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!

August fun

In August, we had one last blast of fun before school started, and then it was back to school. Declan started Kindergarten, which meant all my kids were in school! 

 Fun visit to the Aquarium!

 Lately my kids have wanted to spend their relaxation time on my bed with my pillows and get all cuddled up. I like it and I don't. :)

 FHE: 11th article of faith and make a cookie White House from a Trader Joe's kit. It was fun.

 First day of school! Declan: K, Audrey: 4th, Ian: 2nd.

 Declan at the school.

 Ian at the school.

 Pacific Grove community days--fun afternoon!

 Ward campout at the end of the month--super fun!

112 Roommate Reunion

The first weekend of August, some of my Ricks College roommates came to Monterey for a reunion. We had a blast--every second was perfect and fun. We stayed in a VRBO and did all the tourist stuff: tour at Lula's chocolate factory, sitting on the (cold) beach, Cannery Row, 17  mile drive, hiking Jack's Peak, Pizza My Heart (free shirts!) followed by Ghostbusters movie, eating at Red House on their 20th anniversary (free dessert!), eating at Lalla Grill, and just having so much fun being together.

 Kristin, Ashley, Janice, Michelle, Bonnie

 After a seagull attacked Janice and me and stole my sandwich out of my hand!

 Brave enough to get in the freezing water.

Photo booth at Red House--we lucked out to come on the right night!

July fun

July we tried to cram in as much fun as possible while also going to the hated summer camp (read: daycare) while I worked. I took on two classes this semester which was way too much.

Rare beach day. Mr. B went to the temple, and the kids and I took advantage of the nice weather.

 We found these red pelagic crabs and collected a bucketful. They are whale food that sometimes wash ashore here en masse.

  Screen time, of course. This situation made me laugh.

 Ian's beloved stuffed otter lost an eye, so we made a patch. Didn't last long and he got over the loss.

 Family night walk along a coastal trail.

 While I was at the temple, Mr. B took the kids to the daytime festivities of the Feast of Lanterns.

 Making a rainbow cake. It wasn't very good, but we had fun making it!

 A day at MY museum.

 One more strawberry picking trip at Gizdich Farms.

 Declan really likes drinking my Shakeology, and he always wants a picture of his mustache.