Traveling through North Carolina

That weekend, my parents had the opportunity to speak at a Stake Conference in Hickory, NC. The boys and I were able to travel with them. On our way up we stopped at a little historic house. I honestly cannot remember what it was called. It was a nice little rest stop before we continued our travels to Hickory. Oh, and it was absolutely GORGEOUS!

Halloween In Charlotte!

We planned our trip just right and were able to celebrate Halloween in Charlotte! I had a nightmare with my costumes for the boys. I had ordered them online and was waiting and waiting for them and somehow they were lost in the mail and so there I was, Halloween morning with no costumes! Luckily, that morning my momma and I went out and about looking for costumes. The costumes I had ordered were simple Super Hero capes and masks. So I had a grand idea that I would just go to the fabric store and sew my little heart out and make them that day. (what was I thinking?!) LUCKILY, while we were at Walmart, we found Super Hero jammies on sale and bought them and called it good! We did still head to the fabric store and made some simple masks for them. If I do say so, they looked stinkin cute! I was sad James wasn't around to see them boys or go trick or treating with us. But he was having his own fun in brazil! :)

The boys and I painted some pumpkins to set on the front porch. They were a bit sad looking. haha 

After painting our sad looking pumpkins, we got the boys ready for our fun filled Halloween evening! Lincoln even helped get Grandmas treats ready for the Trick or Treaters.

 Can I just say how amazing the weather was?! It was 30 degrees and raining in Idaho. And in Charlotte it was in the 70's! Not even a sweater was needed all night long!

My parents live in the greatest neighborhood. Every year, they have a Halloween block party! This year they had a Southern BBQ Truck there. The food was delicious, the games were fun, and all the neighbors were so nice and welcoming.

After the party, My mom and I took the boys around the neighborhood to gather candy. Winn was a perfect child in his stroller. Lincoln loved it! Although he was spent after the first house. We kept encouraging him to keeping knocking on doors so my mom and I could get a glimps of all the southern homes. They were BEAUTIFUL!! Lincoln looked so small standing at each door

The last how we went to was my parents. My dad had stayed home to finish some work. I love Lincoln's face in each photo.

 "Yay, it's Grandpa's house!"

 "Grandpa's not here :( "

 "YAY!"

 "Look at all my candies Grandpa!"

Once we were inside we quickly checked out all the candies and I put the boys to bed. They were out. Nigh nigh Batman

Zone Conferences

I had planned my trip to North Carolina so I could attend my parents last Zone Conference before transfers that they had in Charlotte. Well, the leading weeks before I arrived, they had General Authorities visiting, and Mission President Seminar - so they had to push a couple more zone conferences and meetings during the first week I was there. Needless to say, they were BUSY! But I LOVED seeing my parents busy and in 'their element'. I was able to attend the last hour of one of their zone conferences with the boys. We had planned on getting a sitter for them, but it was impossible to find one that wasn't in school. So my parents were kind enough to let us all (kids included) sit in on some of the conference. Can I just say how amazing it was! I LOVE seeing my parents teach. I love seeing the missionaries soak up everything they were saying. The spirit was amazing in that meeting.

When we first arrived at the conference, my dad introduced us. Then, all of the missionaries stood up and sang Called To Serve. Words cannot describe how incredible the Spirit was during that. I loved it and I'm glad my boys were able to be in that atmosphere and see all the missionaries and hear their testimonies through song.  

Things I loved about being at Zone Conference:
-My dad being a GRANDPA & and Mission President
-My dad being a DAD & and Mission President. (Winn was getting restless so I walked out of the cultural hall. I let Winn run around and I was peeking through the door window, trying to hear what was being said. A Sister came and opened the door saying that my dad had asked her to open it for me so I could hear.)
-Lincoln and Winn attended their first (of many) Zone Conference. Linc sat at the head of the room with his ipad and head phones :)
-Seeing my Mom teach just as much as my dad taught. She is such a great missionary!
-Seeing my mom as a Missionary
-Listening to what my dad was teaching, and realized it was similar (if not exactly) what he had taught me and my siblings growing up.
-Seeing these Missionaries being loved by my parents - just as much love as they love their own children

After the meeting and Lunch I took the kids back to my parents home. They were out in a matter of minutes! 

 My parents had ZLC training as well that week. I had the chance to help my mom out in the kitchen the night before. This was preparing just a salad for the meeting! I also made cookies for them as well. It was fun taking lunch to them all and seeing more missionaries the next day!

NC Discovery Museum

On Monday, we made our way to Up-Town Charlotte and played at the Discover Museum.  This was so fun for all of us! The boys loved having grandma and grandpa all to their selves, and I loved it too! The Museum was spectacular and so much fun!