Pumpkin Patch

Jordynn's preschool class was taking a field trip to the pumpkin patch.  I always chaperone.  Then I realized that Trayton had early release and I wouldn't be home in time to pick him up from school.  So I took him out even earlier and we all went to the pumpkin patch.  I had fun.  I think they did too.

Braelynn and I played on this really old tractor while the older kids were getting a hayride around the farm.  She loved it.  And I loved taking her picture on it.

 Kade in the wheat barrel.  He's such a funny kid.

 Jordynn never looks like she's having fun.  But trust me she is.  And I like taking her picture when she's not looking cause, well, she smiles funny when she thinks her picture is being taken.

Trayton was fearless.  He jumped over haybales and ran around until he was exhausted.  It's so fun to watch him grow and gain confidence in his skills.

The big kids all got to pick out a pumpkin.  Kade picked one that was so heavy he could barely lift it.

I love how serious Braelynn was on the tractor.  She was determined to figure out how it worked and get it up and running.

I know she's not looking at the camera.  She never looks at me when I want her too.  But I still like this picture.

Happy Birthday Kade!

Dear Kade, I love you.  You are awesome.  You make me laugh.  You make me cry.  You make me laugh so hard I cry.

 I was sad to buy a cake this year.  We normally have so much fun making it together.  But I was busy and you are so easy going that you thought it was fun to pick out a cake already decorated.

You've been riding a pink bike for weeks now, since you outgrew your old bike and someone gave us a pink one.  You were okay with that.  You are tuff enough to ride a pink bike without a complex.  But it was so fun to surprise you with a big boy bike.

Your giggle of delight was priceless.

So much fun.  And so much cooler than pink.

That pinata did not want to break.  But you persisted.  You even stopped it and tried dumping the candy out.  But that didn't work very well so you went back to beating it.  You had so much fun.

After your party we went to a friends party and you got more treats and surprises.  And you got your face painted.  You chose an eagle because someday you want to fly!

I love this picture of Braelynn.  She stuck her finger in her cup and got it stuck. 

You wanted Pizza for dinner.  No surprise there.  But instead of just ordering it we actually ate at the restaurant.  The manager found out it was your birthday and had the whole restaurant sing to you.  You beamed with happiness the whole time.

 Kade, I love you so much.  You are so confident and carefree.  You have so much potential, I know someday you really will fly.

Fire House

Last week the town fire department put on a fire awareness event.  They opened up a fire house and gave everybody rides on the fire trucks.  We waited in line for 45 minutes and then got a ride around the block.  The kids had a blast.

Jordynn pulled up her coat sleeve to show off her muscles.

Braelynn is such a daddy's girl these days.

Trayton, pretending to be a fireman.

Kade, I don't know what he's doing.  I normally don't.  But he had fun too.

Kent and Kassy

It has been a long time since I've seen all my family.  And in one week I actually got to see everyone.  Awesome.  I saw all but Kent in Arizona.  And Kent and Kassy took the very long drive from New Mexico to Idaho just to say hi for a couple of days.  I wish I had been a better hostess.  I spent so much time on homework and catching mice (and it was raining most of the time) that I wasn't as good of a hostess as they deserved.  We did get one nice afternoon to play outside.

Braelynn thinks the sprinkler makes a great outdoor faucet.

 Love this pic of the three girls.  If we lived closer they would be best of friends...

All the kiddos together.  So much fun.

Kent, thank you so much for coming.  It meant the world to me that you were willing to drive so far to see me.  Despite the chaos of my home, I hope someday you'll come to see me again.

Sometimes I wake up grumpy...

Mom:  (Cheerfully) Good Morning Trayton!
Trayton:  (Optimistically) Morning.  Did you get to sleep in today?
Mom:  No, I got up early to make breakfast for Dad.
Trayton:  Oh. But did you get enough sleep?
Mom:  (Confused why he keeps asking.)  I guess so. Why do you ask?
Trayton:  (Hesitant) Is it going to be a good day, or not?

Fabulous Weekend

I got to spend this last weekend with some really awesome people.  The star of the show was definitely this guy:

Meg had Tristen on Thursday September 29.  What a beautiful baby!

Thanks to Meg I had the opportunity to spend the weekend with her family.

Hailey is awesome.  So full of attitude.  But in a good way.  So much fun.

Garrett.  Total Boy.  I asked him about girls and his reaction was priceless.  Girls are definitely gross.  But he is SO good to his sisters.

Maizie.  So much love to share.  Someday you and Braelynn will be friends.  Maybe next year when she's big enough to handle your intense loves.

Chandler.  Did not like me at all.  I was not a good enough replacement for mom.  But I did bribe him with gum to get him to smile at me once before I left.

And another pic of Tristen cause he's cute.

Kayleen and I got to hang out a little bit too.  Isn't she beautiful?!

Love this picture of Kayleen and my Dad.  So much fun.  Thanks guys.

And my awesome weekend of course included this awesome lady.  Meg.  You are way too beautiful for having just had a baby.  You should be tired and frumpy.  Nope. You totally rock motherhood.  Congrats.  Your Fam is AWESOME.  Thanks for making it possible for me to come and enjoy your fabulous family!