Crazy June

June is one of those months that, if you're anything like me, it seems like there's not enough time to take a deep breath, let alone get everything done! This year has been no exception, with the added bonus that now I do everything with a toddler AND an infant. Fun fun. Everything takes twice as much time now... not that I'm complaining. I love my girls! Here is just a snippet of what I've gotten to do SO FAR this month: We got Anthony registered for school at SLCC in the Automotive and Related Technologies major. This includes applying for financial aid and figuring out how we're going to make his school schedule work with his work schedule. June 3rd was "Little Valley's" blessing followed by a luncheon at our house after church. June 7th was Michelle's 30th birthday. June 9th we threw a surprise party for her. June 13th was Mom's 50th birthday. June 16th we threw a surprise party for her. Every Friday so far has been a "field trip Friday" where we go with my kids and Michelle's kids somewhere fun. I've been to the Gateway more times than I can count. I hope to start going to the gym in the evenings on most days, but I also hope to start having outings with the kids and Anthony. I would like to be able to go on bike rides, hikes and other such outings with them. I know it seems ridiculous that we don't already do those things... but like I said, it seems like there's never enough hours in the day. Now it will have to be something that we schedule, if we ever want to do it. June 28th is going to be Richard's 25th birthday and I am on the watch for dairy-free creamcheese so we can make him what he wants for his birthday... a dairy-free cherry cheesecake. Yum. All of this combined with fitting in the normal day-to-day activities of life. June is one of those months. I love summer!!!

Family Resemblance

I was looking through photos from my childhood and I came across a photo of me at 3 months old. I thought the comparison between me and our "Little Valley" was impressive... impressive enough to ask what you think? Do you see the resemblance or is it all in my imagination?

I also thought it would be fun to compare photos of both of the girls at about 2 months old. Have a look! Guess which is which. (for Amberlee, who obviously would know which is which... shhh! No telling. ^_^ )

I also wanted to let all our friends and family know that "Little Valley" is doing fine. She has gotten the all clear from her doctor. Now we're all just waiting to get over our colds. Alida, Valley and I have had colds for about a week and a half now. It was that cold that sent "Little Valley" to PCMC last Wednesday night. She was there until Friday morning. The only thing she tested positive for rhinovirus (the common cold, to you and me). It was enough of a virus and she was still young enough that it wreaked havoc on her immune system, lowering her white blood cell count and giving her a fever of 102 for a couple of days.

The last 2 days, Alida has been sick beyond her cold. She spent some time throwing up and she has had an upset tummy with the runs. My poor babies haven't had a very good time lately. I hope it gets better soon.

TAAA DAAA!!!

It's times like this when I regret getting rid of Facebook... but I digress. I've decided that I'm ok with sharing the baby's photos now. I don't really know why I wasn't before. Mostly, I think it was Anthony not wanting "too much information shared unnecessarily"... and I wasn't going to argue. Now, however, I've come to a point where I'm ok with her photos being posted. So, without further ado, Introducing: VALETTA PEARL HUNTER

I love my kids! (all 3 of them. ^_^ )

Perfection?

Today is one of those days that I would categorize as very nearly perfect.  It's not that nothing went wrong today or that everything we did would be considered desirable... On the contrary.  I took care of most of the laundry, cleaned alida's room (which badly needed it) and we had to run several errands, including a doctor appointment for the baby and a breastfeeding counseling appointment for me, all of which, I had to wake up early for.
All of that, however, pales in comparison to what I am doing right now.  Anthony and I eventually got tired of the days activities and we decided to change our evening.  We got the girls ready, strapped the baby to my front in the baby carrier, sat Alida in the bike trailer and then rode to Liberty Park where we are currently playing.  It was NOT an easy ride, especially considering I was transporting both girls with my bike, but the ride was so invigorating and refreshing and the weather is so perfect that the 55 extra pounds didn't matter.
It's nights like this that stay in my memory when we've moved and make me miss where we were.  It's nights like this that I hope I never forget.

WELCOME!!!

We are happy to announce that we have added a new addition to our family!
We welcomed a beautiful baby girl over the weekend.
She came after 14 hours of labor at 5:04am weighing 7lbs 11oz and measuring 20.5 inches long.
Mommy and baby are doing fine.  More info will be posted soon. :)

29

Happy birthday Anthony!  That's right.  Anthony is 29 today!
We were hoping that he'd get to share his birthday from now on... And we're not ruling it out... But after our "false alarm" last night and being sent home, I think we're starting to think she'll never come out!  *sigh*  Prodromal labor.
Here's hoping that Anthony still might have to share his birthday and if not, let's hope we can get her out soon!!

The Hunters

Take a breath

When I was woken up this morning at 7am, an hour earlier than I planned, I wasn't sure what to think.  You'd think I was woken up by my jumping belly or heartburn or some other pregnancy related reason, but when it was my husband waking me up, I didn't know what to think.  He had been awake for several hours, unable to get back to sleep due to his anxiety.  This is a relatively new concept for him.  Though we have one child already, this one is apparently very different.  He has been pacing and worrying, not sure how to handle everything, partly due to the "waiting game".  He can't decide if he wishes it would end sooner or wait until later. 
So, after a morning like this, when he is finally able to relax and forget what's on his mind, at least for the most part, I smile.
I caught this little gem this afternoon.  One of the first moments of quiet today.  It made me giggle at how cute it is.
Thank heavens for quiet times.

Preparations

Well, I guess the general concensus around here now is that we really need to start getting everything ready for the inevitable D-day.  After Anthony's heart attack this weekend over nothing being ready, we started trying to organize, clean and put everything together that needs to be... But it has been slow going.  We don't yet have even half of what we need to do done.  We have begun working on getting our bedroom ready mostly... And I think our slow pace is starting to unnerve both of us.

We have also been slacking off a ton though!  We have had plenty of time to get things done (well, more than we have) but we keep taking care of things that take us away from home or things that could definately wait... Case in point: a blessing dress.  We ventured to DI Saturday to see if we could find a piece of furniture that would work as the bottom half of a kitchen hutch (we have a top half...) and while there, we found an adorable little blessing dress.  It was kind of plain (not in a good way) and had a few ugly features that needed to be removed, but I figured that with a little creativity and a needle and thread, I could make it into something really cute.  So, instead of packing a hospital bag or cleaning the house, as I should be doing, I have spent this morning fixing and changing a blessing dress that we won't even need for at least 2 months.

At least I'm happy with the results.
Dress: $3
Ribbon and bling: $4
Having an adorable blessing dress for our daughter: Priceless

Oh, and on the side, I am hoping to find a little white bonnet to go with it.  If anyone sees one or knows how to make a simple one that I can "personalize" as well, let me know! :)

February 18th

I know I am posting this a day early... But a day early depends on where you are!!!

To my wonderful hubby, Anthony, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!  It has been 6 years of adventure, joy and love with my best friend.  I love you so much!  You are such a wonderful husband to me and father to our daughter(s).  I made the best decision of my life the day I said yes to you.

To my Jessica D.S.T.A. Furby living in Japan A.C.T.G.W... Who, judging by the name, is still currently living in Japan (hense the reference to time differences)... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  I hope your day is SUPER FANTASTIC FUN!  I loveses you and misses you and can't hardly wait for you guys to come back state-side and then come see me and my honey and FINALLY meet my girls!!!

PARTIES ALL AROUND!!!  *throws confetti*

Sympathies

I just wanted to post a message to my mother's cousins, Kendra and Brian and their families and to Mom's uncle Larry.  With the passing of Aunt Betty, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.  We love you all.

Valentines

I know this post is a couple of days late, but better late than never, right?
The last few days have been interesting, to say the least, and we're not done yet.
As most of you know, Anthony and I were married on February 18th, 2006.  This Saturday will mark our 6 year annniversary!
This has made Valentines day kind of obsolete between the 2 of us.  That might sound strange, but we would rather focus our attention (and money...) On the anniversary.  However, having children, we want to make Valentines Day all about loving them.  This said, we do want to get them something special or do something special with them on Valentines Day.  We don't want to be one of those "get the kids some candy and a generic stuffed animal" couple.  That just doesn't say "I love you" to me.  (Though I know, kids aren't really picky... It's just me.)
This year, we got Alida some candy (cause she is still only 4...), a pink shirt (her favorite color), a "Go Fish" game for kids and the game "Candy Land".   This is the kind of unexpected "special" stuff I mean.  Not your typical valentine.
I also did an activity with Alida and Michelle's little Sweetheart while her kids were here that day.  We made a chocolate cake, frosted it, put pink sprinkles all over it and then used heart cookie cutters to make chocolate heart cake stacks.  The girls each got to make their own and helped me make them for their parents.  They seemed to enjoy it!

I know with only one child right now, it may be a little easier to think of things to do.  We'll have to see what happens next year when we have 2!!!

Also, just an update, we have just 1 1/2 months until our due date!  (6 more weeks!!!)  We are so excited!  I think I am still in denial though.  We haven't gotten anything ready yet.  We are seriously slacking off.  I hope she comes early...

The bump

I figured that, since it's common knowledge that I am pregnant and I am almost 31 weeks along, that perhaps you'd like to see the bump.

On a side note, it has been brought to my attention that a couple of my cousins are also expecting.  Congrats ladies!

Photoshop fun

I've been having fun with photoshop the last couple of days turning pictures into "paintings".
It has been really interesting trying to figure it out.
I just thought I'd show you the 2 I've done. (and love!)

Progress

I just wanted to post a quick update about how things are going here.
Alida is growing smarter every day.  She and I are working on writing her letters and spelling her name.  She is catching on quickly and tells me often that she "wants to learn".
Anthony is still working for Napa auto parts and he enjoys it.  He loves getting to drive for work.  We are still planning on getting him into school this year, but it probably won't be until after the baby comes.  His work has approved him taking his first week of paid vacation starting when the baby comes.  I am glad we will have a week together when the baby comes.
I am at nearly 30 weeks and it shows.  Simple things like walking around are becoming harder and leave me in more pain than I remember having with Alida.  I also find that my energy wanes more, though that is normal, but it makes daily tasks harder to accomplish.  To anyone who's been pregnant, that will come as no surprise.
Our doctor tells us that the baby is growing perfectly.  She's exactly the size she should be.  My weight gain is on track (so far), and I'm hoping it stays that way.  I dread gaining even one pound and have to constantly remind myself that right now, it's necessary and it's ok. (It doesn't make me feel any better about it though.)
I have recently reintroduced myself to Zumba via the Wii game.  It has a setting on it to do just a single song and they have beginner routines.  Each individual song lasts between 4 and 6 minutes, depending on the song.  It makes them really easy to do just one.  I have to sit down after one song, though I can generally do 2 or 3 in a day and call it good.  (Fear not.  It has been approved by my doctor.)  The other funny thing is, though walking is especially painful, I can do a little Zumba and not be in any pain afterward.  In fact, I generally feel better.
Well, that's about it for now.  I hope to keep everyone updated as much as I can.
Love from,
The Hunters.

A Grand Day Out

Yesterday was one of those days that was fun enough, that I'll overlook how much I hurt and how irritated I was by the end.

The Sheets family invited Alida and I to join them at the Discovery Gateway yesterday while Brian went to see a movie.  The Sheets have a year pass for up to 6 people to get in. I am so glad.  We'd NEVER go if it weren't for that pass.  I mean, it's fun for the kids and all, but it is NOT worth the price of admission.  We can go to the zoo for the price they're asking.  But, I digress.

The kids had a blast.  They got to play with balls and in a house "supermarket" and a "farm" and in the water.  They got to play in a life flight helicopter and on a KSL 5 news set.  They got to play with science concepts like tornadoes and earthquakes. 
It was a jam packed couple of hours.  I can honestly say I have never been so grateful for elevators!

When we were done playing, it was time for Alida and I to pick up Anthony from work.  We walked back to the car, I put Alida in her seat and I loaded the stroller into the car.  When I tried to shut the tailgate, however, it wouldn't close.  I tried and tried, but it would not work.  The rubber covering over the locking mechanism had shredded and would not allow it to move like it needed to in order to close.
I got out Anthony's pliers but that only led to me pinching my fingers and cussing (oops).  Eventually, I was, however, able to remove enough of the shredded rubber to get the tailgate to close.  15 minutes later (and more than 30 minutes late) we arrived at Anthony's work to get him.
After we got home, Anthony took a look at the mechanism and naturally, he said he couldn't see anything wrong.  It was working *fine* for him.  (Grumble *expletive* grumble)
I'm glad we went, but I'm also glad the day is over and done with.  *sigh*

Happy New Year (almost)

Well, a new year is almost upon us. Tonight's festivities promise to be just as exhausting as they will be fun.
We have spent today cleaning our house as much as possible (while freezing! It's cold here.) And that leads me to finally set a new year's resolution.  I haven't set any as of yet because of the impracticality of them.  We have goals for the year, sure, but I couldn't think of any bad habits that I feel the need to resolve... Until now!
My new year's resolution is: to try to keep my house (particularly my bedroom) cleaner than I have been.
What about you?  Do you have any new year resolutions? What about goals that you'd like to accomplish in the coming year?
Well, whatever your endeavors, I wish you luck and good fortune in everything you do.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Love,
The Hunter Family

Turning tides

You know when people ask you what you want for Christmas... Possibly getting an idea of what to get for you... And you rack your brain thinking of what to tell them.  This year was one of those years for me.  I know of things I'd like to have EVENTUALLY, but nothing very practical for Christmas.  The things I could think of were either "plan and save for it" things, or "I have to wait until after the baby comes to use it" things.  There were only 2 things that were outside these 2 spheres that I actually wanted:  A food processor and a hair straightener.  Exciting, right... *rolls my eyes*... But that's what I wanted.
Thanks to my wonderful parents, I was able to get my food processor the day after Christmas (thank you mom and dad!).
Santa brought me a hair straightener *wink*.
That took care of the only 2 things I asked for.  I got other wonderful things too.  My mother in law and sisters in law got me some WONDERFUL clothes that work as both maternity and non-maternity and a coat that actually closes over my burgeoning belly.  I felt like the luckiest woman in the world!
Anthony, however, had another surprise for me.
On Christmas morning, I was presented with a gift.  A box.  It could have been anything.  I wasn't expecting anything, so I had no guesses what it was.  I tore off the paper like our 4 year old and what did I find?... He had purchased one of the things from my "after baby" list...  Zumba Fitness for the Wii.
Oh goody.  A gift that I so desperately want to use, but can't for another 4 or 5 months (allowing for time to heal). *sigh*
But I couldn't have been more excited, because, even though I couldn't use it yet, we have it now and that's one step closer.

Well, I spent the rest of that day and most of yesterday staring at that box and wishing it were March.  Today, I couldn't stand it anymore.  I opened the package and popped it in the Wii, thinking "oh, I'll just create my profile so when I CAN use it, it'll be all ready".  This led to "well, I suppose just *looking* at the different workouts won't hurt... Just to see".
Well, you can imagine.  After 2 minutes of "just looking", I found myself up and strapping on the wand belt.
5 minutes later, I was panting and laughing and the kids were loving it too.
It must have been a sight to behold, watching me shake my 6 months pregnant groove!  I haven't had so much fun working out since I moved from our Redwood Road apartment and had to stop attending actual Zumba classes.  I loved it so much, I did another one tonight! 

Sometimes, my husband is a genious! *sigh*

Merry Christmas

Another Christmas has come and gone and this year was particularly fun.  Though we didn't have much, what we did have, we made count.
Yesterday was spent visiting our families.  In the early afternoon, we visited my family for a few hours.  I love going down there, even if it's only for a few hours. 
In the late afternoon, we went to Anthony's parent's house and helped them get ready to head to Orem for dinner.  My job was kid wrangler.  It was a fun job.
When we were all ready, we headed up to join the Holmes family for Christmas Eve dinner and an ugly Christmas sweater contest.  The entries were definitely original and... Well, let's call them creative.  (Pictures to follow)
The kids put on a nativity, Alida, however, decided that the baby doll she was "taking care of" down stairs was more important and didn't join the rest.
Santa came to our house and Alida couldn't have been happier.  It took her a few minutes to "wake up" and realize what was going on.  She just stood in place for a few minutes.
Tonight we were joined by the Sheets family for dinner.  They made a spectacular turkey and a cheesecake.  I love having them come over!
We ended the night watching Christmas movies.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

That's how it goes.

Well, as much as I'd like to have gone without getting sick this year, it was apparently unavoidable.
I wish I'd had some warning that I was getting sick.  Unfortunately, it decided to hit me like a bomb in my sleep last night.  I woke up at 6 something and just felt horrible.  I couldn't sleep soundly.  I couldn't even lie down without getting dizzy.  The only comfort I found was on the couch.
Alida has been sick too. Yesterday and today started with her having a fever.  Perhaps going to see the lights at Temple Square last night wasn't the greatest plan.  I hope Alida's cousins (whom were with us last night) didn't end up sick.
As it happens, Uncle Brian is now getting sick.  I hope it doesn't last too long for him.
Anthony is fine (so far) and let's hope it stays that way.
Other than that, there is nothing much to say.  We are all really excited for Christmas this week.  Especially Alida.   We look forward to spending more time with family and seeing more friends over this week.
Love,
The Hunters

The Week Before Christmas

Well, one more week until the big day and I am just about ready to be done with it.  I love the season, but I wish I could just sit back and watch it all happen without rushing around or worrying about anything.  I don't want to set foot inside another store until after the new year, if it can be helped.  I don't want to see another print ad for holiday gift ideas and I don't want to cut out one more cookie.
Don't get me wrong.  I'm not in a "Bah Humbug" mood.  Let's chalk all this up to me being tired and cranky.  I've spent the last 3 days doing so much, that I haven't given the dust time to settle.  This has left me sore and my energy seriously depleted.  (Of course, it is greatly exacerbated by my being 6 months pregnant...)
I have to admit though, I love this time of year!  I love seeing Alida's face light up when we turn on the Christmas lights.  I have loved making the cookies with her and I love how she so innocently tells everyone that what she wants for Christmas is a "princess puzzle that I saw at Walmart".  That is the ONLY thing she has asked for all month.  It melts my heart to hear her little princess voice proclaim this excitedly.  She can also get away with being adorable in the store.
We went to the mall a few days ago and while there, I found the little magnetic picture of Jesus that her primary teacher had given her this past Sunday, so I gave it to her.  While she and Anthony were walking around a store, a sales lady came up to "serve them" and Alida excitedly held up the picture and said "This is Jesus! He's the Son of God!" And all the lady could say was "yes, it is". 
One other fun aspect this year is we have had a mystery family "12 Days of Christmas-ing" us.  Each night there is a knock at our door and when we go out to see, on our porch is an envelope and a treat for our family.  Inside each envelope is instructions, a scripture reference and a story.  On the first day, we were given a CD with the envelope that has 13 Christmas songs on it.  Each night before bed, we listen to that night's song and read the scripture and the story.  It has been really fun and it has opened up discussions with Alida about what Christmas is really about.  We look forward to it each night.
Like I said, I really do enjoy Christmas.  I just think the last 3 days have left me a little drained.
We hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas season.  We love you!
Love,
The Hunters

Christmas Fun

Energy, oh how I miss you.
I decided about a week ago that, with my "cravings" for exercise, instead of wishing for things I don't have or can't do (thank you weather...), it was pointed out that I have a Wii fit, and though I can't do every activity on it, there are still quite a few that I can easily do and get a fairly decent workout.  Alida gets a kick out of it too.  (I guess it's funny watching mommy and her big belly pretend to hula hoop or fly like a chicken.)  The baby seems to like it when I move too.  She is more active when I am active (and understandably so). 
Now, however, I am facing a new obstacle.  This week has brought with it feelings of an oncoming cold, massive indigestion and several head aches.  It has made it hard to WANT to get up and get the Wii fit out.  I spent most of yesterday on the couch.  Today hasn't gotten much better.
I sure hope this clears up soon.

Christmas is coming up fast for our family.  Between trying to do ANY Christmas shopping and trying to keep anything we DO get hidden, it has become a HUGE hassle. 
Alida actually sat on Santa's lap this year!  We've tried to get her to do that for the past couple of years!  Finally, SUCCESS!  Anthony even got a picture of her with Santa AND she had a smile on her pretty little face!  (I'll post it when he gets it to me.)

We hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas season so far.
Love,
The Hunters

What's in a name?

Now that the news is out that we're expecting a girl, the most commonly asked question we get is "what are you naming her?".  Short answer: we don't know.
To avoid telling people we don't know anymore, we've decided that, until she is born and has an official name, we will be calling her "Lamasu" (pronounced "Llama-Sue").  (For the reference, please refer to Star Wars: Episode 2).
We know this won't please those that really want to know what names we're considering, but, oh well.
Rest assured, we ARE thinking about names.  We just choose not to share them right now.
Love,
The Hunters

Cravings

It's nothing new to most people that pregnant women have cravings.  Sometimes these cravings are stranger than others and they're not always necessarily good for you, but when a craving strikes, it becomes really hard to think about anything else.
You've all heard about pregnant women having cravings for ice cream, pickles, pizza, chocolate, watermelon and other yummy things, but what happens when the craving isn't for something edible?
This is the situation I've found myself in recently and I'm not quite sure exactly what to do about it.  Now, I know what you're thinking and no, I am not craving things like dirt or chalk or anything like that.  When I say it's not edible, I mean it is NOT edible. 
I have been craving exercise.  I WANT exercise and I am finding it hard to think about much else a lot of the time.  I even find I'm getting depressed without it.
The easy answer is "well then, get up and exercise!", but I wish it were that easy.  I find I'm having a lot of normal pregnancy complaints: indigestion, sore back, low energy, and frequent trips to the bathroom.
If I had my way, I would have a treadmill in the livingroom.  I want to walk more than anything (without freezing my tail off or getting Alida sick).  I have done enough thinking and research on the subject and while it is completely safe for me to exercise right now, it's also apparent that I need to make sure I don't overdo it.  This is why walking seems to be one of the best answers.  For a little bit, before the weather turned cold, Anthony, Alida and I started going on evening or weekend walks and though it wasn't easy, I always felt better and happier after we'd done it.  Now I am on a quest to figure out how to satisfy this "craving" and hopefully get rid of the accompanying depression.  Any advice would be GREAT! (Oh, and if anyone has a treadmill I could have, either free or SUPER cheap... Like, less than $50 cheap, I would SUPER love it!  I'm just saying.)
Did any of you ladies ever find yourself "craving" something strange like that?
If I figure out a solution, I'll let you know and I'd love to hear what you all think or any advice you might have.

Hiccups

I think we are going to have to name the baby Hiccup.  It is almost 2pm on a sunday, and the baby has already had the hiccups 4 times (that I've been able to feel).  I can usually feel her get them 7 or 8 times a day.  It's a little ridiculous how often I feel it.  It makes me giggle.  Most of the time, her hiccups push her against my bladder.  Not so much fun, but it still makes me giggle.

*drum roll*

IT'S A GIRL!!!

It's a....

BABY!!!  Well, Anthony and I officially know what we're having.  Stay tuned for our announcement to be made on Thanksgiving.

Apologies

So, it has been brought to my attention that I haven't been doing a very good job keeping you all updated on our family.  It's sad but true.  There are a few very good reasons behind it, the biggest of all being we had to get rid of the internet to save money.  It makes posting things harder to do and more irritating.  Posting is now just like one big text message... Well, you can imagine.
Regardless, I still try.  I have done it a couple of times with my phone now.
A little update for you all:
Everyone is doing fine.  I am over my Facebook withdrawals.  The shaking and cold sweats have abated and I am doing fine without it.  It's actually been interesting realizing what I miss and what I don't miss.  There is SO MUCH on Facebook now and so many things that are only found there.  It makes it kind of irritating, but I'm still ok without it.
On a more personal note:  we are all healthy and well.  The baby is growing fine and kicking like crazy now.  We can even feel it on the outside already and I have noticed little episodes of the hiccups already.  I am 20 1/2 weeks now.  We will be finding out what the gender is this Friday!  (Though I may make everybody wait to find out what it is until Thanksgiving.  MWAHAHA!).
Alida told me yesterday "Mom, I want it to be a girl!" With a big smile on her face, so I asked "Well, what if it's a boy?" And she immediately put on a frown and said "but I want a girl like me."
Well, no pressure then!
We are really excited!  We have started making room for all the baby stuff we'll need, but our place is tiny.  The best I can think of is we need shelving...  Big time!  The crib will BARELY fit in Alida's room.  For now, we're just trying to keep everything stored and out of the way.
If anyone has any ideas of how to work with almost no space, I'd love to hear it!
Life is a little mundane lately, so that's about it for now.
I hope you all haven't missed me too much.  I sure miss you all.
Love,
The Hunter Family

Happy Halloween

Goodbye October

I can't believe October is already done and gone.  It doesn't seem possible.  The Halloween season brings lots of fun things to do.  Our Halloween weekend this year consisted of the ward trunk or treat, our Halloween party and trick or treating in North Salt Lake.
The trunk or treat was on Friday evening.  We were joined by the Sheets family.  The chili dinner was ok (not a fan of MOST chili's) but what surprised me the most was it was a 2 ward party and hardly anyone showed up.  It was a little disappointing, but the kids still had fun dressing up and trunk or treating.
The party on Friday was at our house, and though everyone showed up late, (the first guests arrived 20 minutes late), we had a great turn out.  Not including us, we had 11 adults and 9 children at our house for the evening.  Dinner was fabulous.  A special thank you to everyone who brought something to share! We didn't get to play any of the games I had planned, but by the time everyone was done eating, too many kids were getting tired and restless, so I think it was ok.
It was fun to take the kids trick or treating on Halloween night.  We joined the Sheets family for it and they treated everyone to pizza after we were done.  (Thank you Michelle and Brian!). Alida hasn't had a lot of experience actually trick or treating door to door, and it seems that she had a lot of fun doing it.  By the end, I think everyone was sore and ready to sit down and enjoy some dinner, though.
Now it is November 1st and the weather has decided to turn.  It is cloudy and cold and raining this morning.  At least it waited until trick or treating was done!  Now it is time to take down the Halloween decorations and start planning for Thanksgiving.  I can't believe it's already nearly Thanksgiving.

On the side of just other interesting things, we are all doing well.  Anthony is nearly over his cold, Alida is as happy and active as ever, and I am doing well, though I don't know yet if I have started gaining weight at all.  I can tell you that I am most certainly growing and every day, the kicks get more frequent and stronger.  I can actually feel them with my hand on the outside now, so the little one is definitely getting stronger.

This year is going by really fast.  I don't know that I'm ready for it to be over, but I can say I am definitely excited for the holidays.  This is my favorite time of year.

Love,
The Hunters

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