Salmon Run

Easton was learning about the life cycle of that Kokanee Salmon that are located in Lake Tahoe. There is an area at the lake that the salmon swim up the creek, spawn and then die. We decided to drive to Taylor Creek and check it out. It was amazing to see so many fish congregated in one place. The smell was a little much, but it was a fun time. Easton was able to share his knowledge and it was exciting to see him so excited about learning. On our way home we found a cute little drive in called "The Snowflake." It had the best shakes and hamburgers. The kids said it was good, but not quite as good as the "Pit Stop" in Boulder City. We had such a good time that when my parents came up a few weeks later we went up again. We are really enjoying being close to the mountains again!

Pine cone hunting with Grandma

Happy Birthday

We have started into the birthday months around our house. Starting with mine on November 1st. My mom, Stephanie and Kambree came down for a visit so that made it even better. Matt gave me a Southwest Airlines ticket to go visit my friends in Henderson. Which I am super excited for!!

Austin had his 12th birthday on November 3rd. It is strange to realize that my oldest is 12 years old. I don't think that I am getting older until I realize that my kids are getting older!

Austin is a great kid, I love so many things about him:

* I love his drive and ambition

* I love that I don't have to wake him up in the morning

* I love that he can now be the babysitter!

* I love that he loves to watch Discovery and National Geographic Channel

* I love that he is such a good friend to Easton

* I love that he has such high goals for himself

* I love his cautious and methodical nature

* I love that he loves to be with his dad

(it's great that Matt was called as the new Scoutmaster!)

* I love the he is like me in SO many ways

(this does lead to some conflicts every now and again though!)

Happy Birthday Austin!

Halloween

I loved the fact that Halloween was on Sunday this year! This is Matt's least favorite holiday and I am not a huge fan either. The kids were able to dress up for the ward Trunk or Treat. The boys did not want to dress up but we told them that they could not go trunk or treating unless they dressed up. So they pulled out the old cowboy clothes and went to town!

Leaves Are Falling All Around

Fall in my favorite.

Jackets,

crisp air,

crunching sounds while walking down the street,

colors on the trees,

I have missed this.

Wilderness Family

When I was little I remember watching the movie called "The Wilderness Family." It is about a family that decided to pack up everything and move to the wilderness. They encountered animals, the elements and much more. I remember thinking how cool that would be.

Well, it looks like I got my wish. Since moving to Carson City we have encountered our own sense of wilderness. Complete with a few animal visitors! The nasty little devils think our yard is the bees knees. We have also had deer on our front porch. The first time in six years I can get flowers to grow, and the deer come to eat them! All I can say is that it is a welcome change from the wilds of Las Vegas!

Oregon

Matt's mom came to spend the last week with us. While she was here she decided that she needed to go home to Oregon and be with Grandpa Red for a while. Since we are only 4 1/2 hours away we decided to drive her up there and spend the weekend.

We absolutely love Oregon. It is so beautiful! The rolling hills, and the amazing trees are never ending. Austin and Easton wanted Grandpa to show them how to pan for gold in Galls Creek. When Grandpa was growing up his mother, Grandma Gertie, used to pan for gold and was able to feed her family. She never got rich, but she was able to meet their needs.

The boys thought that they were going to strike it rich! Grandpa gave them a few lessons and they did find a few tiny flecks, but nothing worth saving. Being that we are so close now we might have to make another trip up there soon! It was great being able to visit with Grandpa and other family members while we were there. The kids love being able to run through the fields and up and down the creek. Matt loves watching the kids do the same things that he did on the very same farm when he was young.