Anxiously awaited the arrival of family. Got curious when they were delayed. Turns out they went to the neighbor’s house instead. Felt grateful we have friendly neighbors.

Had an impromptu ice cream date at my favorite shop. Watched as it became apparent to all in the store that Brian accidentally became an ice cream thief after he grabbed another customer’s cone from counter and promptly began eating it. Quickly learned that is one way to get free ice cream. He managed to double-fist it the entire way home while driving.

Day-tripped to Helena for some brewery visits, baby hikes, and birding. Beers went better than the birding tbh.

Received my COVID Bivalent booster shot. Happily discovered that as I got it at a grocery store pharmacy I was also given a coupon for my next purchase. Which was imminent and involved chocolate themed items.

Congratulated ourselves on getting our booster shots. Felt less congratulatory the next day when the body aches and fever commenced.

Had 3 people send me the same birding related meme after “liking” it myself minutes earlier. It is both nice to be got and apparent that everyone thinks I’m old.

Took custody of “my” pumpkin from my in-laws. “My” pumpkin because I’ve been monitoring it’s progress for months now courtesy of weekly photo updates. It’s the most perfect pumpkin ever.

Sat in the truck’s backseat thanks to visiting family members (different set) sitting shotgun. Discovered we’d stashed COVID tests from our 2021 trip to So Cal. A sign of the times if there ever was one.

Consulted with the bestie on possible coordinating puppy names for their potential new additions. Was most proud of our suggestions of Jelly/Bean and Dot/Dash. Realized she’d sought my opinion so that I’d be invested in her dastardly plan.

Brainstormed potential ideas for this year’s holiday card. Came up with little. After achieving fall photo goals last year, not to mention the sheer hassle, began to question this tradition.

Enjoyed multiple hikes with visiting family, something we would not typically do this time of year thanks to roving bears. But strength in numbers combatted this fear. Did come across fresh bear scat on a popular trail in downtown because Montana.