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.

FIRST DAY Pictures!

 Kate...

Natalie...

Scott...

Scott measured 5'6" at his 12 year old check up! 

A quiet house makes for a sad puppy...

           

Summer Wrap-Up

Mike, Jon, Scott, & Scout ventured to a hiking trail and had a great day! They hiked for 10 miles!  I am thankful that they were able to have some male bonding time, and I am even more thankful that they left me at home!  Ten miles would be about 7 too many for me!:)

 I've been practicing my French braiding skills this summer.  Still have some practicing to do, but I'm starting to get the hang of it!

 Kate lost her front tooth and the other one is loose!  Love this phase!

These girls have gained a lot of strength at home this summer.  Natalie has practiced liked crazy on her tumbling and watched how-to videos.  A few weeks ago, she nailed her round-off back handspring.  I spent years working on this skill and didn't get it until high school.  I was impressed that within months of setting her mind to it, she is doing it! 

I continue to be amazed at how long Playdough can hold their attention.  Natalie & Kate will play with it for days for hours at a time.  I'm also amazed at how much of a mess it can make.  I have to just ignore the floor during their Playdough sessions.

Kate & her school buddies again- in case you didn't recognize them upside down. 
                                      

Jon & I celebrated our 15th anniversary last month!  He's my best friend, and I am so thankful that I get to be his wife. 

                                                 

Scott flew through the teen Left Behind Series and the Chronicles of Narnia series this summer.  I love it that he loves to read! 

 

Despite the restrictions and such, it turned out to be a nice summer.  I was talking with some moms the other day, and we agreed that it was the first time that we actually felt like we had plenty of time to spend together and that it was time to return to school.  Instead of being sad that our summer flew by too quickly, I think we can say that we are all ready to return to school and get back into the routine.  So here goes... (Insert foreign sounding early alarm clock!)
                                           

Summer Marches On

Despite these comments by the kids, we really do try to practice good dental hygiene.  

Kate one morning before church:  Mom, can I not brush my teeth today?  
Me:  Go brush them!
Kate:  But I'm wearing a mask!

Scott after leaving his dental cleaning appointment:  They spent forever scraping all of the plaque off of my back teeth- the ones no one can even see! 

Always a treat when the kids get to play with their cousins!

I'm not sure what's more impressive- the double rainbow or the stacks of firewood that Jon has cut.  Anyone have a marshmallow that needs roasting?  We've got you covered!

Kate with her school buddies

Swim lessons were a hit again this year!  The kids continued to make progress, and Kate became much braver in the water. 

Living Room ballet production

Celebrating the 4th of July!

A couple of neighbors put on quite a fireworks display that we enjoyed from the front porch!