The invitation
Some of the decor and food
Veggies and dip-theria
Zombie nom-nom
Mummy cheese log
Gravedigger's delight
1st place costumes: Amber and Brian
2nd place costumes: Lisa and Matt
Fletch and Trish
Lucy and Nate
Me and Mr. B
Jake and Cara
Mike and Valerie
Russell and Rebecca
Ben and Sarah
Caleb and Shannyn
Dave and Kris
Sidsie and Lazette
A few friends put together a kids' party/brunch this week--so fun!
Ward Halloween party: Angel and Devil
Up to no good.
I love these kids--too cute!
Mr. B's sister Carly came up from Provo to see us and her parents. We took her up to Seattle and walked around Pike Place Market, had lunch at Ivar's, and walked along the waterfront. It felt like home. Had to get a picture at the pig.
Lunch at Ivar's--clam chowder, fish and chips, right on the water!! 
At the end of pier 56 (We had to stop in Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, not as cool as I remember) 
The highlight of the day: At Pike's Place we bought fresh dungeness crab and some huge shrimp. We got together at my mom's house with some of the family and pigged out on a crab dinner--felt like a Brien Christmas (it's Mr. B's family's traditional fare).
After church 
Three generations of Brien men
On Grammy's stairs
Uncle Ken, Mr. B, Grandpa
Aunt Amanda is always so fun with Audrey--trying on wigs here.
One night on my trip, my sisters and Paul and I got together to make a pesto dinner (kids and hubbies too). It was so fun to cook together and hang out at Kelley's beautiful new house.
Kelley on celery duty
Paul helps me with the pesto
Another day, Laura and I took the girls to a tea party at a cute little cafe, where they ate PBJs and drank pink punch, served in a teapot and cups. 
Lindsey
Mmm cupcakes!
I'll come back to our vacation, but just wanted to share these pictures from our Sunday dinner, Halloween style. The eyes are peppercorns. Audrey thought they were chocolate, and even though I said they are NOT chocolate, they are spicy pepper that you will not like, she popped one in her mouth, like "You can't fool me, mom." A few seconds later she was spitting out pepper into my hands. Naturally. Anyway, I just put some mashed potatoes in a plastic bag, cut a corner off and piped ghostly shapes onto her plate. Next time I'll use mini-choc chips for the eyes and avoid regurgitated spices. 
It was a bit of a miserable flight to Seattle; Audrey was awake the whole flight until she fell asleep when the wheels touched the ground in Seattle (midnight our time). Both kids were good, but tired and needy. I could not have done it without Laura!
On a walk in my parents' neighborhood.
Trying cheerios for the first time--an old pro now.
Ian learned how to sit up and he cut his first two teeth.
One day a bunch of my cousins got together. They live in the Puyallup area, except Josh who was visiting from TX. I hadn't seen most of them for years. It was so nice. I sent my brother Paul to get Mr. B from the airport, so they both missed the picture. Thanks Paul!
On our last night, my sisters and mom and I had a girls' night out. These are my favorite women!
I was lucky to visit my friend Terry in Vancouver.
While Audrey is mostly terrified of animals, Ian was instantly in love with my sisters' dogs. This is Laura's puppy, Zoey. Ian also loved Kelley's puppy, Bianca.
On the flight home, Mr. B took this picture of Mt. Rainier from our plane window soon after we took off. I love this sight every time I come back.
This is an actual gate at the Sea-tac airport. The Halloween decor is temporary, but the castle is permanent; it's from a charity event. Pretty awesome.
