Tough Mudder

My sister Kelley made me sign up for a Tough Mudder, and I spent 10 months dreading it, regretting it, and doing my best to train for it. Then the day arrived, and I was excited to spend time with my siblings, but sure that this was just not my thing. Welp, I was wrong. It was exhilarating and addicting and one of the best things I've ever done! We all loved it so much that we signed up for next year, including Mr. B and Patrick--adding some spouses in the mix! Our team was Rood Awakening and was comprised of five of the six Rood siblings: Laura, Kelley, Bonnie, Paul and Ben. Ben is an athlete and could have run circles around us, but he was the kindest, most supportive person on our team--a hero! I am hoping to train even harder this year.

Bonnie does the Puyallup!

I went to Washington the last weekend of September to do Tough Mudder with my siblings, and I also got to go to the Puyallup Fair! I haven't been in several years, and it was fun. I got to eat a long-craved for scone (actually three and now I'm good for the next decade), ride the roller coaster, spend a strangely long amount of time in the Superhero tent, look at some of the exhibitions, shop a little, laugh a lot, and enjoy my brother Paul and my two sisters, Kelley and Laura. So fun!!!

September stuff

Mr. B takes the kids often to the park or on hikes so I can catch up on housework or my work or my calling or one of the many things I do. These pictures are from a day at the caterpillar park in PG.

 On Labor day, we went out to hike at Point Lobos--gorgeous!!!

  A park ranger directed us to this amazing caterpillar about to form a chrysalis!

Monterey County Fair

We decided to try the Monterey County fair this year (due to Audrey's pleadings) and we had a really great time, but it was so expensive. We went on minimal rides, bought minimal treats/food, and still it was crushing to our budget. Sigh. I wish that these types of events were not so overpriced (especially the rides!!) and that more families could participate. We probably won't go again for several years. At least we have great memories!

We found $5 on the ground that no one claimed, so I told Audrey to pick any $5 face paint. 

It was Ian's day to take the stuffed otters from class home with him.

Ian was such a ham as a volunteer in this circus show! The audience loved him.

Audrey picked the winning pig at the pig races and got a ribbon!