to be one of the largest book stores in the world. It took up a whole block. It was awesome!


After Paul took me to Thai food. It was so good and spicy. This is only the second time in our marriage that he has gone to Thai with me.
Friday we drove out to Tillamook. It was a blast. Their cheese has always been a favorite of mine.
We got to see them processing some of it. They were working on colby jack, my all time fav, so it was even more exciting.

Look at me and all the cheese!
We got lunch in their cafe and then sampled their ice cream. Oh my gosh where have you been all my life? Their ice cream was sooo sooo good.
I had to get a cup with three flavors because I couldn't narrow it down any more than that. They have 38 flavors to choose from. I got chocolate and peanut butter, Tillamook Mudslide and mocha fudge. Yummo!
I wanted to press a penny and handed Paul the camera and discovered that he did this with it.
This is a full scale replica of the boat that they used in 1855.
It was a misty, foggy day in Tillamook especially on the bay.
That didn't stop us from going to Cape Meares to see the lighthouse. It was little itty bitty.
But oh so cute.
On Saturday we drove to Multnomah Falls. To say it was raining is an understatement. It was POURING!!! We got out and walked up to see it. I rolled my pants and wore my flip flops. People looked at me like I was nuts. It was in the mid 60's though so it wasn't too bad.

Take the picture quick!!! I'm getting wet here.


Paul got really wet.
We found out his coat isn't very waterproof and neither were his shoes.
Later that day it cleared up and we drove by the temple.

I wanted a skyline picture but had no idea where to go so this is about as good as it got.
We went by the rose test garden but it was getting dark so we didn't spend much time there.
Sunday was the day we were coming home. I was determined to get pictures, lots and lots of pictures. This is the view that we had each morning while eating breakfast at the hotel. Could the trees be any prettier?
I snapped this while stopped at a red light. We were heading back into the city for another trip to Powell's.
Some huge boats had come in during the night. I love big boats.
We headed up to Pittock Mansion for some amazing views of the city.
THe mansion wasn't bad either. We didn't take the tour but the grounds were very impressive.
Yeah, I could live like this.

We had a couple of hours to spare before we needed to get to the airport. I persuaded Paul to take me to the Japanese Tea Garden. It was so gorgeous. This was a great time of year to be there.

I never get tired of koi.




We decided that we needed to kiss on the bridge.

This is about the only time we saw Mt. Hood, from the plane.
This was our dinner Sunday night.
We had a great trip. I really liked Oregon. I like that they pump your gas, I like the beautiful trees and I loved the tax free shopping. I could totally get used to that. We will definitely want to go back.