Flying Monkeys?

Something about Halloween makes my heart sing, which is not how you would expect someone to explain their feelings about this holiday...but it's true. Plus deep down I LOVE to dress up. Never too cool for that in my book. I guess I have more of an excuse for that now that Katy is around. "It's for the kids!"

Funny thing about dressing up is the fact that I like to go spooky style. You know, scary killers or dead people. It just seems more in the Halloween spirit. This year would have been no exception, except for the fact that Katy probably would have not been diggin it too much! I opted for a much more kid friendly costume this year!

The famous flying monkey Katy, sock monkey that is. The classic Katy/Steve shot...flying through the air!!!

Chuck decided that he was too cool for pics, because he did accompany us there. Actually I think he was too distracted by the chicken roaming the property.

Katy didn't seem to mind the hood of her costume much.

Look, she even picked out the perfect pumpkin!

Team Beardshall. Steve is lame and didn't dress up!!! I don't think much explanation is needed for Katy and I's costume selection.

Lance, Emilee, Daxton and Talmage. Can you guess what they are? Jim and Pam...LOVE it and pirates, the cute variety.

Jon, Michelle, Abbey and Anna. You guessed it...Umpa Lumpas and ladybugs!

Bryson, Angela and Kyson. We have operation, an angel and a bat. Talia was not in my picture but she was the cutest giraffe ever!

And the lovely Davis's Rachel and Andrew. I do believe they both came from work so I will let them off the hook this time!

Heidi and Kyle had us all over for a great Halloween, complete with old school games. Anyone remember this one. I do believe I was in 2nd grade when I last competed! Chris did a great job!!!

We were even brave enough to make the trek to Gardner Village

with the rest of the crazies!

Britney came down with her kids, and Sheena and Nicole met us there.

I love the look on Katy's face here...doesn't she look like she is humoring me?

Katy and Oakley loved the witches...after Katy warmed up to the idea!

Some of the warming up I was talking about!

We even got to visit the petting zoo. What a hoot! This guy was my favorite!

Randomness

Katy and Chuck make me so happy. I have the BEST kid and BEST best friend anyone could ask for! I am so lucky to be able to wake up to them. My family is the Bomb!

Katy usually watches Micky Mouse Clubhouse while I straighten up the house

She likes to get into the blinds too, despite my best efforts!

And Chuck patiently waits while she steals his toys from him!

MOAB

Moab is my little piece of heaven on earth. If any of you know us, you know that if you can't find us in Salt Lake you can find us in Moab. And much to Steve's dismay this was only our second time there this year.

It made sense to me in my mind to stop here on the way back from Vegas, until the GPS registered a 9 hour drive there (further than it would be to come home), but it was worth it because like Steve always says Katy is going to love this place too!

We had such a blast, some of our highlights included:

Piggy back rides, no pun intended Steve! Katy's favorite!

That's where you can find Katy lately, on dads shoulders...

Hiking to Delicate Arch. Yup, I took the reigns this time and opted to go to my

favorite part of Moab and do some hiking.

So sad but so cute. I had just taken the water bottle away from her

and she was not happy. This is what I get I guess.

After she had calmed down a bit we had the chance to change her diaper...Poopy! Let's just say that we are lucky that Steve did not get it down his back while hiking! I do believe we left a bit of Katy on the rocks, by accident of-course!

Lovin the view!

Steve finally found his four wheeling trail out of Arches. They say if you come in on it you can get out of paying, although looking back at the sign it does say you are entering a paid area. Don't worry we had already paid, we were on our way out. And if you want to bring it back way old school we even saw some dinosaur tracks...as you can probably imagine I thought that was pretty cool!

Like I said Katy is lovin' the piggy back rides lately. I can't imagine why?

Katy and I were listening to the "sound of the plains" selection (or something like that) while Steve was deciding what trail we should take our lunch on. He had forgotten his trail book so we had to check them out at the visitors center.

This was one of my favorite pics, I feel like I can see the clouds moving.

But this is a prefect example of why I love Moab.

Oh Steve is not going to be pleased that I forgot the trail we went on for lunch.

I am thinking that we did chicken corners? Is that right Steve?

Lunch Break!

And the Three Gossips in Arches at dusk. Didn't quite make it in time for the

spectacular sunset! Can anyone name the movie?? Anyone, anyone...Indiana Jones!

Ragnar, Vegas Style

You and 11 of your closest friends running day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in live bands, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay..

Yeah if you were wondering what Ragnar is, that pretty much sums it all up!

I have always wanted to run the Wasatch Back but have never been able to get organized enough to start a team or join a team for that matter. Plus it sells out every year if you can imagine (yes crazy people actually pay to run!). It wasn't until my sister-in-law Wendy approached me about running. I was excited for the chance but even more so when I found out that it would be in Vegas! Yup, her team needed one more person and I was more than happy to oblidge.

Some of the highlights included:

Getting to go to Vegas with Steve, Katy, Wendy and Chris

Exchanges, when you were not running!!!

Scenery...

Exchanges, when you were not running!

Being a part of team "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner"

Getting to run through places like the valley of fire and Lake Mead

Getting to know my team mates more when the other van was running. From Left: Jackie, Chelsea, Misty, Lucas and my SIL Wendy. We laughed so hard talking about the most random stuff like tatoos. Chelsea had some cool ones. She was into quotes and sayings. The ones I liked the best were "be yourself by yourself" and "love never fails". All Lucas could say about his sun around his belly button was "I was 16!!!" Ha, I think Wendy and I were the only ones not to have some "ink." Are you surprised?!? I dont even have my ears pierced!!!

Wendy getting ready to run her night run. I love this picture! Look how excited she is!

We ended at the Redrock Hotel in Vegas. So nice! The tub and toilet both had their own TV's. We got two rooms as a team. We showered there but didnt stay. Cant imagine that Katy would sleep too well with so much going on.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

I really had such a blast! Especially since I could spend the time hanging out with Wendy. She was always there waiting at the end of my runs with water, a banana and ibuprofen. I think I got off easy with only about 11 total miles to run, but I must admit that my first run was the hardest. It was about 85+ degrees and I felt like I was going to pass out! I am sure Wendy will agree that we should plan a better dinner next time. We bought a pasta plate at a van exchange that was...well not the best!

I think we will also bring our sleeping bags and pillows which we forgot back in the room. Somehow I think that my pillow would have worked better than my duffle bad did!!!

On a more serious note, one of the runners was hit by a drunk driver and killed. As you can imagine no one was expecting this. It was such a sobering moment. I just want to say that it really made me realize how lucky I am to have Wendy in my life. I started to think if something happened to her...I'm not sure what I would do. I don't think that life would be quite the same. So Wendy, I think you are great...and I love you a lot! Thanks for all you do!