Halloween

This was Trace's first year being in school and being able to dress up for Halloween at school! East Sandy Elementary is really strict about wearing masks to school, so we set about finding a costume Trace could wear that didn't require a mask in order to tell what he was. We went so far as going to the playroom upstairs and pulling out the costume box and letting him choose what he'd like best. So, naturally, he chose to be a policeman for school, a pirate for the trunk-or-treat with his cousins and "Ant-man" the Avenger for the trick or treating main event.

This is his teacher, Mrs. Goodwater (aka Mario) leading the parade for the parents.

Trace is friends with Darth Vader (Dylan) and the Ninja (Liam).

Left to Right; Trace, Matthew, Sebastian, and David

Trace seemed really surprised to see both Mom and Dad at the parade. He even broke formation and came over to give me a hug! Makes a Mommy feel like a million bucks!

The traditional crew, ready to get some candy!

Left to Right; Boston as Leonardo the Ninja Turtle, Cam as Kylo Ren, Kyli and her friend Izzy as "nerds" and Trace as Ant-Man 

Mommy as the "wench" and her little Ant-Man.

Our neighbor "EJ" and his boys around the fire pit waiting for trick or treaters.

Love it when they just leave the bowl!

"Mom! Look what I got!" Gone are the days of "no thank you" for this little boy!

It's the Cat in the Hat!

If you run from house to house, you can get in more houses!

Love the inflatable sumo costume!

Our backyard neighbor always has out treats and hot coco for the kids, but this year, he also had the "big game" with University of Utah playing on his projector up on the side of his house. A real "treat" for the adults.

Fun way to end the night for sure!

Raven

Since Kevin and Trace have been BEGGING to get a new dog since Ginger passed away, I've been forced to endure endless pictures of adoptable pups, only when upon further investigation, we find they have already been adopted. So, when Kevin called me and asked if we could head to Petco in North Salt Lake after work one Friday night, I was not surprised to find out they were having an in-store pet adoption. We had agreed that Labradors mix dogs are the best for our lifestyle and Kevin really likes girl dogs the best, we went to see what they had. There in the kennel in the back was a sweet black lab mix with her two brothers that were white with brown spots. We had made it on time (shocker) and so therefore, we were 3rd in line. As they brought out all the adoptable dogs, we heard several people behind us eyeing the little black lab. When it was our turn, we went right over to her, picked her up and the decision was made. She is such a sweet lovable puppy, about 10 weeks old and perfect for our little family! We paid the $200 adoption fee, which included a microchip, and spay and paperwork. She rode home in my lap and buried her head in the crook of my arm the whole way home! We bought her a little flashing light and she even went trick-or-treating with us. There was about a 4 day debate over her name, I wanted Lucy, Kevin wanted Raven and Trace changed his mind every other minute. Finally, I came home from work one day and noticed a new collar and name tag with the phrase; "Raven, loved by the Carrells, 801-301-9752". Guess the decision was made, Raven it is.

San Diego Zoo

We just couldn't leave California without a quick visit to the San Diego Zoo. We've been there a couple of times, but Trace acted like it was the first time, since the previous times were when he was younger. Right when we walked in, I realized that my fair-skinned little boy had forgotten to bring a hat to help keep the sun off him. So, even though he had lots of sun screen on, I asked him if he'd like to check out the gift shop first thing to grab a hat to wear for the day. As I headed over to the area with all the baseball caps, I turned around and found my little guy wearing a safari hat! He asked if he could have that one and I thought it was so cute, I caved. He wore it for most of the day and since then has worn it may times he's been in the outdoors.

Gotta plan out the day!

 

The Koala was really active! Don't see that very often!

If it were up to Trace we would have stayed to watch this frog eat these worms all day! Ewww......

Much needed break for lunch!

Dads give the best views!

  

This Leopard is a new momma! Her cub is only 6 months old and they love to play together!

Lions, doing what they do, sleep.

The little boy in the gray shirt is also named "Trace" what a coincidence!

Look how these guys stand up on their hind legs! Amazing!

Always fast to make friends!

Thanks for a great day! (My funny son got to choose a souvenir when the day was done and what does he choose? One of the only animals available that is not found in the zoo, the humpback whale. Oh well, he likes what he likes.)