Yesterday I borrowed Maesyn and Jake to take some pictures of them {and so their mom and dad could go to the Temple}...
We headed out later than we should have and only had about 30 minutes of sun
The battery in my camera was dying

So quick as we could we snapped pictures...

...until the kids realized that playing with all the cool things was so much more fun than taking pictures.

So, I put my camera away and we ran around the Mesa art center...

...climbing all over the stairs...

... playing in water....

...and of course avoiding all the dog poop

{seriously, it was everywhere!}

Lions and Tigers and Bears

Oh My!
We went to the Phoenix Zoo today with Heidi {my sister-in-law} and her kids
We only got to stay for about an hour so we didn't see any lions, tigers or bears but we did see...

Some cute little monkeys

{My favorite}

Pink Flamingos

Ground squirrels

and a very tired Jake

The End

{happy weekend}

The new meaning of Saturday

Until about a month ago Saturday meant sleeping in, finishing homework, and running errands.

That was until Benson and I started working in the Temple.

At first when we committed to getting up so early I was worried that I would regret my decision , not to work in the Temple, but to choose the early shift and lose the one day I had to sleep in...

I am not a morning person by any means, and when the alarm rings at 4:30 I am not the happiest person alive...but as soon as I begin my shift at the Temple, I immediately remember why Benson drags me I drag myself out of bed so early. I have learned so much, met amazing people and had unforgettable experiences.

{and it's only been 3 weeks}

Now Saturday means getting up at 4:30 am to work our 6 hour shift.
Saturday means afternoon naps, having lunch together and catching up on The Office.

Now, our Saturday's are truly relaxing and more productive than ever before.

It's not any easier to wake up that early than I thought it would be - but it's so much more worth it.

Happy {Pumpkin-less} Halloween!

I can't believe it's already here, honestly.

We haven't even carved pumpkins yet

{or even bought any for that matter}

While it seemed to creep up on me it is sure hard to miss now...

Wednesday we went to our ward Halloween party.

oh.my.gosh.

I knew there was a reason we moved into this ward...they know how to do parties right!

At least half the ward dressed up

{even the adults}

It was in an amazing backyard and included TWO haunted houses, a graveyard...

and a dance to

THRILLER

Today at work a lot of people are dressed up.

One man is walking around

IN HIS UNDERWEAR

dressed as a viking.

And of course Obama, Biden, McCain, Palin and the secret service are present as well.

Tonight is our party.

A murder mystery party.

Western style.

But the best part of today?

I get my camera!

{does anyone want to sit at my house and wait for it?}

Fall

Just because it's October doesn't mean that the weather will cooperate.
{Although nights and mornings have been lovely}
But despite the weather, I can't get over the fall feeling. I have been baking a lot and am loving it. {Seriously - I have made 5 pies this month alone...}

This apple pie was SO GOOD

I need to make another

These apple peelers make pie amazingly easy

Jack

Next up on the baking menu:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

{My personal favorite!}

I love to see the Temple

Benson and I were excited to get a call from the Temple President's secretary asking us to come in for an interview with the Temple President. As of next Saturday we will be working in the Temple every Saturday morning. We are really happy to have this opportunity and were told by the Temple President that this will no doubt be one of the most spiritual experiences of our lives. We can't wait. Come see us sometime :)

Also, conference this weekend will be great!

Dear Fall,

Please come soon. It's been so long, and you didn't stay very last year since you decided to show up late {like after thanksgiving late - talk about lame}. I want Halloween, sweater weather and Thanksgiving. I would also like some colored leaves but yeah, I know you are too lazy to do much of that here in the valley, but I am willing to drive up north just to see them. Also, if you could stay a little longer this year I would be oh so happy.

Sincerely,

Sarah

{Your #1 fan}