October in Review

We sure had a busy October, filled with lots of fun! We're happy November will be a little calmer, so Craig can start studying for finals. There are only 5 weeks left in the semester - I can't believe it! Photo overload:

 Craig and I drove to Des Moines at the first of the month to go to Les Miserables. It was pretty awesome! I'm still pretending to sing like Fantine...

Craig and I then headed to Nauvoo, IL the following weekend. Craig remembers this diner when he went several years ago, but it was unfortunately closed when we went.

After the "carriage" ride with the team of horses, Bill and Bob. These guys were strong - there were probably 15+ people on the "carriage".

In front of the Mississippi River - can you tell it was windy??

It was beautiful when we went! Autumn is definitely my favorite season. I loved the vibrant red leaves. 

This picture reminds me of the strength the pioneers must have had to leave a temple they just built. Can you imagine walking away from there? We were able to attend a session and it really is a beautiful temple with an amazing history and spirit.

Craig is ready to make a trip to the well...

In front of the schoolhouse. We were horrible at the phonetic reading activity. We couldn't get past current English /American rules.

Last stop was Carthage Jail - kind of an awkward picture, I know.

We went to another play. Craig got us season tickets to the traveling Broadway performances in Omaha. Shrek was the first of the series. We had tons of fun!

This past weekend, Craig's mom and brother Kyle came for a visit. The three of them went to the Huskers game. I was happy to stay warm at home...

We also headed down to Kansas and Craig and Kyle went to the Chiefs/Raiders game. Both were happy that the Raiders won!

Meet Baxter

We got a new car. Do you like it???

So, we really did get a new car, but not a minivan (that was funny, right??). Craig wouldn't touch a minivan with a 10-foot pole. My trusty Alero died about 3 1/2 weeks ago, so we got a little Ford Focus (named Baxter). It's a manual transmission, so Craig gets to drive it most of the time (maybe one day I'll be able to start on a hill...). 

Recent Projects

Now that school has started, we haven't had much going on (work, school and football is about it). We do have some fun plans in October, so maybe I'll post more next month. For now, though, my mom requested some pictures of recent quilting projects, so here you go!

One of my friends and I signed up to make quilts for a program called Quilts For Kids. They send the fabric, pattern, and instructions. We pieced and (still need to) quilt them. I kind of want to keep it though...

I have been slowly working on this Christmas quilt and finally finished it a few days ago. The pattern is from a fun quilting blog.

Close-up.

'Tis the Season...

...the football season that is. I forget every year how much Craig LOVES football, but am quickly reminded every August as the season rolls around. Now that we live in Nebraska he has another team to cheer for! We have season tickets to the Husker games and they are quite the experience. On home games, Memorial Stadium becomes the 3rd largest "city" in Nebraska - yesterday there were about 85,450 people at the game and it was nuts! Next year the stadium should hold 90,000+ fans.

Highlights from the game:
1. It was hot, like 95 degrees hot. Most fans were literally dripping with sweat and at least 2 fans were carried out on stretchers.
2. We stood.the.entire.time.
3. We spent at least $20 on bottled water.
4. Huskers won!

Pre-game

Marching band just before the game started!

The 4th

Nebraskans sure do love the 4th of July! My guess is because of the explosives and not so much the patriotism. I have not seen so many huge fireworks in my life! Here are some highlights:

At the Lincoln fireworks. It was so hot that day, and yes I am in pajamas. Don't judge...

I made Craig bring our red/white/blue quilts. He thought it was nerdy.

On the 4th we went to a party at a ward member's home. They had  TONS of gigantic fireworks!

This was a "firework" that Craig and I brought. I really wanted a Friendship Pagoda, but couldn't find one . The Panda firework definitely didn't disappoint, though!

The men were in heaven. Something about explosives gives me anxiety.

Enjoying the show. I'm even in normal clothes!

Ohh...

 These don't have anything to do with the 4th, but here are some recent projects I have finished, so my mom can see!

Loving the bright colors with white combo. I think I'll make the exact quilt with Christmas fabrics.

I'm on an apron kick and will probably make a few more!