Cousins

Last weekend we made a last minute trip to Abilene to visit my family.  It was exactly what we needed- some time away as a family to have fun.  It was a very short trip but we crammed in tons of fun.  We started the day off at Aunt Annie's house where the kids enjoyed their new minature pony.  Then we all headed to the pumpkin patch (which requires a seperate post!) and we finished the evening at Grandpa & Grandma's house for a bonfire. 

This is the best group shot we got of the cousins- it really is no easy task!

Peyton enjoyed her first bonfire.  And she LOVES her hat- don't let my sisters tell you otherwise!

We got up early on Sunday morning to head home.  The kids were not happy at all- wait who am I kidding- I wasn't happy either!  However there is beauty in the morning to enjoy.

I am glad we were able to make the trip to see family even if the visit was short.  We promised the kids we will stay longer at Christmas.  I love it that my kids have cousins to share life with!

7 months

Peyton- I have no idea where the last 7 months have gone.  You are such a sweet baby with the biggest smile.  My heart melts to hear you giggle and talk.  You complete our family baby girl.  We love you so much!

Fall Parties

The boys had their fall parties at school today.  I was only able to see a few minutes of Hayden's party because I am head room mom in Jackson's class. 

Although I wasn't able to be in Hayden's class long,  I was there long enough to see that there is a little girl who has a crush on my boy.

I was trying to get a picture of him and when she saw me she said "oh I want my picture with Hayden" She goes to our church and is always finding him.  Jerry went to have lunch last week with him and had told me about this little girl that came up to Hayden at lunch and just kept staring at him.  When I showed him this picture tonight he said "That's the girl I told you kept staring at him!"  She also told me how much she likes Hayden's new glasses:)

New Look

Hayden got a new look today!















After failing an eye test at the pediatrician's office last month we took him to go have his eyes tested.  We found out his has astigmatism and is having problems seeing both far and close up.  So then we went on a hunt for the perfect glasses.  These were the first pair he picked out and and after trying out lots more, we came back to these.  I think they fit him perfectly.  He looks so grown up now!

School

These are all pictures taken by Jack's teacher.  I love that she captures my child during school doing stuff I don't get to see. 

And this is Jack's favorite thing to do at recess!  This is why he has had huge blisters on his both hands for the last two months!

First field trip

Jack had his first field trip today.  They went to Union Station to watch the play "To Give a Mouse a Cookie"  Only two moms were able to go and my name was not drawn.  He was very sad, but had a good time anyways.  Thanks to his wonderful teacher, I still got some great pics.

Our weekend

Our weekend went by so fast.  It was full of pumpkins, fall decor, onery kids (especially one blue eyed little girl!)

I think she likes this toy better now than she did when actually was supposed to be in it!

Jack took my camera and did a photo shoot with all his pumpkins and Hayden.  Not bad for a 5 yr old.

Earrings

This cutie had a big day on Saturday.  She finally got her ears pierced!  I had been planning to get it done for the last month since Kate got her's done at 6 months.  I finally just drug all 4 kids to Claires (not a kid friendly place!) and luckily they weren't busy and we were in and out in 15 min.  Of course, during that time Kate found LOTS of pretty things she thought she needed.  Kate was very excited about Peyton's earrings.

Jack's class

I love Jack's teacher.  Her love for pictures is equal to mine which is very exciting considering she is with my child as much as I am.  She is constantly taking pictures and posting them on her website or emailing them to us.  Last Friday was picture day and within 2 hours of pictures, she had emailed us the class picture.

Aren't they so cute??!!  Jack only has 15 kids in his class this year which is so nice. 

Art

Jackson definately got my love for creating.  He LOVES any type of craft.  I am constantly finding his art all over the house.  The other night Jerry told me I had to put a stop to this because "his art is taking over our house!" (Jerry doesn't appreciate the creativity like I do:)  I made a display wall in their room for him to hang his projects, the problem is with the quantity he is making we run out of room quickly!  We go through more paper, glue, tape and stickers in a month than most households do in a year!  Last weekend he made a surprise for us in our bedroom.  He was so proud of himself.

This is batman, spiderman, Flash and not sure what the rest is.  He had drawn them all, cut them out and taped them to our wall.  (Jerry was thrilled!) 

Tonight he wanted to have an art night and he wanted to be the teacher.  So he taught me how to make a snail, like the one he made in his art class last week.

It melts my heart to see his love for creating.  I love to watch him as he focuses on his project with his tongue hanging out as he concentrates.  It is so exciting to see him develop his natural talents.  We had him in an art class this summer and his teacher was very complimentary of him.  We hope to enroll him again.  It is so exciting to see your kids use their God given talent. 

Another first

And yet another first in the last 7 days.  Peyton had cereal for the first time tonight.  We started the other kids on cereal around 4 months, however the pediatrician said new research out was recommending waiting until 6 months.  I wasn't going to argue.  I didn't have to deal with the mess sooner and I am not anxious for my baby to grow up!  So we waited.  And what a difference it made.  Peyton did wonderful with the cereal.  She chowed down and wanted more!  She knew what to do, no spitting it out like the other kids.