Trunk or Treat

 It's Trunk or Treat time!  Stace again signed up to bring his MG to Valencia Methodist for the annual Halloween fun.

Violet got her first ride in the car, sitting in the front seat!

This year, Violet wanted to dress up for Halloween as a Pokemon trainer. So, Stace went with the theme, and created some Pokemon elements. I think he did an excellent job!

Violet was happy to pal around with Melanie, who was dressed as a nerd.

Cora went around with Cami for a bit, before she had to go to karate. These girls just look too grown up!

Rigo and Colleen decked their truck out in '70s style. Groovy!

I helped out at one of the games. Another fun event in the books!

Gilchrist Farm

Grandma and Grandpa are always good about taking Violet to the pumpkin patch in the fall. Though Lombardi Ranch has closed, and Cora is past the point of interest in animals and pumpkins, Violet is always game and we're thankful that Grandma and Grandpa make it happen. 

This year, Grandpa handed Violet his camera, and these are her favorite shots from her day on the farm.

She was very excited to find quail in the chicken run!

And ducks! Violet really loves ducks.

Helping Out

 On Saturday morning, we had the opportunity to help pack meals at our church that will be sent to churches in Peru for distribution to needy families.

 Each box had bags of rice, macaroni, powdered milk, beans, and canned vegetables.

It was great knowing we were helping make a difference. More than 80,000 meals are on their way to families!

Later Saturday, we went to Kelly and Yass's for a birthday party for Charlie. I forgot to get any photos!

Cora left about halfway through because she was double-booked - some sweet girls she's been hanging out with this year had a Halloween party. Cora's been good friends with Violet for years, and the other girls went to her elementary school but she didn't hang out with them as much. But now, they all play Roblox online, and work on stories and artwork together. I'm so thankful she's found them.

Disney Date, Part 1

On Cora's second minimum day, we took off for a special mommy-daughter Disney date.

We were both excited at the idea of having the day together Thursday.

 The autumn/Halloween decorations were everywhere. And, um, for the record, she's not actually taller than me. Yet. I still have nearly an inch on her.

We managed to get a reservation to Oga's Cantina, where we enjoyed a drink. We also caught up on the news from home - a fire in Canyon Country meant that school would be closed the next day for both girls. This meant we didn't have to hurry home at a decent hour to be up Friday for class.

 We rode a few rides - Thunder Mountain, Pirates, Snow White and Indiana Jones. And we talked a lot. The castle looked beautiful at night!  And the lovely lady who took our photo said Cora and I look like sisters.

 Autopia  fun... kind of. We got stuck behind a kid driver who didn't know how to push the pedal down.

It was a great day, one we'll both treasure!

One last shot of the Halloween decor.

MB2 Fun

 The junior high school had two minimum days this week, so I had some fun with Cora at lunchtime.

On Wednesday, I picked up Cora and her friend Violet, and after a quick lunch at home, we went to MB2 Raceway.

While we waited for our races, the girls blew some game money.

 Our last time here was for Cora's birthday, and my girls have special passes that get them cheaper races. I figured we should take advantage at least once more before the year is up.

 Ready to race!

 The girls have moved up to the adult race - 14 laps!

 We did two races before heading back to SClarita to pick up Violet.

It was fun!

Time with Stace

 Stace and I had my parents come over to hang with the girls while we went to a dinner meeting held by the school district, to discuss goals and celebrate high test scores.

We celebrated further, by going to Chili's for a drink afterwards.

 While Vi and I were in Arizona, Stace and Cora went to a Hot Wheels touring event that happened to hit the parking lot of a local Walmart. Here's Cora with the Darth Vader car.

 Cora enjoyed some quality time with her cat... this time, outdoors. These two spend quality time together most nights, on her bed.

Cora also helped Stace tidy up the MG - they finished up the floor so he could lay the carpets he made, and then reinstall the seats.

They also watched movies and practiced karate together.

Girly Getaway

 Violet and I had a great adventure over the weekend with Christina and her girls. We flew out Friday night to Phoenix to spend time with Sara and Tony and their girls, and then drove home Sunday in a car Christina got from a family member.

Cami and I sat together...

 ...and Christina sat with Violet and Melanie. Melanie was nervous about flying, and Violet helped comfort her. Christina said it was very sweet to watch them together.

We got into Sara and Tony's around 10, and had a late night catching up. It was so great reconnecting again!

 In the morning, the girls enjoyed a pancake breakfast - thanks, Tony!

We then hit up Sonic for half-price slushes, which we took to a beautiful new park that had just opened in Gilbert.

Since it was Arizona in October, it was in the upper 80s. Not too hot to be outside, but the slushes definitely were a necessary treat!

We then went into Gilbert's cute older (and revitalized) downtown area for lunch.

 Love this friend!

 Liberty Market had great food, and was a former small grocery store. This odd small window was where the shopping carts used to be pushed in.

Love this friend, too!

 We then said farewell to Christina and her girls, who went to visit other family, and walked around the stores. I had to grab a pic at the "SoCal Fish Taco Company."

 Sara has such a great eye for photos! Love this one, just in between two buildings! Thanks for all the pics, Sara.

We went back to the house, rested, and hung out the rest of the evening. Vi and Alli did their nails.

On Sunday morning, we went to their church, which reminded me a bit of Real Life. Then Tony took us to meet back up with Christina, and we were off on our long drive home.

It was a great weekend!