Wait November slow down I haven't even caught up to October yet

Here I was all excited for October and Bam! It's over. Not that it wasn't what I expected, actually the contrary. 

The weather was perfect for riding so no trail was left behind, even those on top of a steep mountain ridge.

I was grateful for a steady girl who stayed the course while I rode with one eye open. Heights is not my thing but with the beautiful view I was able to catch a few scenic shots.

As the days continued to be sunny, cool and crisp we continued to ride and climb. Funny how a desert ridge can be just a beautiful.

We also rode part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Typically in the summer we would see hikers, this time all we saw was snow.

After about 6 miles in we had to turn back as the snow was getting deep, the horses weren't complaining but the more they sank the more we were convinced it was time to find drier ground.

October was also the start of the CrossFit Games in which I decided to participate.

Only because they have age categories. I fell into the 55-59 group and a scaled version of what the hard core athletes do.

It's five weeks and we just completed our fourth. They post the workout every Thursday and you have from Friday to Monday to do the workout and post your score.

Not having any idea where I landed, our trainer helped me maneuver around the app and to my surprise the first week I came in second amongst 16 other women in my age group doing the scaled version, in the state of Washington.

 Then the following week I took first on the leaderboard.

Thats when I found out its not a game at all, its war. This incredible hard core athlete of a woman Fran didn't like falling into second place and redid her workout to better her score. 

It worked and she pulled ahead.

I'm like really? I'm a one trick pony, yeah no do overs for me. Four weeks in and I'm currently in second place.

As the month continued on I agreed to help watch my neighbors children. Their parents went on vacation leaving the four kids in care of their Nanna, Grandma and Grandpa and Me. We divided and conquered. Nanna had them for three days, the grandparents had them for 4 and I had them for 2.

Carving pumpkins is my thing therefore it became their thing and we spent an evening cleaning, carving and lighting their creations. 

A week later I also agreed to help watch another set of children whose parents attended a wedding in London. Their aunt came for the first half of the week and I stayed with them the second half.

It was the schools conference week so the kids had a half day. We went to a matinee and saw the movie, Abominable.

Roasted marshmallows

And of course, carved pumpkins.

The gym got into the spirit of Halloween and had a costume contest for the members. 

The sign says, "It's a gym Thing"

I wasn't the only one on Octobor's fast track, the husband stayed plenty busy building me a round pen for the horses.

 They're not exactly sure about all the construction as well as the point to the whole thing.

  Little do they know, a 2 year old Friesian filly will soon be joining the family.

Her name is Dixie and is as sweet as she looks. I'm so excited I can't stand it. Almost as excited as finding out we are having an actual GrandDAUGHTER.

This little pumpkin brewing is a GIRL!! We do boys around here and now the mold has been broken and we get to experience a GIRL!!

And with that, October is over and November is already up and running.