We’ve had another whirlwind month full of fun, excitement, and baby achievements. We began our month with a trip up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains on Labor Day. We stopped by a cheese factory where they make Gouda Cheese and Chocolate Truffles with Gouda Chunks. Then we headed up to Columbia State Park, which is a renovated Ghost Town that was bustling during the gold rush. They had old fashioned candy shops, a wooden toy shop, a live theater (which wasn’t open), and an old fashion bowling alley (the ball was wooden and about the size of a cantaloupe.) Afterwards we had a fun evening with Aunt LeAnn and Christy. It was a very fun-filled day and we look forward to more family getaways.

Nora's gets excited about our family excursion to Columbia!


Nora was so excited that she wore herself out before we ever started the trip!

Nora practice's her Vulcan sign while she and Amber stand outside Columbia's Firehouse

Despite being underage, Nora and I explored a old bar with an old fashion bowling alley

This past month, I finished up my Certified Nursing Assistant Training, which was my last prerequisite before I start my nursing program in January. I worked in a long term care facility and had an eye-opening experience with all the elderly residents. It was one of the saddest things I have seen. It has led me to theorize some solutions to increase care facility quality of living. Last Friday was the State Board exam. I passed. I also graduated best in my class. So, I am a CNA now. I was offered a full-time position with the company I have been temping for over the past year. So, even though I’m a CNA now, I’ll go back to work as the Sales Support Administrator until January.

The highlight of our month was Nora saying her first word…One Sunday morning she was being a wiggle wart. So, we saying to her, “You sure like to wiggle wiggle, don’t you?” Next thing we know, Nora is saying “wiggle wiggle!” Over the past week, she has probably said it at least 15 times prompted and unprompted. We have a video to prove it!

We are looking forward to an exciting new month. Amber’s birthday is coming up and we’re planning on spending some time out in Fairfield with her parents to celebrate. Amber's mom is coming out to our place during General Conference. My mother is flying into town for another weekend. We get to dress up Nora in her First Halloween Costume! Amber also begins to teach Piano lessons to several children in our ward. And I have Jury duty!

Bonus Pictures:

Nora in Grandpa Nelson's Cradle

Tummy Time...Nora is starting to reach for things!

Nora was jealous that I gave flowers to only Amber

Our Sweet Sleeping Girl

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