November's Nutshell

Luke's learning about mixing primary colors to create the color wheel at the library.

 They had a fun experiment with milk, food coloring, and dish soap that Lucas still has us re-create at home on a weekly basis. He loves watching the colors shoot and swirl around. 

We went to an assembly where Emma was awarded another Character Counts -- a big deal in the Compass school. Great job Emma! Always proud to be your parents and hear what a good student and friend you are at school! 

She was extra excited that Brad was able to make this one!

 It's supposed to be a surprise for the student to get the award, and the kids started paying attention to my clothing... On any regular Friday morning, I'm dressed and ready to go to volleyball, and so when I would wear regular clothes with hair and make-up done, they'd be guessing they won. I tried to fool them this time by dressing in my volleyball clothes with hair pony-tailed. They're getting too smart and observant...

The kids favorite chore -- raking leaves! 

 We took Aaron and Christopher with us to the Aquarium while they were waiting for Angela to get off work. Luke's getting a little braver with the sting-ray and was able to pet quite a few.

 Jake trying to high-five one as it flapped the edge -- he kept trying to follow the "big one" around. 

 And Emma, the animal lover, just soaking it all in. 

Lucas and Christopher petting a shark!

And as soon as we came back from Thanksgiving -- we set up our Christmas tree and made a count-down chain. I've got three very excited kids for Christmas! 

November 2018

Trunk and Trick or Treating

Trunk-or-Treating at school! Lucas was giggles, squeals, and evil laughs the entire time. Who doesn't love getting free candy? He was in heaven.

We didn't score at the cupcake walk, but Jake and Emma were able to nab a donut on a string.

Then a few days later we walked around our neighborhood with a gypsy, vampire, and Buzz Lightyear. Plenty of fun, plenty of candy, and plenty cold. Another great Halloween in the books!

Oct 2018

Pumpkin-Carving

 Pulling out pumpkin guts still isn't their favorite thing to do, but they get more and more out by themselves each year!

 Jake and Emma designed their own pumpkins and got to work!

 Lucas made a spider on one side, and a ghost on the other!

  Turned out great!

Oct 2018

Pumpkin Patches

Lucas and I started the day with a field trip to Linder Farms. He enjoyed all the picture posing.

  A very bumpy hay ride, that he was ready to get off of within the first minute. It was a fun first minute though.

 Corn pits and cow trains. He had a bit of a melt down when the train drove off without me in it. When they came back, he was in tears because he thought he lost me... poor kid.

 After some bounce house fun and petting zoo, we headed out so he could find his perfect pumpkin. 

When everyone else got home, we headed out to the Farmstead. We let the kids lead us through the kids corn maze -- which lasted longer than it should have, but it was fun to watch them try to remember where we'd been and how to get out.

We all had some fun throwing balls into hoops and holes, more corn pits, big slides, and a game of Tug-of-war where Brad was against all of us. We lost. Badly. Emma and Jake came with me through the monster in the dark. Jake couldn't wait to get around each corner, and Emma was a bit nervous hearing it's heartbeat and not being able to see where things were. We all made it out in one piece -- a fun little experience!

 Emma and Jake with their pumpkins! 

 They took turns pushing the pumpkin-barrel through the patch. I'm loving these bigger kids and their ability to do more! 

 A quick picture in the big chair!

Oct 2018

Swings and Soccer's End

Swings have always been more of a stressful activity for Jake with his sensory issues with speed and height. He would only allow me to push him about 1/3 of the way this time last year. This may seem like a small thing, but is a major improvement to see! Jake and Emma finally enjoying swings and swinging all the way to the top! Baby steps -- but we're moving! Now to work on Lucas, who only likes to swing on his belly!

Lucas and Emma's soccer pictures.

Jake's soccer team at their pizza party -- crazy group of fun boys!

Lucas at the library with Ms Nicole for silly song and dance day. He loves to sit at the very front with the teacher!

A morning snuggle. Lucas and Lizzy are always finding me and climbing into my lap. It seems there's a whole 'lotta couch going to waste here... Feeling the love.

Oct 2018