October

 We visited the local pumpkin patch.

We stuffed our baby pumpkins with cinnamon and applesauce and baked them for a family home evening treat.

 

  Mary "carved" a pumpkin at school.

 The kindergarten Halloween parade was a hit.

 Austin found a train book at the library's Halloween story time.

 Anna had a Halloween party for Joy School.

"Tanner Trick or Treat!" at Daddy's new office.

 

 

 

We had a "trunk or treat" in the church parking lot.  My sister Mindi and her family came by on their way through town and got their picture taken with Darth Vader.

And... we finally got a swing set!

Chickery Chick

My grandma used to sing me a song from 1946 called "Chickery Chick."  I sang it for the kids one day, and they thought it was hilarious.  Here's the song (the lyrics start at about 1:06):

Anna decided that she and I are "chickery chicks."  She even asked me, very indignantly, why I didn't call her Chickery Chick when she was a baby.  She sang the song for me on camera a couple months ago.  (Note the marker on her legs.)

Going Private

In one week, our blog will only be available to invited readers.  If I forget to send you an invitation, please email me!

Anna's Birthday

Princess Anna turned four today!  We hosted joy school this morning and had a party with Daddy tonight. This is Anna's princess dress.  "It is beautiful, and it has butterflies and flowers," she explains.  No other dress will do. Mary is currently wearing the Tinkerbell dress that Anna received for her birthday. Anna cracks us up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Princess Anna brightens our lives every day. We are so happy she is part of our family.

Austin's Portraits

This handsome little guy was very excited to have his picture taken.

 

 

 Time to go fishing!

First day of kindergarten

Mary and I went to kindergarten this morning!

Here's the backpack shot:

I also figured out how to use the self-timer on our camera! I was very glad parents were invited to attend kindergarten the first day. Mary had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back. Her teacher is so patient and kind that I know she will be in good hands.

Austin's birthday

Austin is crazy about Thomas the Train. When he wakes up in the morning, he usually says, "Downstairs! Thom-sss!"

Mary and Anna helped me make him a Thomas cake during his nap.

We had lots of fun going to music class, blowing bubbles, and playing with water balloons.

Grandma and Grandpa came over for dinner and cake.

This little boy brings a lot of energy and happiness to our family.