Carving Pumpkins

Every year Sarah and I get pumpkins with the full intention of carving them on the first day of the Halloween week. However, for about seven years straight we have never seemed to get them carved until the last ten minutes before we head out for trick-or-treating on the big night. When we stopped trick-or-treating, after elementary school, we had plenty of time to carve the pumpkins, but we still found a way to procrastinate.

It is ironic that on the busiest Halloween week in my life, we actually carved our pumpkins early. This was a big shocker for me and my family.

Well let's get down to the business...we'll start with Sarah.

For some reason Sarah felt the need to give her pumpkin a bath in the sink. I guess she is practicing for when she has kids of her own. I really don't know what goes on that little head of hers.

Now I would assume that Sarah is practicing for her wedding day. Again, I really don't know when it comes to Sarah....

After hours of searching for the perfect pumpkin design, Sarah find a cute little ghost to carve.

Tedious work I tell you...

"Pa, pa, pa, poker face, pa, pa, poker face..."

Sarah's muscles put too much pressure on the carving tools. When it happened she acted all innocent.

Sarah messed up on her ghost design, so she decided to carve big eyes. I felt like I was in an art gallery when I was looking at Sarah's pumpkin. Not because it was beautiful, but because I felt like I was seeing something that wasn't intended to be seen....

Of course after I told Sarah what I was seeing, she decided it was necessary to add some pupils to the eyes... we thought this would humor some visitors during the week.

My pumpkin was ginormous. I knew exactly what I wanted to carve.

My IOWA HAWKEYES baby... I was so excited to carve my pumpkin.

I took forever to carve my pumpkin. I had a ton of fun though.

Well, by the end of the night we finished our creations. Let's just hope we can get a head start next year.

Jazzercisers...

Cut polos + lots of makeup+ spandex= Four Hot Jazzercisers. What better way to collect UNICEF donations than in spandex? Personally, I think people are more willing to give money if they are able to see the cold face and shivering hands of a girl at their door.

This Halloween was so fun. My friends make everyday worth while.

The Four Bandits

Every Halloween we have a party with our church friends. This year Sarah chose the costumes for us. A group of friends and I dressed up as bandits. I had to search through my closet for goth colors, or should I say color.

I found this mini toilet and I had to get a picture with it. I am so having one of these in my house for my kids.

Partners in crime.

I just love to bake.

As we were getting the picture set up Sarah said, "Alright Patrick. This might sound a bit awkward, but spread em'."

Shayna and Patrick could not stop laughing.

As you can see, there is a picture of Christ on the back wall....fits in just great doesn't it?

We were ready for business.

"shhh...we're trying to robe a bank."

I drove past this tractor and I needed to get pictures so they all went back just for me. :)

"Ahhhh, help me."

The flash is reflecting off my glasses, so I looked like a cat.

Yup, I went behind the tape....what a rebel.

I had a great time with my friends. I cant wait for next Halloween...what to be.

Haunted Corn Maze

For my church we have what is called Personal Progress. It is for the young women (ages 12-18) who are in the ward. Personal Progress is a booklet that is filled with challenges that cause you to form habits in your life, such as service, healthy cooking, choosing good friends, etc. If a young women completes a certain number of challenges in two months than the bishop, or my dad, plans a fun activity for all who accomplished it. The thing is, my dad never tells us where we are going or what we will be doing...basically we guess all the way to the activity.

So far I have been to Malibu Raceway, Beavers game, Concert, Lazar tag, and more. I finished my Personal Progress, and now it is my responsibility to help others finish theirs and most of all keep up the habits of service towards others.

For this past activity my dad took a group of us to Sauvies Island, in Portland. We went to a haunted Corn Maze. Being who I am, I brought my camera to document the activity. I took videos through out the corn maze. I had a blast with my friends and I cant wait for the next activity.

Cross Country Districts

Sarah's last Cross Country meet was at Meriweather Golf Course.