It is the smack middle of October and it sure feels like fall around here! Hope this Thursday evening finds you well and that you are ready for my latest Rundown. Here we go…

In-Laws Have Arrived – Before this afternoon, the last time Sid saw her parents was more than five months ago. Thank goodness the streak is over! When her mom and dad accompanied Sid and the kids here in early May, it was a short and emotional trip. Thankfully, this time around they have time to relax and enjoy Spokane. Sloan and Beau are so excited to spend time with their east coast grandparents and I am happy to have them under the roof of our new house. But I am over the moon ecstatic for Sidney who has been counting down to this day for a long time. She is filled with joy to have her mom and dad here and I want nothing more than to see her have a fantastic several days with them.

We are so happy that Sid’s parents are here!

Halloween Cookie Bake-Off – A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my brother bringing cookies over to the house for Sloan to enjoy. This week, Sloan went over to his house to make them herself. Glen decorated his home, made lunch for Sloan, and then allowed her to frost Halloween cookies with him. When she arrived back at our place she exclaimed, “That was the best day ever!!” Sloan and Beau sure have an incredible uncle!

Thank you, Glen, for being a great uncle.

Sloan’s First Fun Run – On Tuesday, Sloan participated in the St. Mary Catholic School Fun Run. It was rainy and slick, but Sloan ran for the five minutes that was expected of the Pre-K3 class. Prior to the run, she collected pledges for her school. This was Sloan’s first time fundraising and she did a nice job asking each donor herself if they would sponsor her. At her current age she is fearless but I hope as the years go by she continues to develop her fundraising skills and always takes ownership of whatever money-raising initiative she is participating in.

The St. Mary Fun Run was a success!

Arbor Crest – On Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, a winery that is literally built on a cliff. Although I am not much of a wine drinker, I have to admit that the glass I had last weekend was probably the best I ever had. But no matter how good the wine was, the view was even better. Here are some of the photos I took of Spokane from the Arbor Crest property.

Arbor Crest has some great views and beautiful grounds.

Seven Awesome Birthdays – It is tradition that on each of my birthdays, Sid and I take a photo together with my cake (or in the case of 2016, with a pan of brownies). I have now spent seven birthdays with Sid and I am happy that I have a photo of each one to show for it.

I have spent my seven best birthdays ever with Sid.

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Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day so I ask you to say a prayer for those families who have experienced unfathomable loss. Thanks for reading tonight, my friends. Excuse me while I go enjoy my in-laws. Don’t Blink.