Another fall tradition that's not so fun is our annual trip to the Kaiser Flu Clinic! The whole family gets to participate and in the end it's not so bad, especially after a sticker and lolly!

One of the most amazing experiences of 2008 was having the opportunity to participate in support of Proposition 8. We know this is a deeply divided issue, but for our family the choice is clear: The family is the most important unit and marriage is ordained of God between one man and one woman. One of the greatest moments we experienced was standing on one of the busiest intersections in Roseville in the pouring rain waving signs: Yes on 8!!! There were many of us volunteering that night, each coming together for the common good and it was a moment Sam and I will never forget.

This year I read an article on teaching your kids the importance of voting. It sounded fun, so this year we instituted the first ever 2008 Official Election: What's for Dinner! Each child (and Sam) nominated their candidates in the following categories: Main dish, side dish 1 & 2, Bread, Beverage, & Dessert. After a week of campaigning (making speeches, drawing posters), the voters cast their ballot during a very special Family Home Evening. The official results? Pizza, Salad, Rice, Bread roll, Root Beer, and Banana Splits! We sat down to this feast Tuesday November 4th, Election Day, and waited as the real election results rolled in.

Halloween isn't complete without the all important carving of the pumpkin. This year I had every intention of baking the pumpkin seeds, but of course, left too long in the bowl they began to sprout! Nevertheless the pumpkin looked great and made a great addition to our front porch for the holiday.

One of my favorite times of the day is...bedtime! Not only do I crave some much needed quiet time with Samuel, but it's also a peaceful way to end what's often a hectic day. We begin with p.j.'s, the brushing of teeth, the reading of several library books, a reverent song, the scriptures, and finally family prayer. After lot's of hugs and kisses we say goodnight and rest in preparation for another day.

Here we are at the ward Halloween Trunk or Treat! This year Isabella was a ballerina, Ava a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Iris was Snow White, and Owen was...a baby!

Nothing says Halloween like homemade caramel apples. We started this tradition in Marysville, California and it's something we'll definitely continue!

Sam's brother is a genius and suggested monthly date nights with each participating family watching all the kids at once on a rotating basis. It has been wonderful and we have been able to do so many fun things together...including kayaking for the first time on the American River!

I've been going back and forth on this blog thing, but the more of them I see the more convinced I become that I've got to at least try it. I managed to avoid scrap-book mania and haven't regretted it (we just do traditional photo books), but this seems like something I could easily do to preserve memories and keep in touch with others.

Here goes nothing!
Olivia