Waiting

We had an early start one day and ended up getting to Costco 20 minutes before it opened. While we were waiting for the store to open we took out the camera and played a little. I just love these pictures of the boys.

Best Friends!

SILLY!

We love Mommy.

My Little Boy

In early October I cut the boys' hair. I finally gave Connor a buzz cut like the other two. I felt a little sad because he lost his baby boy look and now looks more like a big kid. I'm glad he's growing up, but my mommy heart feels a little sad that he is. No more babies in our home--at least until we have grandkids. :)

Meet Bones

Don found this big gopher snake at school during one of his PE classes. He picked it up and it was a really calm snake. It doesn't seem to mind people at all. In fact when you pick him up he coils around your arm and he's hard to get off. He is now Don's classroom pet. He comes home over long breaks and the kids really enjoy him especially watching him eat. We named the snake Bones. I think snakes are pretty cool and I don't mind holding the nonpoisonous ones. Nobody took a picture of me holding the snake though. Here are the pictures of the kids with Bones.

I love this one of Sierra.

If you'll be nice to me, I'll be nice to you.

This is SOOO cool!

My new friend.

This is Fun!

Tent Fun

One afternoon in September we set up this indoor tent. The boys settled in to eat lunch and watch the movie Bolt. They had a lot of fun with this. They were so cute to watch and listen to as they enjoyed the movie and each other. Good memories.

Carson's Birthday

It's hard to believe it has been 4 years since Carson was born.
His early birth was so scary.
He was so small and so sick, but he was quite the fighter.
We are so glad to be celebrating four years of his life.

We had lots of things happen to help celebrate his birthday.
Playschool was at our house and we had a
happy birthday/un-birthday party.
We played pin the nose on the clown and had a bean bag toss.
We decorated cookies and all the kids exchanged gifts.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures during playschool.

In the evening the Casady kids were over (it was our turn to baby-sit).
We repeated many of the activities--
9 kids and a birthday, why not make it a party.
Still didn't take pictures of everything,
but got some fun shots anyway.

Morgan tossing bean bags.

Trevor's turn.

Carson is really concentrating.
Carson really enjoyed opening his presents.

Hmmm!?!
Transformer Walkie-Talkies
Connor likes theses too!

Ooh! What's this?

A train conductor's outfit.

Mommy's little engineer.

Time for birthday wishes.

Let them eat CAKE! and ice cream, too.

YUMMY!!!
Carson, we are so glad you are a part of our family!
We would not be complete without your sparkling personality,
playful ways, joyful laugh, and cuddly hugs.
We love you so much!
Happy Birthday.

Ben & Ione Wells Visit

In August, my grandparents, Ben & Ione Wells, came from Spokane, WA for a visit. They were here in the high desert for a month. It was so good to see them and have time to spend with them. We had a couple of large family get-togethers. Becca organized a family BBQ for Aug. 22nd. To my delight my other grandparents, Joy & Harry Klein, and my cousin, Qiana, with her 2 kids, Mina & Dante, came from San Diego to party with us. We held it at the park and played soccer, water balloon fight, badminton, and horseshoes. We also got to meet Becca's boyfriend, Jaren. We think he is a great guy!
We had a great time visiting and playing. Unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures of this event so I posted one of the 2 I took. I'll have to get more from Mom.

On Sept. 5th we met at my parents home for dinner and games. Mom made nachos and enchiladas. Yum! We had such a great time together and shared lots of laughs. That day I remembered to take pictures. Yay!

Qiana, Joy, Dante, Jean, Ione, Becca,
Jaren, Ben, Harry, & Mina at the park.

Ione & Ben
Something is funny!

Jaren & Becca

Dad & Mary rock out on Guitar Hero.

Grandpa is bowling on the Wii
while Grandma, Don, Morgan, Becca, & Jaren watch.

We took pictures family pictures with Grandma & Grandpa.

Grandma, Mary, and Noah being a little silly.

I love these last 2 pictures of my mom with her parents.

What a great time we had. I'm so glad that they could travel here so we could see them. Grandma & Grandpa, we sure do love you!! Thanks for the memories.

School and Soccer

School started on August 3rd and so did soccer. The kids all love their teachers and, for the most part, are enjoying school. Sierra started middle school this year. Whoa! Can it really be so! My little girl is growing up. She is attending the school where Don works and likes going to school with her dad. Her best friend, Emily, is in all of her classes which she is very happy about. She does not like that she has to get up earlier (5:50 am as opposed to 7 am). She is not a morning person -- just like Dad. She has a bit more homework than she did last year and a lot more than she would like. Overall, she has made the adjustment well and likes school. Caden is in the 3rd grade and loves school. He has a good teacher and is doing very well. He is a voracious reader often finishing his books in a week or less. Morgan is in the 1st grade and has the same teacher Caden had in first grade. She really likes her teacher and does well in school, even though she tells me every morning that she doesn't want to go to school.
Sierra and Caden are both playing soccer this season. We now spend 3 nights a week at soccer practice and about 3 hours or so at the soccer fields every Saturday to watch the games. It makes life a little crazier trying to fit everything in, but I really don't mind it. The kids are getting exercise and learning new skills. Its fun to watch as they master new skills and improve. The younger kids even like going to the fields during practices and games. They get a chance to be outside and run around. They even like to play soccer. I took the following video of the boys after a practice. Hope you enjoy it.