Pageant of the Monsters

Mom, Heather, Mary Beth and I got tickets to the Pageant of the Monsters. The festival of Arts in Laguna Beach puts on a Pageant of the Masters which is live action pictures of famous paintings. So people dress up and pose as famous paintings. During October they do a pageant of the Monsters. None of us have been to this particular event so none of us knew what to expect. I am not good at all with scary things and was worried I would have people jump scaring me all night. As we were waiting in line I saw a lot of little kids and I felt a little better about being there, surely if people are bringing their little kids its not too scary. Once we got inside we were hungry so we got some food. We found a bench to sit on and I was sitting in between Mary Beth and my Mom. I had a bottle of Sparkling Ice and Mary Beth had a bottle of water. At one point I saw Mary Beth pick up a bottle and start to bring it to her mouth for a drink. I realized she had mistakingly picked up my Bottle Of Sparkling Ice and I grabbed her wrist right before the bottle touched her mouth. She looked shocked and I just started laughing and told her she picked up the wrong bottle, it was so funny I couldn't stop laughing about it, also I am pretty proud of how fast my reflexes were. I absolutely do not like sharing drinks and was glad I stopped her from drinking out of my bottle although I did think it would have been funny to have watched her react to getting a mouthful of Sparkling Ice when she was expecting water.

Elizabeth, Heather, Mom and Mary Beth

There were a lot of kids craft areas and picture taking areas that had actors portraying scary things. We took a picture in front of a witch and then Heather and I had our picture taken with a trio of spooky cooks. Mary Beth was taking the pictures of Heather and I with the cooks and she took a lot of pictures. One of the Chefs must have been thinking they were being hilarious because she kept telling us me that we were going to love the photos, she  was right, I thought they were great!

 

After we took pictures we got in line to go through the Maze of the Minotaur. This is how the website describes the Maze of the Minotaur...

Descend into the chilling depths of our haunted house, where the monstrous Minotaur, a nightmarish fusion of man and bull, has been imprisoned by the Greek Gods at the center of the labyrinth of ancient legend.

Your daunting quest unfolds as you help the valiant Warrior Theseus, tasked with a harrowing mission: to rescue the Minotaur’s human captives before they are devoured by the hideous beast.

But the peril doesn’t end there; you must also navigate the labyrinth’s twisting passages and unearth its secrets to find a means of escape. It’s an A-MAZE-ing adventure!

Dare you embark on this treacherous journey through the heart of the labyrinth and face the Minotaur’s horrifying presence?

This is not exactly what the experience was. We followed a path that led into the theater and behind and around it. They had people portraying statues and it was pretty cool to be up close and to be able to see them as we were walking right by them. It was pretty neat to see everyone portraying different statues but it was not interactive at all, we were not lost in a maze or helping to rescue anyone, we were just walking and looking. I liked it and was really glad that it wasn't the horror show I thought it was going to be.

There was also a side show that we waiting in line to see and it was an Alien Autopsy. It was a little bit of a waste of time as it was just some actors pretending to do an autopsy on an alien they supposedly "captured". It was fine and entertaining for kids but I was not into it.

I had fun at the pageant and am really glad I was able to go and have the experience with my family.

Story Time at the library

Wednesday Ashleigh was taking her kids to the Library for a special Halloween story time. Mom and I met her and her kids there and we had a lot of fun. The kids had a story read to them and then we helped Atticus and Abigail make a cute Halloween craft. Once the craft was made the kids danced and played with bubbles and then they got to do a special trick-or-treat through the libarary.

We had a picture of us show up on the library Instagram page.

It was fun to spend more time with Ashleigh and her kids and to be able to be a part of some of their weekly activities.

On Friday I went with Heather to school. She teaches Biology at Moreno Valley High School our Alma Mater and it was fun to be able to go back and see the school and how much it has changed. I loved being able to be in class with her and to watch her as a teacher. She is such a good teacher and I can tell that her students really like and respect her. 

My High School buddy Janae Conley Albee is also a teacher at the school, she teaches English. She was in meetings most of the day but stopped by to say hi and we were able to visit for a bit before she had to leave for another meeting. It was so fun to talk with her and catch each other up on our lives. She was a great friend in High School and I am glad we are able to stay connected through Facebook and that we got the chance to see each other in person .

 

Avynlea is called to serve...

 Avynlea decided she wanted to serve a mission and so the past couple of months we have spent helping her get everything ready for her to turn in her mission papers. She finally got them turned in and I was hoping her call would come the week all of us were in California because I thought it would be so fun for her to open them with my family being able to be there but it did not happen. Her mission call came the next Tuesday while I was still in California. Avynlea called me that morning in tears because she felt pressure to open it a certain way and with certain people and I told her she needed to do it how she wanted to do it. The only stipulation I put on it was that her parents and siblings needed to be a part of it. She felt better and said maybe that weekend and she would let us all know. She then messaged me later saying Danny Ricks was trying to get her to open it in their religion class and she didn't think she wanted to but should she? I said not to do it then but if she thought about it later and liked the idea she could do it in the Thursday class. She said ok and then around lunchtime she said she was going to lunch with her roommates and she was going to open it then and could we all get on a google chat call to watch her. I was at Ashleighs with my Mom, Erin, Ashleigh and her kids. Kenedy and Kefford were at work, Tyler was driving. Ryker was between classes and Rylee was at school. We all said we could make it work and the only one who had maybe more of an issue was Rylee but I told her to get a bathroom pass and to leave class for a few minutes which she did. 

We all were on the call and were waiting for Avynlea to read it and she was being so silly and giggly, she was really excited and nervous and it was cute. She started reading it and then her eyes skipped down and she saw where she was going and started freaking out, meanwhile the rest of us were left waiting for her to tell us. It felt like forever before she finally read that she was going to the Japan, Nagoya mission, Japanese speaking! Ashleigh was recording this call which I am so grateful for and I was able to screenshot a picture of all of our reactions. Kenedy, Rylee and I were in shock, Ryker contemplating it, Kefford just a happy and proud Dad and Tyler was driving and not able to show a reaction. It was such a fun mission call opening and I love that it was just our family on the call. Avynlea wanted to keep it more low-key and I felt how she did it was perfect. 

Once we got off the call I sent messages to my siblings letting them know that Avynlea opened her call and for them to call me to find out. It was fun telling them, I had them all guess where she was going before I told them and Joshua guessed Japan so he was the guessing winner. I am so excited for Avynlea and know that she is going to be such a good missionary and that the people she serves in Japan are going to love her.

Disney Day

Kelsey and Brit were taking some of their kids to New York and invited us to go with them. I would love to go to New York but they were taking an overnight flight spending two days and then flying home. That kind of New York trip did not appeal to me so Kefford and I decided to take those days and go to California. Kenedy and Ty had planned on being there that weekend as well so we all flew down Wednesday night. Avynlea took the bus to Salt Lake Airport where she met Ryker who drove from Logan and they flew to Oakland where they met up with Me, Kefford and Rylee and we all flew from there down to Ontario. Both Mom and Heather had to come pick us up at the airport because we had too many people for just one car. Kenedy and Tyler drove to California from Utah with her friend Cassie and Cassie's boyfriend Logan and stayed at Cassie's house that night in California.

We. decided to go to Disneyland on Thursday which was crazy because we flew in late the night before but it was the best day to go and it was a cheaper day to go so we made it work. I invited all of my California family to go with us but Heather was the only one able to go which was fine.

I did a Rapunzel Disney Bound for this Disney trip which was super fun, I wore a dress I already had and ordered some Rapunzel ears from Etsy which were super cheap.

We got up early Thursday morning and drove to Disneyland, Kenedy and Ty were meeting us there.

After I took the first selfie Kefford wanted to try to make it look like he was faceless. If I just glance at the picture it does look that way which is petty funny.

We waited at the rope drop and as soon as it dropped we headed over to The Haunted Mansion. This ride is super popular this time of year because it has the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay which most of my family had not seen before. I love the original Haunted Mansion best but I also love being able to experience The Nightmare Before Christmas version because it is different and fun. As you are going through the dining room you can smell ginger bread. I forgot to tell everyone about that and none of them smelled it. We used our fast pass later on to ride again and that time I made sure they knew to smell the gingerbread.

We did Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and it was super fun to be able to watch Ryker experience it for the first time. He thought it was really cool and loved all of the interactive parts of it.

Mr Toad's Wild Ride is a favorite of Kefford sand one we always have to make time for. Heather and Rylee rode together and posed for a picture after and Kefford and I rode together and made sure to get our picture together as well.

We tried to ride the new to us Minnie and Mickey's railway adventure and waited about 20 minutes in line before we got to the ride. At the beginning we watch a little cartoon short and I wish I would have gotten video or at least a picture of Rylee watching the cartoon. She had the happiest look on her face and was really enjoying the show, it was so cute. Once we got on the ride we got about 30 seconds in before it broke down and we had to be escorted off. We sat there for a while while they got the people ahead of us off and then we had to leave the ride which was annoying. We got a fast pass we could use anywhere so that was nice. 

Everyone wanted to ride the Bobsleds but I do not like that ride, it hurts my body too much, Heather feels the same about it so we left them to the ride and we went and got some frozen lemonade and a treat and waited for them to get done. We met up with them by The Haunted Mansion which we rode again.

At some point during the day Kenedy and Ty along with Alyssa, Cassie and Logan left to go to California Adventure. We were tired and ready for a little break so we went to The Tiki Room which is the perfect place to rest. Once it was done we made sure to get a picture with our favorite bird Fritz!

We next went to the "it's a Small World Ride" and Avynlea wanted to take a picture with me in front of the ride. Rylee jumped in for a picture because she felt left out and wanted to be included, funny girl.

Ryker had some money that Alison gave him after his mission that she wanted him to use for something fun. Ryker wasn't sure what to use it for and then he remembered that at Disneyland he can sign up to make a light saber. It is not cheap but it is an experience and I thought it sounded like fun and told him he should go for it so he made a reservation and then in true Ryker fashion spent all day stressed about being ta the right place at the right time. We went to Star Wars land so Ryker could check out where he needed to be and to give him some peace of mind that when the time came he knew where he was supposed to show up at. While we were there we took some pictures in front of the Millennium Falcon.

When it was time for Ryker to check in he and I headed over, he could bring 2 people with him and I went with him and then Kefford met us over there. While we were on our way we saw Ahsoka who is a Star Wars character so I had Ryker pose for a picture with her.

The light saber making experience was really neat. That is the number one thing I love about Disney is the way they make actives and things in the parks an experience and so cool. I got chills and a little teary eyed listening to the workers create a story and make building a light saber so fun. 

After we were done we met up with our group and went on the "Smugglers Run" ride in which Ryker got to be inside the Millennium Falcon for the first time.

We finally were bale to go back and ride the Mickey and Minnie ride and it was really cute. I loved all of it and love how creative and innovative Disney can be. I just love being at Disneyland!

Half of us were ready to leave but I wanted a picture with just our family before we left and then Kefford, Heather, Avynlea and I went back to Mom's while Kenedy, Tyler, Ryker and Rylee stayed longer. It was a great day!

On Saturday we were hanging out at my Mom's house and I thought it was so funny how small Kefford looked on her couch, he looked like he was sinking in.

Ashleigh brought over a Costco cake for Dessert and since I had the closest birthday I got sung to. :)

Kefford and the kids left early Sunday morning, I drove them to the airport, while I got to stay an extra week to spend more time with my family. We had fun while they were here and made sure to get in good family time. Atticus had a gymnastics class Friday morning and we all went to watch him and support him and it was a lot of fun. I loved being there and I think it makes it more special and I appreciate these times more because I don't have the opportunity to do it often. 

Ashleigh, Elizabeth, Kenedy, Tyler, Avynlea, Rylee, Abigail and Bonnie

Kefford and Ryker were sitting in the row behind us and did not get a picture taken.

Farmers Market

I have been wanting a lemon tree for so long but obviously cannot have an outdoor tree because it would die in the Idaho weather. I have seen indoor trees and have been casually looking but not doing much about it. On our way home from Rexburg we dropped Rylee off at work and then Kefford needed to make a stop at Zamzows to get some fertilizer for the lawn. While there I saw they had dwarf lemon and lime trees and they were on clearance for $15 regularly $50, I was so excited and bought a lemon tree. The weather was still warm enough during the day to put it outside but as it has cooled off I have been keeping it inside. It needs a lot of light and so I bought an indoor plant light and have been keeping it on during the day. I also have a plant that Cyndi gave me that was looking a little sad so I put that under the light and have seen it perking up. I hope that I can take good care of the tree and that it will eventually produce lemons for me and not die. 

Once I got done with the spooky Halloween quilt I started my winter quilt and was able to finish it pretty quickly. I love how it turned out so much and am excited to get it back from the quilter to be able to use it this Winter.

Saturday morning Kefford wanted to go to the Farmers Market so we got Rylee up and drove into Boise to walk around the market. Rylee and I got strawberry and Nutella crepes which were yummy and we looked at the things for sale but were not tempted by any of them. The highlight of the market was the solar eclipse which was happening while we were there.We did not have special glasses to see it but someone close to us did and let us borrow them to have a peek. The sun was a crescent and it was fun to see it eclipsed.

On Tuesday I took a selfie, I don't know why.

I sent Halloween packages to Kenedy and Ty, Avynlea and Ryker and Kenedy sent a picture of Ty's reaction upon opening the box. It is fun to carry on the traditions that my Mom did for me when I was living at college and as a young married adult. 

Ryker sent a picture asking me if I liked the flannel he bought and if it looked good with the shirt he was wearing it with. I told him it looked great and love that he wanted my opinion.

 

General Conference Weekend

When we were in Rexburg Yardley asked me if she and Lauryn could stay at our house while they were in town for a Bridal Shower. Yardley and Lauryn are super easy and fun and I had no problem saying they could. It happened to be General Conference weekend and they invited Avynlea to come with them to Meridian which she was excited to accept. Kenedy found out about the girls coming and asked if she and Ty could come and then when Ryker found out he asked if he could come, So Yardley and Lauryn were the catalysts for getting all of my kids home for the weekend. Kenedy and Ty picked up Ryker and sent a picture as soon as they got him.

We had such a fun weekend, we stayed up late, played games, made pizzas, watched movies, talked, laughed and in between watched General Conference. Avynlea spent a lot of time with her friends which didn't surprise me, Kenedy did the same thing when she would come home her first couple years of college and I know it will fade as the years and people move on and family becomes more important. I had fun and am so glad my kids all wanted to come home and that they like being here and together.

Kefford took Ty and Ryker with him to Emmett on Saturday to have Kelsey look at Ty's teeth and they wanted to go shooting. Unfortunately it was raining and they were not able to go shooting but they did stop at Kelsey and Brits where Kefford played with their kinetic sand.

On Sunday I made a family dinner and we all ate together before everyone had to take off. Avynlea was the las to leave with Yardley and Lauryn and was crying to me the night before about not wanting to go back. SH loves her roommates and has a lot of fun with them but she just gets homesick. I let her go hang out with Sadie and Madison and that seemed to help her a bit. She was supposed to have her bishop and Stake president interviews for her missionary application but was only able to meet with the Bishop so we made an appointment with the Stake President for the next weekend which means she had to come home again which helped her be ok about leaving. 

I loved having my kids home and was sad to see them leave, I hope that they will continue want to come home and be all together, I love my family!