Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. We dressed up as Princess Peach and Mario for the ward party.

After some delicious chili and corn bread we headed out to the parking lot and enjoyed the "trunk or treat" with all the little kids.  My mom sent me a pack of glow sticks to hand out and they were a hit to say the least!  We ran out so fast so next year we'll just have to bring more!

We hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!

Luray Caverns

Todd and I decided to take advantage of our time off and go out and explore a few weekends ago.  We went to the Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley.  The drive there was beautiful with all the leaves changing colors and the Caverns were pretty awesome as well.  It is all underground with different formations everywhere.  They have what they call the "Dream Lake" inside the cavern.  The water is perfectly still that it creates a mirror image of the stalactites hanging from the ceiling.  

They also have a Garden Maze so of course we did it! Todd was like a little kid again running around! He loved it!  Unfortunately my camera battery died during this part but this is what it looks like...

   

Belle Isle

I love it when Todd has the weekend free of studying!! That means we get to go out and explore this beautiful state of Virginia!  A few Saturdays ago we decided to get on our bikes and ride around Belle Isle.

 It's been raining a ton here in Richmond so the river was very full! 

Boating, one last time

While Todd and I were both in Utah, we were able to go boating one last time for the year.  It was so pretty up the Ogden Canyon and around the dam.  The leaves were changing colors! I love Fall and I can't wait to see the leaves out here in Virginia! 

Todd did it all.  I was only brave enough to get in the water once to surf! (It was a little chilly!) He hasn't lost any of his wakeboarding skills while being out here in Virginia.  He was still able to land all of his tricks!

 My brother came with us and since he's a pretty big kid he usually brings his own lifejacket.  However, this time he forgot! But it didn't stop him from getting in the water!! 

Thanks Gilbert family!! 

Elder Nathan Kapple

Today my brother, Nathan, entered the MTC.  I am so sad I wasn't able to be there with him as he was set apart as a missionary last night and when my family dropped him off at the MTC today.  As I sit here and write this, I have tears in my eyes.  I'm so excited for him and know that he will be an amazing missionary but it's still hard to say goodbye.  I'm so proud of him and the choices he has made throughout his life.  He has always been such a good example to me and a great brother and friend.  I know he is doing the right thing and I am so grateful for his willingness to serve.

Todd and I were able to fly back to Utah for his farewell on September 19th.  Todd's trip was really short but I'm glad he was there with me.  I stayed a few days longer and was able to spend some more time with my family.

While we were in Utah, my parents treated us to dinner at The Roof, one of our favorite restaurants in Salt Lake! I love the food, the scenery, and the creme brulee!  

After dinner we all walked around Temple Square.  The Temple grounds are so beautiful!

Nathan did an amazing job at his farewell.  He spoke on Obedience and how studying the Book of Mormon has strengthen his testimony.  He has a strong testimony of the gospel and I know he will touch many lives.  

Todd flew out Sunday night because he had a class Monday afternoon he needed to go to.  However, he left one day to early because my dad surprised my brother and had his friend bring up his Ferrari to our house so Nate could go on a drive! First my dad and brother took off but then Nate came back and picked me up and we cruised around.  I even drove it! (I went really slow though!)

I also had the opportunity to go to the Salt Lake Temple for an endowment session.  I had never been to a session there before and it was a neat experience.  We also did a few sealings as a family afterwards. 

This time it was really hard to leave.  I keep telling myself it will get easier but saying goodbye to Nate was hard.  I was able to Skype with him and my family last night one final time.  I'm so proud of him and know he is doing the right thing.  The people in Honduras are so lucky to have him for the next two years.  

Good Luck and We Love You Elder Kapple!

The Church is True, See You in Two!  

Beach

On Monday, Todd had a test.  I hate Monday tests because it means that Todd has to study all weekend.  So after his test, we decided we wanted a nice, relaxing day at the beach.  We went to Yorktown Beach which is only an hour away from our house.  It was such a beautiful day and not crowded at all.

I'm a little behind everyone else but I'm almost finished with Mockingjay

If you love American History, you would love Yorktown!  This is where General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington during the Revolutionary War.   

Todd with George Washington and Francois de Grasse (French admiral)

Yorktown Victory Monument

We love where we live! Richmond is so close to everything!

St George for Labor Day

For Labor Day weekend my family planned a trip down to St George.  My brother-in-law's parents have a house down there and they are currently serving as mission presidents in Italy so we were able to use it for the weekend.  

We enjoyed lots of swimming,

Shopping and Going Out to Eat,

Zion's- hiking Angel's Landing,

Walking around the St George Temple- we wanted to a session but it was closed for cleaning

 and Playing at the Park with Lenna!

I had so much fun visiting! Thank you mom and dad for a great trip home!  See you next week! (I'm heading to Utah again for my brother's farewell but this time Todd gets to come with me for a little bit!!)