I passed tumbling!

Well, not me. Paige and I have been taking a "Mom-n-Tot" tumbling class and today was the last day. She looked forward to it each time and is really going to miss it. The kids in the class were able to use all the equipment that the older kids use. She has been watching Hali for so long behind a window and she loved being able to go in and do everything she's seen Hali do. On the last day of class, friends and family can come into the gym to observe and take pictures. Paige seemed to really be performing for the camera! Here is our gymnast in training. You just might see her in the Olympics in 16 years!

Pumpkins

We took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch on Friday to pick out the "perfect pumpkin," as Paige kept saying about hers. We went a little late in the season and Carter had a hard time finding a big one, but he finally settled on one. I don't think he would say his was the "perfect pumpkin," but it's a pumpkin. Hali went last week on a field trip and picked out hers, so she really enjoyed telling us everything there was to know about the place. It really was a lot of fun. A tractor took us by hayride out to the patch and then came back to pick us up. There was a playground, a hay maze, and animals. We've been away from country living for too long because the kids were fascinated by the chickens and cows, like they've never seen them before. I don't think they remember the herd of cows that used to be in our backyard before we moved to Kansas. Farm animals are a novelty around where we live!

The kids got to carve their pumpkins at a church activity on Saturday. Carter and Hali did their own this year and did a great job. Paige pushed in her pieces and for the next 45 minutes, I heard, "Mom, now what do I do with my pumpkin?" She waited so patiently while Carter and Hali finished carving theirs. They were so excited to finally be able to wear their costumes. We had a great time.

A Blustery Day

Our time in Kansas is winding down fast and we are beginning to think of all the things we are going to miss. One of those being the rainstorms. But let me clarify, not the kind of rain and wind that are sometimes followed by a sound outside that we call the "Tornado Siren." We are not going to miss those storms! I'm talking about continuous thunder and lightning with a down pouring of rain. When we had only been in Kansas a few days, we were awakened in the middle of the night by one of these storms. Scared us half to death!! People later told us that we would get used to them and be able to sleep right through it. We haven't reached that point, but they don't scare me anymore. In fact, I purposely opened the sliding glass door yesterday to listen to and smell the rain. The kids on the other hand, secretly tried closing the door and few times because of the thunder and lightning, but they were busted! I want to enjoy as many rainstorms as possible over the next few months. I love the rainy days!

These pictures were taken about a year ago. I love watching the water shoot out of the downspout.

Carter's 8th Birthday

Carter turned 8 on Thursday, the 16th! He is all boy! I'm not sure if he was more excited about the Transformers wrapping paper, or the gifts inside, but all said and done he had a great day. He is a very social little guy. He likes to be the last one to leave school to make sure he tells everyone goodbye. If there is a wrestling/tickling match going on, he is right in the middle of it. He loves Transformers, Legos, and food. Carter designed his birthday cake this year. He brought me a drawing of what he wanted it to look like and what colors to use. He enjoyed building the crane and truck to go on it. I was a little sad he didn't want me to do the Lego cake I was planning on, but his was much simpler and he loved it!

Hali's Birthday

Hali celebrated her 6th Birthday on Friday. She had a smile on her face from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep. She is an angel. She brings such a sweet spirit into our home. She has a love for life and is helpful, cheerful, and spiritual. She is a friend to everyone and loves to learn. Happy Birthday, Hali!

Paige's Birthday

Paige turned 3 on Saturday! What happened to our baby? Where did the time go? Paige loves to have the whole family home. Everyday, I hear, "I miss Carter and Hali," and "I miss Dad." So it was great that her birthday fell on a Saturday this year. She loves playing with Carter and Hali and wants to be right in the middle of everything they do! She is happy, funny, and sometimes a little to big for her britches. Happy Birthday, Paige!