Calming Down and Catching Up

Well, as of today all the family have left for home. It's a bitter sweet thing. I always have a feeling of nostalgia when family leaves. It's also the last time I'll get to see my brother, Taylor, before he leaves for his mission. Things have been pretty crazy with family being here, going to doctor's appointments. Dealing with a growing baby and trying to find out where my life ended and when I'll get some symblence of regularity back.

Halloween was very fun for us. We dressed Eli up and took him to his first big shindig.
We went to the ward trunk or treat and our little punkin was a pumpkin!! It was so fun to see all the little kids in our ward dressed up and being all cute. Just think in about 3 years, Eli might be starting to appreciate the joy of candy at Halloween! (I think I can wait ;) Okay, so the trunk or treat was on October 25th. For the real Halloween we had family here. Eli was a two headed ghost (ghost hat and ghost body). He was so cute. We got all of two trick or treaters at our apartment plus the few kids we saw on the street that we gave candy to when Dad, Joel and I went to check them into their hotel. We had what I hope will be the traditional Hobbit Chili and Corn Bread for dinner and watched Lady in White. My brothers thought it was silly, but I still jumped and got goose bumps.

Eli was blessed on November 2nd. It was a beautiful blessing and Eli looked so handsome. I feel very blessed that both grandfathers were able to be there for the blessing and that Taylor got to be in the circle. Even though he won't see Eli again until he's two at least he got to be there for the blessing and got to participate.

I can definitely see Aaron's dad in his face. I can see it even more when he smiles. He's smiling even more now! I melt every time I see it. Wouldn't you? He's really fickle in his smiles though. Half the time heal be smiling one second and crying the next. That's just one thing I have to take with him staying awake longer. Along with more smiles and coos come an increase in the fussing as well. Why can't they just vacilate between laughing and sleeping? Aaron and I are already missing all the family who were ready and willing to entertain Eli while we got a break. Now we are full time clowns!

Tomorrow Aaron and I are speaking in Sacrament meeting. Sometimes, this week, I've thought "what was the bishopric thinking asking new parents to speak when they have family in town?" It's alright though we are speaking on the gospel of Jesus Christ so it's a broad topic and one that I have a very strong testimony about.

Well, I'm sure I missed a lot of what's happened, but to make up for it, here are pictures of my happy little Eli. (The pictures aren't in any real order. For some reason it didn't downlowd the images the way it normally does. It even cut off our two friends, Joel and Becky, off the last picture! We love you guys!)