While in Tempe we stayed at our friends the Taysom's and their granddaughter, Caely was up for a visit from Tucson. Abby and Caely love to play and miss each other.
While in Tempe we visited IKEA because there is not one close to us now. I bought Abby a chalkboard, baskets, and red table and chairs for her playroom. Natalie and the Smolnik's came with us and we had a great time!
We also made our ritual stop to Arizona Mills Mall to ride the carousel--she likes to ride the bunny. We also purchased a small Buzz Lightyear to accompany her little Woody figurine. She really likes Toy Story!
Natalie, Mommy, Abby, Caely, Ashley the morning we left Tempe. The night before we stayed up late talking and ended up with braided hair--made it nice for the trip home and reminded me of my days in London Study Abroad! 
Here is the chalkboard we bought for Abby, decorated by one of my piano students. 
Matt had a New Faculty Dinner at Bakersfield College and so Abby went to play at a friends house and Matt and I attended the dinner. When we finished I picked up Abby and we all went to a Bakersfield Football game with the other new faculty and the president of the college. We had a great time at the game hanging out with Matt's department chair in his wife. Abby especially liked them and frequently climbed into their laps!
Disneyland! Abby knows who characters are now, we had so much fun. Disneyland unfortunately closed early due to a Halloween party, so at 7 p.m. we had to move over to California Adventure which was very crowded. We aren't so fond of the crowds. But we did get to sort of see their new show, "World of Color." It was a cool water show.
Abby driving at Autopia.
King Arthur's Carousel.
Saturday was cousin Dexter's first birthday party at a park. We all had a great time--especially Abby since she got to play for hours. She even got to swing at a pinata.
We gave Dexter some blocks and a Book of Mormon!
