Halloween

I was worried I would miss Halloween, but I didn't! During the day the kids got to wear their costumes to school. Nolan also had a parade that Olivia and I went to watch (and she wore her costume as well). Then that night we had fun trick or treating around the neighborhood Olivia refused to wear a jacket even though it was somewhat chilly. All 4 of them would go up to each house with no problems and the older boys tell me the babies always remembered to say thank you. Although sometimes Nolan would try to grab more than one piece. When we got home the older boys had fun handing out the last of our candy. When I was in Michigan Justin took the kids to Lindsay house where they had a pumpkin carving party, so I think we got all Halloween actives in! In case you cant tell their costumes are: Tyler - seal six military guy, Carter - Spider Man, Nolan - lion, Olivia -Minnie mouse.

Michigan Trip

My grandma passed away so I went to Michigan for the funeral while Justin stayed home with the kids. While it was for a sad occasion it was very nice to be with my brothers and my parents. It was also great seeing my cousins as well. My brothers, cousins, and I did the entire memorial service for my grandma. It was very sweet and personal, just as she would have wanted. We also got to spend some time in my grandma's house remembering all the time we spent there. I am so glad I got to go out and be with my family during ths time. I am also so thankful that I went and saw her one last time and Livi got to meet her as well. She will be missed. So thankful for Justin as well to stay home with the kids. I am one blessed mama.

Toy Donation

Like Tyler, Carter also decided to donate the gifts he got from his birthday party to the Children's Hospital. I am so proud of my boys and their great hearts!!!

Pool Birthday Party

Carter decided to have his birthday party at the pool this year. We invited all the boys in his class and they had a great time. The lifeguards were great and did everything with the boys. I didnt even get into the pool and Justin just stayed with the babies. The boys played in the lazy river, did the log walk, and even sat in the hot tub. After swimming we had some cake and juice. It was a great party and I had fun getting to know some parents as well.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to our annual pumpkin patch and had a great time. A new city means and new pumpkin patch and I think we found a great one. There were tons of rides and things for the kids to climb on and a corn maze and we all had a great time. However, we did not get pumpkins there. We opted to get cheaper ones at the grocery store. We still had a great time. Th boys loved navigating through the maze together. The babies loved climbing on the playground and the hay ride. We went on a fast train ride that I rode with Livi with. She hated it, but everyone else had fun. They had trike races for the boys as well. Enjoy the pictures!

7 Years Old

Carter James I can not believe you are 7 years old. You are such a sweet boy, with such a tender heart. You still love art and also really like experiments and science projects. You love to be outside, but usually we find you talking to neighbors or fiddling with tools in the garage. You do love to ride your bike as well, but you are just as content to sit and observe the world. You are so great with playing with your little brother and sister, usually asking them to join you in a game of hide and seek or building them something with blocks. You love when Tyler reads to you at night, but I have a suspicion you will be reading on your own pretty sufficiently pretty soon. You are also a great helper around the house. We usually don't have to ask you more than once to do your chores or put your stuff away. You like order and routine thats for sure. You are more sensitive
and get your feeling hurt if you think someone doesnt like you at school, but you are also the first to stand up for others. We are so proud of the young man you are becoming. Happy Birthday Carter Bear!

Conferences

We had the boys school conference. Steve and Melissa watched the kids so we both got to go and hear what the teachers had to say. As usual both boys are doing great in school. Carter is exceling in math and is actually getting pulled for enrichment. He is right where he should be and almost borderline a little below for reading so they are going to nip that in the bud and get some reinforcement in. So happy to hear that! He isn't having any issues socially and being a great classmate at school. Tyler is also doing great His teacher hasn't noticed any hearing issues at all. He also gets Math enrichment and and is ahead in reading and gets harder spelling tests. I love that this school makes sure the kids are being challenged even when they are ahead. He is also making friends just fine and she has no issues with classroom behavior at all. So proud of our boys!!

Carter's Art Reception

Last Spring I got an email from Carter's old art teacher letting me know his art was picked to be on display at the Library down in the Springs in October. I wrote his teacher letting her know he wouldn't be at the school anymore, but she said his art work could still be shown. So we headed down to the Springs to go see it and for a little reception for all the students whose art work was being presented. It was really fin to see his art on display and he was pretty proud of himself. We also drove by our old house, which the kids did fine with, and looked for some Halloween costumes. It was a fun day and we had a fun day celebrating our little artist!

Aspens

We took a Saturday and did our annual drive to go see the Aspens. We knew it would be different than the years in the past, but we still had a great time. It was pretty chilly and windy so we didn't do any hiking or anything, but the views were still gorgeous. We finished up the day by driving by the place we had our Llama race with the youth group we helped lead when I was 7 months pregnant with Tyler. Fun memories!  The picture of the two boys is where the first river crossing was. The kids had fun and as always we love enjoying God's creation. Enjoy the pictures!