Update from the Nebraskan Clan

Fall has come and almost gone. We are cheering it on, hoping that it will stay as long as possible. Emmaline is growing fast, which we reluctantly encourage because then she will be stronger to stand up to Hyrum's many affections. He is always hugging and kissing and smothering her. We have been trying to stay busy with two children. Since they don't wear us out enough, we have added a few more things to our plate to make us completely exhausted. I finished my flag football season. We made it to the championship and lost by a touchdown. It was a fun season. I think I ended up with 12 plus sacks, so I might be changing professions. I'll let you know which NFL team I'll be playing for.

I think there were 4 different cameras. I guess I looked at #3 not #2.

 Halloween weekend I went to a dental conference in Chicago. It always seems like business trips are so glamorous, but in actuality they are kind of lonely. Eliza showed once again that she was a superhero as she kept our two kids alive and happy. A feat not accomplished easily. Usually we shoot for alive. 

Me in front of the famous 'Bean'. It is silver and reflecty. 

Is this going to be the new white house?

I got home on Halloween just in time to dress up and go trick or treating. Hyrum was really good at saying thank you, but he quickly lost interest in the candy. I don't think he knew what he was getting.

There has been really nice weather here for November, so we have been trying to play outside as much as possible. One day, Hyrum had to wear socks and sandals so he wouldn't get cold. 

Hyrum can recognize letters and he calls them ABCs. I was trying to teach him the letter H and I spelled his name. He thought the H looked like choo-choo tracks, so of course we drew tracks too.

Hyrum wanted to chase the turkeys after church. It's hard not to when they are in your back yard.

Hyrum loves to lay by his baby sister whenever we are trying to take a picture of her. Sometimes he misses and lays on her. He also likes to hold her and hug her. He is pretty strong so sometimes there is concern for his squeezes.

Emmaline had a photo shoot. Most of y'all probably saw her pictures on Facebook, but a couple more never hurt anyone.

Families are the best. Eliza's dad was able to come visit and see his new granddaughter. Hyrum loved having Grandpa around. They played with trains and read books and went on walks and all sorts of fun. Anyone is welcome to come visit, but be prepared for busy days because Hyrum loves to move.

When I get home, I try to give Eliza a break. Usually I am not this successful, but occasionally it works out.

Yes, those are plastic bags ties together to pull his truck.

Eliza is back at church and rocking it on the organ. She is choir director too. I am pumped for the Christmas program knowing that she is in charge.

Eliza and Emmaline's first day back to church.

The greater Omaha and Council Bluffs areas have a gingerbread display each year. Half of the display is at the Winter Quarters trail center by the temple and the other half is at the Kanesville tabernacle. Eliza and I volunteered to do a gingerbread creation. The theme this year is Christmas in the Heartland.

The nativity was actually the only thing made out of gingerbread. The rest was made out of cardboard.

Here is the most recent Hyrum and Emmaline on the floor picture. Emmaline is wearing a dress that Eliza wore when she was little.

If any of you are tired of doing laundry, we have found a new, quick, and easy way to do it. Just bathe your child with his clothes on. You can even wash his blankets at the same time. 

Here is one of Hyrum wearing my glasses. He thinks he is so funny. And he is.