Halloween 2021

This year for Halloween, Paxton wanted to be a Jawa from Star Wars. 

We couldn't find the costume online in a kids size, so we ordered the adult size online and then I had to take it in to fit Paxton.  It also came with these foamy bandoliers that attached via velcro at the front.  But Paxton really wanted to find something that had pouches he could actually use. 

Here is the foamy, non-functional bandoliers that came with the costume. 

So I went to the craft store and picked up some brown and black vinyl, buttons and supplies so I could try and make him some.  

Here are my completed bandoliers.  I made them from scratch, using my own pattern and I'm pretty proud of how they turned out.  All the pouches are fully functional, with button closures.  

And the best part, is Paxton loved them!  

For myself, I made a super last minute "Chill Pill" costume!  

I had some pink tulle that I attached to a hair clip and attached little pills made with cardstock and marker, then used foam board to make a giant chill pill.  

It was actually very therapeutic to sit and color the materials for this costume and I'm happy with how it turned out.  It was just what the doctor ordered, after the week we had to just "Chill".  

Versii, also came up with a very last minute costume: A Golfer.  

Since Josh was out of town with his golf clubs packed in the truck, I was able to find a golf club to borrow from a neighbor.  I laughed, because I told Versii that most golfers wear polo shirts, but he said all his friends thought he looked like a "Grandpa Golfer" in his button-up and tie.

October 30: Trunk or Treat at our Ward Harvest Party

Versii hanging out with friends, helping to pass out candy during Trunk or Treat.

October 31, 2021: 

The boys both went out Trick or Treating on Halloween.

Paxton ended up going house to house on his own, while I followed along in my car.  And Versii had me drop him off to trick or treat with friends.

They both came home with a mass of candy!

***

Josh went golfing with his brother, Jordan, in Colorado on Halloween.

Jamie hanging out at their house.

 

Josh: Road to Colorado

October 27, 2021:

Josh received news that both his Uncle Howard (his Dad's brother) and his Grandpa Owens were in the hospital with COVID.  His Uncle Howard was in Arizona and was expected to pass away within the week and his Grandpa was in the hospital in Colorado. Josh left to start driving to Colorado and was able to stay with the LeBlancs along the way.  

He passes some beautiful views along the way.

He was also able to stop and see his friend Cody in Durango.

October 30th: 

Josh was able to have a nice visit with his Grandpa through the glass at the hospital.

Future Missionary!

October 24, 2021: 

Kaden is preparing to submit his mission papers to serve a mission for our church:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He has not received his call yet, since we are still in the prep and planning phase, but we'll update everyone with more details, as soon as his call comes in!

We hired, our renter, Karissa, to take some photos of Kaden!

She did such a great job, running out at the last minute, to try and beat our October Northwest rain.

It did rain on us a little, but she was still able to capture some great shots and now we have these amazing photos of Kaden that we can cherish for years to come!

Photo Credit: Karissa Griggs of Kinfelt Photography

 

Homecoming Dance 2021

October 23, 2021:

Versii's first High School Homecoming Dance.

He attended with a group of friends and he insisted that he wear a suit to the dance. 

They all met up at a friend's house and then they had all chipped in money to have a limo pick them up, take them to dinner and then to the dance.  Versii said the limo was the best part! 

Versii had so much fun spending the evening with his friends!

He said the dance was too crowded and super loud, but they had a lot of fun "joyriding" in the limo, his wording.  

A glimpse inside a limo filled with teenagers...

 

October 2021 Highlights

October 1, 2021:

 Beautiful views along Round Lake, during a walk with my friend Annalei.  

October 6: 

I think it's the sweetest thing that Tux still continues to suck on his bed like he's trying to nurse.  This is his comfort.  At bedtime, he's always grabbing his bed and dragging it to be near you and then proceeded to suckle himself to sleep.  

October 8, 2021: 

Paxton having an MRI done on his wrist to confirm that his scaphoid bone healed completely.  

October 9, 2021:

 This year the theme of our Ward's Youth Conference was "Walk the Covenant Path".

They walked 12 miles from a drop-off point, to the Portland Oregon Temple. 

Kaden ended up being one of a small number of boys that decided to walk the final 6 miles barefoot.

Versii with some young men from our ward.

Josh is one of the young men's leaders, so he was at the church helping to prepare the lunch after the temple walk concluded.

October 21: 

Paxton finally got his cast off, after 3 months worth of casts!

He was so excited to finally be done and to get this dirty cast removed. 

He wore this last cast for 5 weeks.

October 20, 2021: 

Josh's 41st birthday.  He did not want to be photographed, so you get this cute picture of Tux hoping for a treat and Versii bringing Josh the German chocolate birthday cake that he and Kaden picked out at the store. 

October 10:

Kaden and his cat Khaleesi.