The Fall of 2013

The end of another year is coming...

Since the end of summer Dugan and I have had quite the crazy rush in our lives. Here are the top 5 events from September, October, and part of November:

Fall pictures taken by Amy

The State Fair- Our tradition!

1. Dugan passed his Social Work Licensing Exam!!! This was the greatest moment in history, as Dugan has been studying for MONTHS to pass this rigorous test. After passing it in September, the doors were then open for him to be licensed as a therapist. He now works at the hospital as one of their full-time therapists, meaning I get my husband back on weekend nights!!! I have gone a LONG six months without him on the weekends, and I was just about used to it, but now I am grateful to have him back with me.

First weekend date in 6 months!

This reminds me of one of this week's 3rd grade vocabulary words:

Appreciate: to understand the value of. 

2. At the end of August we were able to book our trips for Christmas break! We will be going to Tennessee to visit Dugan's twin sister, Megan and her family in Memphis for Christmas. This will be my first Christmas away from home, but we are excited to be together and to spend time with Megan and Paul and the kids. After Tennessee, we will be flying up to Connecticut for my cousin Elizabeth's wedding on December 29th. We get to spend a day in New York with my parents, and Braden and Cindy as well. I am super excited for this trip (more so now, because we finally have the tickets paid for!).

Time to make some more memories!

3. At the end of September, we had the opportunity to go with Steph through the temple for the first time. She will be getting married on November 23rd to Dan, and we couldn't be more excited for them! While Steph was in town during the Government Shutdown, we also were able to throw together a quick bridal shower for her. Can't wait to see the third best friend be married this month!

4. Halloween! The month of October was a wonderful time, because it holds the best holiday of the year. We did our traditional pumpkin carving with the McMillan's, did some crafting, and I had the traditional Halloween celebration at school as well. Crystal and I put together a party for Halloween night which was super fun as well.

At school this year we had to be Storybook Characters. I chose Charlotte from Charlotte's Web, since we are reading that one in class.

For the party that evening, Dugan and I were the Baker and his Bun in the Oven. We really felt like playing a good "trick" for Halloween, and totally fooled quite a few people. No, we ARE NOT pregnant. At least for right now... :)

Here you go, Adam.

5. Along with these events, we are looking forward to celebrating many more important events with our friends and families over the next few months. Alex and Danny had their first baby last week! Alex should have had that baby weeks ago, she was so ready for him to be out! Jamilyn and Nathan had their little baby Clementine last month, and we couldn't be more happy for them in our ward! Our friends Allison and Kyle will be going through the temple for the first time in a few weeks, and then will be sealed to their son later that day. We love the Madrids and are super excited for that day to come! Our dear friend Amy will also be getting married in December and we are stoked for her and Luke! Dugan's mission buddy Branson and his wife Shannon also bought a house this month, so we are excited for them as well!

Alex's Baby Shower

Life just keeps going on, and so many wonderful things happen for people! Congrats to everyone in our lives!

Our families have been busy with life, celebrating our niece Camille's 1st birthday, along with Bella, Alex (Mathews), and both of my parents' birthdays. Kayla was transferred to a new area on her mission, right into Antofagasta, the big city down there in Chile. We are so proud of her and the hard work she is putting in on her mission.

We are so blessed! Dugan and I are working hard to pay off our loans so that we can prepare for the next stage in life. Whether it be buying a home next summer, or joining the Air Force... Big decisions coming our way! We are so lucky to have the love and support that we have around us!

Best award I have gotten in 5 years from a student

Dugan's Birthday dinner (in August) at of course, La Puente

The day my poor Lexus had to be towed. We got her fixed quick and easy!

Imagine Dragons! It has been a few years since I have seen them in concert

Dugan's new little friend, Amaia