Halloween 2025

We always like to have the elders over to carve pumpkins. It's something they don't always get to do on their missions. Elder Carter was with two missionaries we hadn't met before.

We combined eating and carving. Not sure what's going on with Jalen here.

The kids went with a 6-7 theme. This may not mean anything in the future, but this year it was a big deal.

I have no idea what the elder's theme was.

Porch pumpkins

Baylie and Rachel dressed up as ???.

I can't remember if Jalen dressed up. What I do know is that our family theme Halloweens are officially over.

Blythewood Rodeo - October 25, 2025

On October 25, Baylie and David had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the Blythewood Rodeo. I had submitted a video of them and they were selected. So cool!

Cute kiddos

Cute parents

Waiting to sing

The actual performance is too long to upload, but you can listen HERE.

The rodeo wasn't as good as Strawberry Days, but we had a good time and it was fun for David and Baylie to sing the anthem together.

BYU vs. Utah - October 18, 2025

Every year the kids and I try to go to a BYU football game. Grandad lets us pick first because it's the only game we get to go to. This year we chose the Utah game on October 18.

We flew through Chicago where the airport was decorated in honor of their hockey team, the Blackhawks.

We had time for some Garrett's.

And we made it to Utah without a hitch.

Tiffani and her kids joined Grammy & Grandad to surprise the kids at the airport.

Jalen and Lauryn

Clara and Baylie

We all headed to Garner's Village, which is always fun at Halloween.

We bought carmeled apples - a Grammy favorite.

And enjoyed the festive decor.

Tiff and I helped Grandad make sourdough. These loaves cooked the same amount of time. No idea why they turned out so differently.

That evening, Baylie spent some time with the Bailey twins and Talia Stroud whom she has missed so much since they left South Carolina for BYU.

with Kaitlyn

they made her pictures

Kaitlyn, Talia, Natalie, Baylie

They live at King Henry, which is quite the happening place.

The next day was game day! We joined Tiffani's nephews for their tailgate. They always do a fantastic job.

Asher wasn't going to the game, but his parents dropped him off for the tailgate so he could spend some time with us.

Jefferson, Karl, Cameron, the girl cousin, Tiffani

Jalen and Asher always love spending time together.

Grammy, Lauryn, Clara, Tiff, Grandad, Kaitlyn, Jalen

The nephews made these amazing shirts.

The game was a super exciting nailbiter that BYU won 24-21. It couldn't have been better. It was so worth the trip and I'm glad we didn't miss it.

The fans rush the field.

After that, it was time to head back home. The SLC Airport is interesting.

I think we connected in IAD.

And we made it back home without getting bumped at all.

Perfect trip!

Mayor's Youth Council and Live2Lead

Baylie had two unique leadership opportunities this year. She was selected by her principal, Dr. Kaaren Hampton, to participate in the Irmo Mayor's Youth Council. She got to go to a city council meeting and participate as a student representative.

Then she was selected as one of two students from her school to participate in Live2Lead, a leadership conference for business leaders and entrepreneurs. Her favorite speaker was the general manager of the Savannah Bananas.

She and her friend Savannah won the two best door prizes. Baylie got a Michael Kors purse and Savannah won a smart t.v.!

With the superintendent, Dr. Akil Ross.

The fact that she was chosen for these opportunities really says a lot about her as a person.