Welcoming November

As I sit at our kitchen table during lunch, I love seeing all the fall leaves in our backyard! 

I found one of the boy's little toddler socks in my hiking backpack. It must have gotten lost in one of the side pockets years ago. I cried as I had a flashback to my little boys. They're growing right up and I cherish the memories we created together when they were running around me every second of every day. 

Austin had a friend from the stake over. Nate is in Austin's PEAK class. Years ago before Nate and Austin were friends, Nate's mom was getting a new piano so asked if anyone in the stake wanted their old one. We took their old piano! When Nate was over, I sent this picture to his mom since he use to play on this piano. 

Our family tried something new together - rock climbing!! We had passes to go. Aaron had the day off for Veteran's Day so we picked up the kids from school and went to the gym. Eli jumped right in and started climbing. The other kids were nervous, but they all did it and loved it. Austin started climbing and then would come down and then try climbing a little higher each time until he got to the top. I loved his strategy. Eleanor figured out she could trust the rope. She loved climbing up and then swinging down. She was almost like a trapeze artist. Adelaide even tried it out! She cried at first and then got the hang of it. I love seeing our kids get pushed out of their comfort zones. 

Adelaide had a fever for a day and then Eleanor caught the same fever Saturday afternoon. Our primary program was the following Sunday and I prayed so much that she'd wake up feeling better. She worked so hard on the music and her part! I was relieved when she woke up asking about church. The primary program was lovely! I enjoy serving in primary now. The kids testified of Jesus Christ. I pray the music and words they shared are forever imprinted on their hearts. 

Adelaide found a perfect little place to rest on a Sunday afternoon - right on top of Eli as he read his book. 

Aaron was planning his seminary lesson and Adelaide climbed back up on the couch to join her dad. 

 

Field Trip

Austin's soccer coach had an end of the year party. He had pizza and an award ceremony for everyone. Austin got the "Love of the game" award. He loved soccer this year. He's improved so much over the years and loves it. 

Adelaide wore her costume all day on Halloween. 

We hosted friends for dinner and then the kids went trick or treating around the neighborhood. It was freezing so the night ended early, but it was perfect for a school night. 

Poor Adelaide feel and hit her lip on our bed frame in the middle of the night. She tripped over Eli who had come into our room to sleep on the floor. When she woke up, I realized how bad the fall had been. Poor thing!

She looks so big and then when she falls asleep in the car with her blanket, she turns back into my little baby girl. Eleanor use to wear this dress. I realize how quickly the years fly by when I remember Eleanor wearing this dress as a toddler. 

Austin completed this Lego set. He earned it after attending Peak for 5 weeks without crying in the mornings. 

Thanks to my friend agreeing to take Adelaide for the school day, I was able to go with Austin on his field trip to the zoo! 

Austin is loved by his friends. 

Dinner outside. The evening was warm so I insisted that everyone join me on the back deck for dinner. 

I love looking at the kids school work and seeing things like this - Eleanor's gratitude jar included her with her siblings. :) I especially love Adelaide's pink glasses. 

 

October Events

I've gotten behind on writing in my blog! Here's what happened in October. Austin left this note on our bed. He'd love a dog so much. 

I found this cute free unicorn costume that was the perfect size for Adelaide! It looked cute with her pink glasses. 

The boys begged to carve pumpkins and did it all by themselves! The girls painted theirs. 

Adelaide will turn 3 in November! She loves to show me the papers she colored at the chid watch at the YMCA while I exercised! 

We had a fall festival at the elementary school and I didn't even get any pictures! We had a fun time though. 

On Saturday, I told everyone to get dressed and we went to IHOP for breakfast. The kids were thrilled. It was a special treat for us all!

Eleanor colored this backpack that she got from the trunk or treat. 

Adelaide loves to wear her Halloween unicorn shirt! We went to school and got to see the kids during their class parties! The parties are only 30 minutes and with three kids in school, we stopped in each classroom and said hello to the kids!

The boys wrapped up another season of soccer and football. I love watching them play sports!

Our ward Halloween party was a success! We had so much fun and there were so many people the came. It rained so we had the activity inside and it turned out great. 

I found Eli's comments from primary music time on the counter. I loved his response regarding the song "I will walk with Jesus."