Spooky Fun

Avery's classmate, Roman, who lives up the street had a Halloween party for his 1st grade friends Saturday night. They had over the top decorations; most of which Avery had to see up close and personal. The kids had such a good time - check out Avery holding his baby sister while they waited for the pinata. Yep, this photo has made the screen saver on Wade's and my phones. Think she likes the laser gun, what do you think? Princess and Anakin Skywalker Avery was rockin' the Wii Dance (after the girls took a break of course)

Welcoming Fall

Our favorite pumpkin patch, Ford's Farm, is up for sale so this year we had to find a new place to ring in Fall. A blessing in disguise, we headed to Hondo to the Corn Maize and had the best time ever! Loved these signs they had for "Reserved Parking..." We each found one that fit us! Ella bonded with the baby black goat even though we didn't have anything to feed it Avery already in pretend mode - he's ready to be a farmer he said Oh wow, she posed for this picture like we have never seen before! Hand on her hip and all! Hanging on the hay bales I love how Ella puts her arm around my neck and squeezes tight Fun in the "kiddie" area Ella spent a good amount of time on the swings with daddy Our only attempt for a family photo.. Ella wanted to go BACK to the swings And now for the corn maize. This has always been on my bucket list of things to do but night time with flashlights is more of what I've always envisioned. We ended up only going through half of it before breaking for snacks. It spelled "We will never forget" in the corn, very cool. Avery took this picture of mom and dad! Maybe this means you'll be seeing more pics of Wade and I together! The kids having a blast My little "Children of the Corn" An old fashion tractor pull; riding with Ella in an old oil barrel complete with 2x4 wooden seat... ouch! CORN POPPER, oh ya! Headed to the pumpkin patch to find the best one! Our 2 jokesters... they are to peas in a pod when they get in their silly moods. Ella wanted all the "baby ones." We bought 2 for Grandma Trish! She struggled picking this one up but was so proud once she did. She likes to say, "Look at me, I'm strong!" Then Avery had to prove his strength too. What a fantastic day... Happy Fall everyone!

1st Nine Weeks Award

Avery was recognized this morning for perfect attendence for the 1st 9 weeks of school. His new teacher Mrs. Morris and the principal gave him his certificate and ribbon. Although the achievement was small, the reinforcement was just what Avery needed this year from his teacher and us. (Due to overcrowding, Avery was one of 22 kids moved to a new class after the 2nd week of school. Let's just say the transition was tough but we are coming around slowly but surely.) Celebrate the small victories of today!

Happy Days are Here Again

Last weekend we traveled to Austin to spend time with Wade's family including Lisa, Dann, Dylan and Dante from Montana and cousin Evan. We shared an emotional weekend together as we celebrated GG's 92 years of life; a truly amazing women who is dearly missed. In times like these, it's the innocence and beauty of children that provide strength and smiles when you don't think they are possible. This was the case of Ella, who that evening had such a fun time running around in her heels; totally unaware and blissfully happy in the moment. The following day, we had an impromptu pool party. Us Texans thought pool season was over but for those Montanans, the water was just right. While they adults prepared for the open house later that evening, the cousins had a water volleyball match and Avery and Ella loved every minute with the "big kids". Here's a few pictures from the afternoon including this one of Ella playing with her favorite puppy, Angel. Ella was the best "ball girl" constantly fetching it from the yard and returning it to the game. After a few hours of this, she couldn't take it anymore and literally snuck into the hot tub in her dress! Ella learned to "cheers" with Aunt Shelly. She thought it was a fun game and was very proud of herself. Thank goodness she only had a cup of water! Wade worked extremely hard on a slide show presentation viewed by all that evening. I'm very proud of my husband and the strength he has shown over the past month. And our children who are so resilient; it's hard to see daddy cry but has taught them that everyone cries and it's ok.

Let There Be Peace

Hard to believe it's been a month since the last blog post but then again, it's been a rough month. One ray of sunshine was picking up this photo of the kiddos from their photography session in June. I could just stare at it for hours - looking at their smiles and the sparkle in their eyes. Our babies are growing up so fast and in doing so, learning that not everything goes their way, loved ones pass away and you have to be responsible for your actions. Parenting is the toughest job there is, you can't convince me otherwise. So this blog is for the parents who are doing their best to raise responsible and respectable children; bless you all!