HALLOWEEN

Ben the scary Snake!

Alec the green Turtle.

Ty the cute Chicken.

The kids were so excited for Halloween this year. Ben unfortunately really wanted to be a King Cobra Snake. I convinced him that a black snake would be just as cool, and he was my good helper stuffing the tights. They loved trick-or-treating, and even Ty got into it. He would not let anyone carry his pumpkin of treats. After about of week of endless candy and begging for treats. We found a Wii game on Craigslist for cheap and had them trade in all their candy for the game. It was the best thing!! Next year I'll attempt that sooner after Halloween.

Pumpkin Picking

The Berry Ranch Pumpkin Picking and Hay Ride

Last night for family night, our little family went to a farm to pick our pumpkins for the season. The pumpkins in our garden failed miserably this year, so we had to go elsewhere. It was nice to be in the country though with a fun farm atmosphere. The pumpkin patch was huge, and had the biggest pumpkins I've seen in along time. Ty really loved the little petting zoo with the sheep, cows, chickens, pigs, and sheep. However the animals were so dirty it was more of a looking zoo then a petting zoo. The smell brought back quick memories of growing up on a farm. There are somethings not missed, and other things I hate living without.

Here is Ben in one of the old tractors they had displayed.

The kids had to be able to carry the pumpkin they picked. It was difficult though to find one small enough for Alec to carry. We finally resorted to just being able to pick it up for a short time.

Ty spent more time climbing on pumpkins or laying on the ground from tripping on the vines, then he did standing. He loved the farm!! From animals to throwing hay, it was his perfect little place.

We just got back from a fun family vacation to Seattle. Two of Luke's good friends, Kevin & Shaun, live there and were kind enough to show us the sights. The children loved the ocean and anything to do with it. We now have a lovely bowl of sea shells. We spent some time at Pt. Defiance Zoo where the hight lights consisted of the amazing aquarium and the huge walruses. The Pike Place Market was a lot of fun. I loved the beautiful flower shops and the big city. The boys loved watching the sales men throw fish for customers. We then shared figs and a pomegranate from the market under the Space Needle. Riding the Ferry to Vashon Island was a fun new thing for the boys. While we were there we had a picnic, hunted for sea shells, and viewed the light house. The Seattle Temple was beautiful! Krissy gave us a fun scavenger hunt to do with the boys while we were there, and minus the rain it was worth the trip in itself. One of my favorite things about the trip was dining at the restaurant "Anthony's" on my birthday. There was babysitter for all the kids and the adults enjoyed a seafood meal overlooking the ocean. Thanks Shaun and Kevin or a great weekend. It was so fun hanging out with good friends. We now know that an 8 hour drive is very long, but due-able with the kids. Alec's funny line during the drive, "Ben you make me sad on the inside and angry on my face."

First day of

PRESCHOOL

Play Group

Alec started his first day of a play group Preschool today. It consists of 7 children all 2 years away from Kindergarten. Each Mom takes a turn teaching a day, and my first day will be next week. We'll see how it goes. Alec is so excited he could hardly stand waiting. He had his back pack on way in advance so I had to get his picture.

Ty of course would not be left out. As soon as he saw Alec with a backpack, he then proceeded to pull the small kid coat rack on himself trying to get a backpack. I found a little bag that could fit on his shoulders and he was so excited. As soon as Alec's picture was over, Ty then took his spot and said "cheese." I couldn't resist taking the picture. The bag had to stay on during the drive to drop Alec off at preschool. Poor Ty really thought he was going to, and he cried the entire way home. His little whimpers didn't stop until he finally fell asleep for his nap. For a kid who is short on words, he sure knows what is going on.

KINDERGARTEN

The First Day of School!!

I can hardly believe Ben is already old enough to go to school, but he was definitely ready!! His favorite word to describe it is "Awesome." The morning before it started was so long for him. He loves his teacher Mrs. T, and is excited about the kids on the bus. I hope liking school never changes for him for a long time.

Idaho State Fair

I decided it was time I started blogging again. I have been a slacker all summer and figured it was time I started again.

The kids each got to pick one ride, so here is Alec in a green plane. He spent the entire ride ducked in the plane because the man running the ride was squirting some of the kids with water guns. He was not willing to chance a little water I guess.

Our three crazies acting the part of cheesy vegetables.

The petting zoo was by far the favorite part of the fair for Ty. He wanted so badly to climb right in with the animals. He loves animals!!