Hiking- a.k.a. Building More Character

Over Fall Break, we ventured to a state park for a day of hiking.  The pouring rain stopped just as we arrived, so despite having soggy trails, we had a typically crowded park to ourselves.  As we drove, I was wondering what we would have done if the rain hadn't stopped, and knowing Jon, we would have been one very wet family.  SO- Thank you, Lord for both keeping us dry and for saving our marriage!:)  

For the record, we did Trail 5 despite the 3 vs. 2 vote.  Jon always tells us that we're building character.  No comment.

Scout makes hiking much more fun and never seems to get tired!

The end- (partly because I'm catching up on my blog and updating 2 months after this happened so I'm short on details besides the rain and Rugged Trail 5.) 

KATE is EIGHT

Two months ago today, Kate turned eight! She had to go to school on her birthday (the injustice!), so we celebrated a few other times. 

Opening gifts here and there...

Special trip to Build-a-Bear with the grandparents...

Before Kate's party, she realized that she had a picture of her and one of her friends hanging in her room, but not a picture with the other girl.  She brought the picture to me and told me we should put it away so that the other girl didn't feel left out. This sums up Kate so well...always thinking about how others might feel. 

Scavenger hunt and art party...(Hats off to Natalie for totally being my party planner! She created gifts bags, fancy place settings, and even planned a special game for the girls.)

Kate has a weekly homework packet this year in second grade.  When I approached her the night of the birthday about doing some of the work, she said, "Nah- it's my birthday."  Fair enough.  We had the whole week to complete it.  When I brought it to her the next day, she very seriously said,  "No, it's the day after my birthday.  I'll do that tomorrow."  She was going to keep the celebration going for as long as she could!

Kate continues to be a sweetheart.  She's sensitive, thinks of others, and likes to please.  She never seems to tire of staying at home, playing with Natalie, or eating garlic bread.  Everyone in our family is a big fan of Kate, and we love her to pieces!  Happy 8th Birthday, Kate!

Fun at the Farm

Over Fall Break, we made a road trip to visit my dear friend Molly and her family. I was so excited to see her again and to meet their newest addition, Baby Claire. 

Adorable Anna gave us a tour of their new place.  Her vocabulary for a two year old is amazing! She took a liking to Scott and wanted him to play with her which made me laugh.

All the girls...

While there, we visited a cool farm play place.  There were several activities to do!

This was my favorite!  The goats would stick their heads out of the holes for food!

Anna's favorite...

The potato launchers might have been Jon's favorite.  Molly has been practicing and gave everyone a run for their money!

My kids voted that this slide race was their favorite...

All in all, it was a beautiful day and special to spend time with Molly and her family.  Molly and I text/talk several times a week, but our times to see one another in person are few and far between.  So thankful for her friendship...even from afar!:)

 

Our babies...8 years...and 8 weeks...

Election Day Reflections with Jon & Kate

Election Day 2012...I remember this like it was yesterday.  I handed off week-old Kate to Jon to watch the election results pour in. Meanwhile, I went to bed and tried to get a couple hours of sleep before her next feeding. 

Election Day 2016...gotta love the elf jammies!

Election Day/Week/Month 2020...

While the results and emotions are ever-changing, I am thankful that God remains the same.  Kind of like Jon's clothes over the years.  ;)

TRUMP 2020

    Another stay-at-home mom and I were agreeing at church yesterday about how our days go by so fast and it's not like we are sitting around being idle or anything.  There is just so much productivity that takes place.

    Fast forward to today when I find myself coloring icing blue for a Trump 2020 cake and feeding my dog ham bits to get her to stop knocking her Donald wig off so that I can just get one good picture.  Productive, I tell ya! 

Hopefully all of the fun and games aren't over after tomorrow!

October Random Tidbits

                                      

Such a fun time of year!

 

 

This $10 garage sale find was a winner with Scott.  He loves to zip up and down the driveway on it and is hoping for an off-road version for Christmas.

 

Girly Fun...

Hard-working Scott...

Scout begs politely until Kate gives in and shares her popcorn. 

Fall Adventures

The weeks are FLYING by!  The kids started school and it seems like life has picked up pace! We thank the Lord often that their school is open and that they can be back to school in person.  The kids even recognize this as a blessing.  Jon enjoyed a guys' trip to Idaho at the end of August and appreciated the time away hiking in the mountains and catching up with friends. 

Natalie found out she needed glasses. While she does enjoy seeing a lot more clearly, she is already talking about contacts...and LASIK.  Might be awhile!:)

Fun with friends...

Quick trip to a woods with a lot of old growth timber which absolutely fascinates Jon.  He really should have chosen the park ranger/lumberjack career path during college!

Natalie had the opportunity to go on a 2 night outdoor adventure with her fifth grade class.  She had a fun time!   

Days prior to her leaving, Kate was very upset because she said she would miss Natalie too much.  Kate asked to write to Natalie and put a letter in her suitcase.  Ironically, Natalie had planned to have notes for Kate as well.  She gave me three envelopes before she left with instructions about when to give Kate each envelope.  Needless to say, they were happy to reunite.