Phew

That is how I feel about the past 6 weeks or so. A blur of total exhaustion.  I feel like if I don't stay on top of these pictures then it'll never happen. According to my memory card, this is what has been going on in the Tonks' household. Aaron and his dad spent a couple days building us a huge storage shelf in our garage. It is so nice to be be able to utilize all of that wasted space for storage! I love a handy man.

 Aaron had some work training this year in Las Vegas and I decided to join him for a few days. (Thanks to my mom and in laws) It sure was a lot of work just to get our the door but it was great to be able to spend a few days childless.  We ate some great food, went to an amazing cirque show, sat by the pool enjoying the great weather, and walked until we had blisters.  I have to admit that I don't really love Las Vegas and was glad to get home to our open space and yes.... even the kids! 

 While Aaron was fishing with a friend he spotted this beauty the river. Unable to rescue it that day he somehow convinced his friend Marc to use his day off to go back to the river to retrieve it.  After hearing so much about this bike I couldn't believe my eyes when he pulled up with that.  I have to thank the show American Pickers for this one. I think Aaron thought he had found a real diamond in the ruff.  We did find out that it is very very old (1930's) and Aaron has this wild idea to restore it. Right now it lives in the garage next to the garbage can.

 A few Saturdays in September were Spent canning in the garage. My very patient mother-in-law taught me the ins and outs of canning and I really learned a lot.  The jury is still out on if it is worth it cost effective wise but I know it is a good thing to know how to do.  We canned peaches and apple sauce from apples from my mOm's backyard.

 The beautiful Fall colors on our tree outside.

 This little boy turned 15 months in October and is pure business. 

October also brings hunting season. Aaron, Marc, and Ben spent months planning a three day camping/hunting trip.  It is funny to see grown men so gitty and excited to sleep in freezing temperatures, walk around all day and hope they see a buck. Well Aaron got one and was so proud. We had it hanging in our garage for a few days driving our dog crazy, and then Aaron cut it up and made it into jerky.  I love a man that can bring home the bacon... and well.... jerky

   A good friend of the family is a bishop of a student ward at BYU-Idaho.  About 20 or so students came up and spent a couple hours raking bag after bag of leaves. Boy there were a lot.  mOm made chili, cornbread, and had donuts for everyone when we were finished. It was a great way to spend probably the last fall evening. The next day it got very cold and began to snow.

I am afraid Winter is here. Oh boy, here we go. It is cold!  I told Aaron last night as we were leaving a church meeting

"It takes a very special person to live here."

I don't mean special as in, better than others... maybe just special as in crazy!

October brought sickness to our house also. It started with Anna. A fever and croup. Then Brooklyn got it. Many days of school were missed and we hoped that Carter would be lucky to avoid the sickness.  To no avail.  He actually didn't get the fever but the cough and then after a trip to the doctor double ear infections were confirmed. Oh boy it seemed never ending. In the middle of all that, I was called to be our ward's primary president.  After much prayer, and pondering and more prayer I feel at peace with my new responsibility.  I still feel like I have so much to learn but am so lucky to be serving with amazing women who I know I will learn so much from.  I told Aaron the other day... I feel like I am always thinking about primary.  I am looking forward to all that is in store for our family... we are very blessed!