On December 1st, we were able to purchase a Mazda5 microvan. We needed a safer and better economical car for our little family. Mike has always wanted to portray those commercials where you see a hubby who presents a new car to his wife with a big red bow on it. As Mike would say, since Wisconsin is a community property state, we had to buy it together, but he went out and bought a big bow for the car to present to me for Christmas.
We were fortunate to have Thanksgiving in Nauvoo, Illinois. My Uncle Jay came up from Arkansas and we came from Wisconsin. The weather was beautiful!!! We saw sites, did family history and enjoyed time with my cousin Erika's in-laws, the Wards, who are serving a mission there. On Thanksgiving we were able to have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with all the missionaries serving in Nauvoo. The Sister's and Elder's made the feast and did a fantastic job! A fun thing to note... I recognized a sister who I had served just a little while with in Fresno, California. After much contemplation whether I should go up to her, I went up to this sister and asked if she served in Fresno, to which she replied that she did. It was formerly Sister Hill who left in Dec of 2002 and I came in in July of 2002. It was great to see her and she was surprised that I recognized her. Phoenix and I had a wonderful time staying in a house that had no TV or Radio, etc and we were able to enjoy chatting and feeling the spirit of family and the wonderful city of Nauvoo.
Halloween night our church had a harvest festival where there was trunk-or-treating. We first enjoyed a nice chili dinner and then went outside for some treats. Phoenix had a great night and mommy and daddy enjoyed some candy, ha, ha. I just love these experiences and can't wait for next year where he really knows what's going on.
Here's a little cute story from today... It was the beginning of a work day and Phoenix had just finished his breakfast and Phoenix and my mom had settled in for a few phone calls for work. Mom was talking to dad on the phone about a call that she had received from a client with Phoenix rolling around on the floor, as he likes to do so well. Mom heard Phoenix fuss, but she didn't pay much attention because there was no reason for it. Then he called out again. Mom looked over to him and he was rolling something around in his mouth with his tongue. Mom thought, uh-oh, and made dad wait for a minute. Mom stuck her finger in his mouth and swabbed out of his mouth an Altoid, a curiously strong peppermint. Phoenix was holding his mouth open with eyes watering and when mom tried to stick his pacifier in his mouth to calm him, he couldn't even hold on to the pacifier, his mouth was so numb. Mom picked him up to cuddle and he burped. His breath smelled of strong mint. Not until 5 minutes later, could he even hold on to his pacifier after having recovered from his experience. Mom called me at work to tell me the story. After chuckling, I said "looks like you're going to have to keep the floor picked up mom." 
Today was Cumorah's Baptism and we were able to go down to Illinois to spend this special day with Brad, Tiffany, and family. Cumorah was so sweet and thoughtful and very pretty in her white dress. The baptism was very touching. We were also able to listen to a sweetly sung song "Baptism" performed by Cadmium and Cumorah. It was great to be with family and especially wonderful to share this experience with our niece Cumorah. 
Today we decided to go to Meadowbrook Farm in West Bend and enjoy some fall activities. We had initially gone to the farm to pick pumpkins and go on a hay ride. However, Mike wanted to go through the corn maze and I agreed that that was a good idea. Unfortunately, it wasn't a corn maze, but a haunted corn field. As much as we appreciated the creativity of the designers and their scary, gruesome, and horrific scenes, we were glad that we went during the day! Kudos to those who can walk through the paths in the dark of night!!!
We were able to go to the pumpkin patch by taking a tractor wagon driven by "Farmer Steve." It was great! This was the first time that Mike or I can remember going to a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch. We found great pumpkins and Phoenix loved "Farmer Steve." It was a great day and we will continue this tradition throughout the years.
Mommy's on the left, Daddy's on the right, and Phoenix's is in the front. WE HAD FUN!!!
