Halloween 2018

The kids are getting older and the Halloween activities are changing as well.  An era was coming to an end today.  The elementary school parade!!!  Eleven years of standing outside in the frosty morning watching as each class marches around track.  Who will miss this?  ME!!!  I had better enjoy this one and don't blink because it will be over way to quickly.  

They were off and I couldn't find Ryder's class anywhere.  How did I miss him the first time around?  I had better be watching for the second time around.

I'm HERE!!!

I couldn't miss him the second time around.  He let me know that I needed to take his picture and could Josh come with us to SkyWest.  I definitely took his picture.  I also loved seeing the variety of costumes this year.  I think the most popular one this year was the Halo Guys.

Ryder wasn't too old to go to SkyWest for our annual trick or treating.  Ryder was anxious to get his full or king size treats from the Exec Offices.  They didn't fail him.  We finished with a pretty heavy bag full of yummy treats and tired feet.  Give him a few pieces of candy and he will be as good as new.  Bring on the trick or treating.....

A Jedi & a rocker

Trick or Treating with friends was going to be a blast.  Not only for them but for me as well.  I could stay home and relax.  Dave could manage the candy and I could stay inside warm.  Nope!!! Dave setup a chair for me to sit outside with him. 

Ryder's group
Josh, Talon, Corbin, and Reegan

Reganne's group
Before

After
Kiah, Alyvia, Cheyanne, and Reganne

They survived
and even found more friends to go with.

The boys curfew was 8:00 which they all complained about rather loudly.  However, 8:00 came with tired feet, heavy bags, and hungry bellies.  The girls came back shortly afterwards needing a ride to a different neighborhood and try their luck there.  Time to close down the haunted house and creepy music with no kids in sight.  The boys were tired and all headed for home.

Another Halloween in the record books.  Rylee had to work, but was able to catch a movie with friends afterwards.  Reganne & Ryder both had fun with their friends.  Dave & I handed out candy to maybe 30 little guys all night.  I will have candy to share until Easter or not since they no longer want to share with us but eat it all in the privacy of their rooms.  I am hoping if I am really good they may share a few chocolate ones.

2018 Spooktacular Swim Meet

Swim meet weekend in St George.  Ryder was excited for this one to work on his IMX for short course. Once again plans are always shifting and I was able to be there from start to finish.  Instead of volunteering as a training official I was able to start working on my officials test.

I love watching the pool come alive.
Too many hands & legs churning at the same time.

Only 2 events tonight

No such luck heading out early.  He volunteered to be a counter for each Heat of the final event of the night.  We made it home by 10.

Rise and shine 8:00 warm up time.  Today I was going to be on deck finishing my final observation. Dave was there cheering him on while I had to observe without shouting or calling his name.

Freestyle flip turn.
Able to give encouragement no need for officials to be on deck.

Good Dive

Good Form

We both had successful days on deck.  No DQ's for him but no official times until Monday at the earliest.  Once again Ryder is starving and wanting food!!!  We had our family birthday lunch with the Wheelers at Freddy's.  Another belated Happy Birthday for Dave.

Ryder's final times were posted on Monday.

Male 10-11 100 Backstroke 1.32.19 3rd Place

Male 10-11 100 Butterfly  1.51.30  33rd Place

Male 10-11 100 Breast  1.51.87 25th Place

Male 10-11 200 Free  3.05.78  3rd Place

Male 10-11 200 IM  3.37.93  2nd Place

Good Job!!! Keep up the hard work.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

It's hard to surprise Dave for his birthday.  It was extra hard this year he was going to be working a crazy day.  His hours kept changing each phone call I made to him throughout the day.  We then scheduled family dinner for the weekend.  He pulled his own surprise and was off work by 4.

Time to celebrate Dad!!! Quick dinner at Habit Burger then off to the Halloween Carnival at the church.  Dave decided his present was to stay home.  Ryder was excited for some Halloween fun.  We needed to make a quick pit stop for a cake, card, and a few treats just for Dad to enjoy.

Maybe Ginger as well?

 

What a great guy!!!
Sharing with everyone else.

He survived our crazy celebration.  Let's hope he also survives another crazy year with all of our misadventures and daily life. Hears to another 50!!

First Responder's Car Show

Everyone loves this car show for the First Responders in Washington County.  Dave & Ryder were excited to participate this year along with our neighbor Travis.  Ryder & I watched them start getting setup the night before after swim practice.  It was going to be another good show.

Dave & Rylee
talking cars and their parts.

Another friends car
He needed either a jump or a tow.
It wouldn't start.

Sibling's sharing the love
or
Don't make me get it he picture.

This boy loves all cars.
Thankfully he is still into just taking
pictures of his favorites

The weather was a little warm but who is going to complain in October.  We all had a good time but no awards this time.  The kids were ready to head home and hopefully still have time to hang out with their friends.  I was ready for a nap.  Ryder was once again hungry and ready for dinner.

CVE Choir Concert

Ryder: Hey Mom are your coming to my concert?  

Mom:  When is it?

Ryder:  Thursday?

Mom:  Tomorrow?

Ryder:  Yeap!!! So, will you be there?

Mom:  Sure thing.  I wouldn't miss it?

Waiting for it to start.

Nervous boy
Cant keep his hands out of his pockets.

Didn't want to mess up his part.
Reading word for word.

Love all the actions

We need an up close picture
of the shirt.

They did really well for their first show of the school year.  They promised it wouldn't be very long.  That was a promise they kept 40 minutes from start to finish.  Ryder was starving all that singing works up an appetite.

Fall Break Road Trip

It was time for a road trip with Reganne.  However, it was going to be a road trip on an airplane instead of by car.  Fall Break means no school so we headed off bright and early with a 6:00 am (yep!!) boarding.  Luckily we made the flight with seats to spare.  Not many people were up that early on a Friday morning.  We had time for a quick nap which I took full advantage Reganne not so much.

It's Los Angeles and I'm not driving. Time to hope that all the internet searches on ground transportation are accurate.  We are in luck as we walked outside the baggage claim we walked right onto the Flyaway bus  and headed downtown.

Leaving the airport

Catching & Enjoying
the sunrise.

We made it to Union Station
Don't they have earthquakes here?
Time to head down below to Hollywood.

Back upstairs
Now which way do we go?
There aren't many people to ask directions.

Photo for Ryder
He begged for just one.

Favorite Star
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Love the dragon on the roof

This now has a new name.
To me its Chines Mann Theater and without the crowds.

I loved seeing all the footprints.  Reganne not so much.  She wanted to find the BT21 Store.  We continued to walk up and down the streets looking for the address.  It's not like home where the addresses actually are posted.  We even asked various vendors setting up for the day they had never heard of the store.  We both looked up at the same time and noticed the building across the street with the matching numbers.  The excitement was starting to build.....

As we walked by the store front hoping we were headed in the right direction.  There was a line of girls giggling but patiently waiting for the store to open.  Reganne quickly jumped in line to wait.  It was the perfect place to people watch.

We found it!!!!

Basic store front.
The girls were the dead giveaway.

As we waited in line the street was starting to come alive.  Before too long there were people everywhere.  We watched in amazement as tour groups marched up and down the street snapping pictures.  The crazy cartoon people snagging people trying to take their money for a few pictures.

10 o'clock sharp the doors open but with specific instructions from the store employees/security people.  Only one Halloween Plushie per customer!!!!  The line moved quickly and we were soon inside.

BT21 Sculpture

Reganne found everything and more than she was expecting to.  The line of girls quickly picked the shelves clean and the employees/security stocked them just as fast.  It was now time to walk around and enjoy just being there.

Only one photo op
Sooooo many to choose from.

After an hour of browsing it was time to make our purchases and hopefully find some lunch.

Saying Goodbye!!!

One problem it was like leaving Costco.  You must have your receipt in hand and your bag open for inspection.  The employees were dedicated to their jobs and very thorough with their inspection.  As we walked down the street there was a girl practically hiding behind a pillar shyly looking at everyone walking by.  I asked here if she was ok.  Yes, but would you be willing to go back to the store and buy me another Halloween Plushee for my friend?  Reganne eagerly agreed and headed back.  She got a second trip and it didn't cost her anything.  The girl was so relieved and grateful.  She was afraid of the employees/security guys at the store.  She had promised her friend she would bring one home for her.

Love these smiles

It was now time for more sightseeing and then find some lunch.  Maybe lunch first?  No lunch just crazy people wondering up and down the street trying to sell you weird stuff.

The streets are alive with crazy people.

We retraced our steps and made it back to the metro station.  We found the bus back to the airport. Once again no place to stop for lunch or ones we were brave enough to eat at.  We made it to the airport, found lunch, and found our gate.  It was now time to wait, cross our fingers, and say a few prayers that we can make it home.  Checking out our options we decided to try the direct flight back to St George.  In the mean time Reganne was still on a BTS high let's watch the making of the BT21.

YEAH!!!
Seat assignments!!!!!

Checking out her merch.

Front and center
We had to split up.  I was in the front and
Reganne was in the back.

Show & Tell

I love this smile!!! We had a great day together exploring, having fun, and just being together.  We were home by 6:45 pm (YEP!!!) It was a full day.  I am now ready to sleep.

2018 Pumpkin Invite

We were off to Ceder City for their CSC Pumpkin Invite Swim Meet.  The last meet we attended in Cedar City was the Summer Games during Long Course Season.  This was going to be a lot different in Short Course Season.  Ryder & I headed off with full bellies, snacks, and a lot of sunshine.

Goofy kid poising for the picture.

First observation the pool is a lot smaller.  This will be so easy....

Waiting for his event to start.
Just a reminder to swim clean their are 3 officials on lane 1.

Crazy boy!!!
It cooled down and he thought it felt great.

We finished early on Friday which was perfect.  We had to be back there nice and early in the morning.  Warm ups are scheduled for 8:00.

He has his events.

Hanging together and swapping stories

Dave was trying to get the internet to listen to General Conference.  The concrete building was causing havoc and everyone trying to use it for meet results nothing was working.  10:30 and the spectators started getting really excited.  Dave finally got KSL to download and church will change to 2 hours in January.  The excitement in the pool wasn't just from the swimmers but from the crowds talking and speculating on how all this will work.

Ready to roll!!!

They are off and swimming

This meet was great with quick time postings from Touchpad Live.

3B Mixed 11-12 100 Back  1.32.00

12B  Mixed 11-12 100 Breast 1.54.81

15B  Mixed 11-12 500 Free  8.07.15

16B  Mixed 11-12 200 IM 3.41.27

Good times for the first meet in the new age group.  The IM heat everyone was DQ's except Ryder.  He went form 4th to 1st.  He didn't get a pumpkin but left with a smile.  We walked outside and it had been raining the whole time.  Surprise !!! it looked a little like snow.  Time to head home where it hopefully is a little warmer.