October and November have been busy months. In mid-October we had a Fall Festival at the church that was hosted by the youth group. Bobbing for apples was a surprising hit activity for the kids. I always enjoyed the challenge of that activity when I was a kid too, but I did have to cringe at the amount of saliva that had to be left behind in the water bin after 7, 8, and 9 tries at it. The kids didn't seem to mind, so that was all that mattered in the moment! We also had pumpkin painting, a bean bag toss, board games, a cake walk, and lots of sugary wonderful food. The kids seemed to really enjoy it, and it was a good fellowship time for everyone there.
We also had one night where the Northern Lights were the clearest I have ever seen them. It was amazing to watch the changing light show right before your eyes. It is is definitely a cool thing to see. The best part is that we didn't even need to go outside! We were able to see the show right through the nursery window, so it's encouraging to know that we might get a few more good shows later in the winter when we're up at 2am in our little one's room.
Toward the end of the month, Aaron attended a Pastor conference in Willow, Alaska for several days and enjoyed catching up with several other Covenanters as well as meeting some new ones. Of course, shopping in Anchorage was a highlight of the trip, as well.
On Halloween we watched Hocus Pocus like everyone else in our generation that remembers that movie from growing up, and we handed out candy. There wasn't even snow on the ground yet, but it was a cold one for the kids to be out and about.
The weather has been different from last year so far this winter. The past couple of weeks it has gotten really cold, but still no snow on the ground. It's really strange because the lakes have frozen over and the river is well on its way to being completely frozen, but instead of snow flying around, it's all dust. The typical strong wind is still making its appearance, but it has created a terrible dry dusty air. It's interesting to go out on the lakes and be able to see clearly through the ice for several feet since there is no snow cover. The past couple of days it warmed up and even rained one night, but that created an ice rink throughout all of Bethel. Luckily, I think the worst of that is over. It's safe to say most of us are ready for at least a little bit of snow.
This past week we celebrated my birthday, and Aaron spoiled me with pizza from a new place, a homemade birthday cake, our "You Are Special Today" plate, and a little gift.
Slowly but surely we are also getting things ready for the baby. Our latest endeavor...cloth diapers. We are testing out different brands and methods for cloth diapering (there are more than I ever thought there could be), and Aaron spent a considerable part of our Friday night You Tubing and practicing how to properly put together cloth diapers. It's a little different than disposable diapers, and there are so many options!
It was a little challenging and confusing at first...
but eventually he found a good method and had it down-pat.
Other than that, work has been busy for the both of us as usual, and we have gotten some things ready for winter, like the boat and all of our heavy outdoor gear. We'll be getting ready for our Thanksgiving extravaganza soon with some friends, and it will be my first time trying a deep-fried turkey! Much to look forward to with the holiday season and just after it too!
