Pumpkins

We actually got around to caving the pumpkin this year, which the boys were happy about it. We let Tyler and Carter mostly do it on their own , with a little help from us to clean them up some. Cater had his pumpkin look just like his plastic pumpkin bucket, Tyler had a vampire pumpkin, Nolan had a smiley face pumpkin with two teeth (since he can count to two now) and Livi had an "o" face pumpkin since she loves to say "uh oh" Enjoy the pictures!

Conferences

The boys had their first conferences. Heather came over and watched the kids so Justin and I could go together. Tyler was up first and he is doing great. It was fun to read the stories he writes everyday. I am amazed by his memory, he writes about things that happened years ago. He needs to work on slowing down some and on his punctuation, but that's about it. He is excelling in math and is reading very well as well. We likes the competition to see who can get to 100% on their computer program first, which we don't mind as he always strives on competition. We were very happy to hear such a great report.

Carter was next and once again he had a great report. At the beginning of the year he had a hard time adjusting to school and following the rules. We are happy to hear that that is no longer the case. He is also excelling academically, with his scores being way above the rest of his class and the district. We asked about being bored, and she says while he is the first done, he always has something else to go to, so he thinks he is ok for now. His gym teacher did comment on him needing to be more of a team player, but since he really doesn't like sports or competition or losing, this didn't surprise us too much. He is working on it. Justin and I couldn't be more proud of how well our two young men are doing.

Leaves

Because of all the aspens we have a ton of leaves. The other day we raked them all up and let the kids go for it. Tyler and Carter loved it, burying themselves in the leaves. Nolan also thought it was fun to run and jump in them. Olivia would walk in them and then quickly walk out. Eventually she sat with me in the leaves, but she loves throwing them around more than anything. Fall is always so fun!

A-Hiking We Will Go

The weather has been so nice this fall so far. We only got  a dusting of snow so far, very weird but nice! So we are trying to enjoy it and took a hike in Ute Valley park. We had Olivia in the backpack  which took her a while to warm up to. Just like swings, she does not love to feel like she may fall or anything. But after a couple minutes she was fine on daddy's back. Nolan had to hike most of the way, and he did great. Just at the very end did he get tired and want to be carried. At one point Justin was carrying Nolan, and he and Olivia loved getting to play with each other that way.  For the very last part we put Nolan in the backpack and I carried Olivia. The older two of course loved hiking around and it was once again a great afternoon.

Oma's Visit

Oma came to visit which is always a great time! She actually came so that Justin and I could have a night away, which was very nice. On Wednesday she came over and took the babies and I shopping, spoiling us way to much. She then picked the boys up from school which they loved. She then came over to have dinner and cake with us n Carter's birthday and to see how everyone went to bed. On Saturday she came over and had the kids from about noon on Saturday til noon on Sunday. Justin and I went to Todd's wedding, which was beautiful and a great time to see old friends. We then had a hotel for the night downtown, and we enjoyed sleeping soundly through the entire night. Oma tells us the kids did great for her, and we are so thankful for her visit so we could have some time away. Thanks Oma!!

Birthday

On Carter's birthday, the boys had the day off of school, so Justin took it off as well. We started with breakfast at Starbucks and then ran some errands. After that we went and did Glow Golf (Carter's choice). We then had dinner at Olive Garden with Oma and came home for Captain America cake. Carter seemed to  enjoy his day, and really loved his presents - a drum set from mom and dad and a new "cool" bike helmet from his siblings. Happy Birthday Carter Bear!

Six Years Old

Carter James I can't believe you are 6! You have a such a sweet heart and such a fun personality. You are the first to tell jokes and try to make everyone laugh. You like to do and have what other kids get to do and have. Asking me like when you can have you own phone or video games. You can be very sensitive and get upset very easily, but you also are the first to say sorry when you make a mistake. I love all the different parts of your personality.

You are doing so well in school. We had a few hiccups at the beginning  but now its smooth sailing. At times I think you may be a little bored, but you seem to handle it ok. You are great at your writing and reading more and more everyday. You love to do your homework on the computer and you still are my artist loving to draw and color. Along with doing well in school, you are still my neat child. I never have to remind you to put your shoes away or to get dressed in the morning.When we get home from school the first thing you do is put everything away, I love it.

You love your superheros and are always running around playing some type of imaginary play. That is when you are not jumping on the trampoline. You love to do flips and keep asking to be put in gymnastics.  You still love to watch your shows on disney, but I don't usually get complaints when I tell you its time to turn it off.

You love playing with your little brother and sister. You always offer to dress Nolan and get Olivia out of her crib. And they love you back, Olivia especially loves it when you come around and give her attention. You love to play with Tyler too, and you are always asking him to stop playing football and join you in some adventure. While at times we do hear the occasional "You're not nice" from the two of you, its more common to hear giggling and talking.

You can now ride your bike with no issues, but you still usually gravitate towards your scooter. You love to be out front waiting for dad to come home. I think you like to play out in the garage more than anything. You love to know how everything works, and that include dad's tools. If he is working on something, you are usually out there with him trying to help.

It has been a great year Carter and we couldn't be prouder of the young man you are becoming. We love you!

Tanks

On our way back from the pumpkin pacth we stopped at Fort Carson so we could look at the tanks. While Olivia napped, the boys went crazy climbing on all of them. Nolan had no fear at all being on top of the huge tank. Of course the older boys loved it as well. One of the great things about living in the Springs is doing things like this.

Pumpkin Patch

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch and once again it was a very fun time. I always love how different the kids are. Carter took a very long time to find his perfect pumpkin, while Tyler had his with thr second one he looked at. Nolan had fun trying to carry all the pumpkins and Olivia just loved running around. Nola also loved the hay ride. Enjoy the pictures!

Sickness

Another week, another batch of sickness. It started with Olivia and quickly spread through all the kids. Olivia had a fever and a pretty bad rash, so we took her in. Hand Foot and Mouth disease. Pretty much a miserable sickness where you have sores everyone (including your throat for about a week). The next day was Field Day for the boys. Justin even took the day off to see them in action. Tyler woke up with a fever so he couldn't go. At lunch Carter complained about his throat. Tyler said his throat was fine, but it looked bad. So we took both of them in and they both had it. So Carter then too had to miss the rest of field day. Nolan was never officially diagnosed but we just assumed he had it with his fever and fussiness. Needless to say it was a long week. Glad we are all better again!

Garden of the Gods

 It was a beautiful day we went for a hike at Garden of the Gods. We started by balance rock so the boys could really climb on the rocks. Tyler and Carter loved it. Of course then Nolan and Olivia also wanted to climb. They always impress me with how well they do, even if I am holding my breath most of the time. After that we went to the main trail where we usually walk on and Cater and Tyler did more hiking. Nolan and Olivia both did very well without a stroller and it was a very fun afternoon. Enjoy the pictures!