After returning from 737 school in Texas around the first of the month, I promptly headed out to Utah to reconnect with Laura and Sam, that is, until I left for the elk hunt. Me, my brother Jeff, and Dad went down to Manti LaSalle National Forest to hunt elk with my dad's hunting partners and some of their sons. My dad had finally drawn a permit to hunt the big ones, 5-6 points is what we were looking for. My brother and I went to help my dad since this was such a long time in the making, and appropriately it was a big deal. We had a great time, and although we didn't get the big one, we saw plenty of animals and had some great fun just being together. Here are some pics!
The three experienced hunters surveying the land.
Scouting the first day. Luckily we all had ATVs for transportation, because we were all over the place.
A nice sized elk I came up on one hike, too bad my dad wasn't there!
Dad and Jeff opening morning.
Part of the hunt area, this view is from a place called Woodtick Point.
Self portrait after almost 2 weeks on the mountain. Dirty, and I need a shave.
The three hunters; Gary, Milt, and my dad the day we broke camp.
This year we were able to have some fun as a family for a change. The festivities started with a pumpkin carving extravaganza. Laura decided to try a "Jack Skellington" pumpkin from the Nightmare Before Christmas, while I went with a couple of different themes for me and Sam. We had a great time carving, and even Sam sat in his highchair and watched us the whole time (at least while we kept him fed with snacks anyway).
Laura's came out really well, as you can see. Sam's tiny one was pretty cool also, but I screwed the eyes up and they ended up falling off. Oh well. Mine was supposed to be a pumpkin getting smashed in on the right side. I think it worked out moderately well, although I didn't end up putting a bat on it like I had planned since I thought it would either get stolen or kids would be too grossed out by it.
Sam got to go trick or treating a couple of nights before Halloween at our ward trunk or treat. Unfortunately I was flying so I missed it again. But I was able to see him dressed up after the party. He went as a tiger which looked great. He hated wearing the hood, but every now and again he would let us put it on for a few minutes.
Sam and his friend Lexy at the trunk or treat.
Sam was not too sure about the actual pumpkin picking. He became very nervous as we had to step around all these huge orange balls growing from these crazy vines under his feet.
Once we had the pumpkin off the vine, Sam was excited that he had a new orange ball. We'll see how he reacts once we cut into his new favorite ball.
Sam and Tristan playing in the shower. 
Cousins Luke, Samantha, and Liam at the pool table, trying to decide whether to play pool, ping pong, or some other kind of crazy game.
Sam and cousin Liam playing with a Daylight Doughnuts toy truck, or are they resting after a long day of play? I wish I had this life.
With his cousins at McDonald's. Little did we know how much he would love that place.
Sam and Tristan act like they are playing a masterpiece at my parents house. I can tell you, it was no work of art.
Sam and Tristan, the two cohorts in crime, maul a picture of Dan. Dan had that made for Sam when he deployed last year so Sam wouldn't forget his daddy, and it was still at my parents house. Every time Sam saw it he would reach out a hand and say "da da." So cute!
Aunt Ashley with Sam and Tristan on a walk in my parents neighborhood.
Sam riding his favorite toy at the Stromberg's, his very own Lightning McQueen car.
Sam loved the doggies in both grandparents houses. He tried feeding Sadie, but it didn't work, so he just followed her everywhere. I'm sure Sadie is getting her much needed rest from the Saminator.
He looks guilty, probably because he is. If Sadie was sick of him following her around she would bark at him which would normally scare a baby, but not Sam it only encouraged him to do this type of war dance with his hands in the air and dance around her. 
Feeding the geese at Sugarhouse Park. He sure loves any animals.
Playing at the park, we thought he acted like the king only at our house.
Swinging with his grandma Stromberg at Sugarhouse. She was showing him how to do it.
One day we got to go to Hogle Zoo with Sam. Despite getting slightly burned, he loved all of the animals, including this white alligator, a very rare find.
Sam gets to ride on a Ferris Wheel for the first time. He was a little hesitant so I helped him a bit.
Got home passed midnight, now he is stuck in a pumpkin.
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