Happy Thanksgiving

Kyler being tough, ha ha..

He's so handsome!

Beautiful eyes, I wish my camera would capture the beauty and depth of his deep blue eyes.

I love this one...like father, like son...

Winky, my 13 1/2 year old angel!

So sweet-daddy and Lexi bonding, playing computer games.

We took the kids bowling. Lexi would throw (literally throw) the ball, and then dance, twirl, and clap. Too cute!

We had such a good time!

Daddy teaching Lexi how to bowl.

I think they may have had more fun playing in these cubbies than bowling!

The kids have been on a painting kick since Halloween. Kyler came up with the idea to paint rocks (genious) I suggested they paint them as insects. They had so much fun!

Kyler painted his a ladybug, Lexi painted hers as a beetle with a HUGE smile!

At the last minute today we decided to take our Christmas card photo. Lexi was grumpy (she wanted to play with her friends), Jared wanted to go fishing and the camera battery was running extremely low.

I suggested taking it by the fireplace. But after a few shots, it started getting too warm.

Shot #2

It was a nice, sunny day so we decided to take it outside on the bench by the pond for the last one.

Opinions are VERY WELCOME and APPRECIATED on which photo you like best.

We are anxiously awaiting Thanksgiving, as well as the long 4 day weekend it brings for Kyler. We're heading to my dad's and step mom's for the day. Shortly after Jared leaves to Canada for a few days. The day after he returns, my little sister will be here to visit. I can't wait!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

November already?

Nov 2nd:
Lexi posing, as usual.
The kids LOVE to take silly pictures. (as do I)

Lexi and mom.

Nov 3rd:

Kyler on his "crazy hair day" at school.

Nov 4th:

Lexi's battle wound from a bike accident. It wasn't a big deal until bath time when she saw it, then WOW...it suddenly was horrific!

Kyler being goofy in aunt Christina's hat.

Nov 7th:

We decided to take a drive to Quartzville Creek, about 35 minutes away from us. It is breath taking. The air is so sweet and fresh, the ground so soft, and the sound of the running water so peaceful. Beautiful doesn't seem adequate to explain it.

The reservoir.

The pines.

The mist.

There are so many little creeks that run off on the side of the road and MANY waterfalls.

Another.

Yet, everywhere you go, you find this...the devastation from logging. This is why it's SO important to recycle. It's sad to see what is left when the loggers head out. What took the soil hundreds of years to grow can be removed within a week, horrific.

More mist.

Where we hiked.

Lexi hanging onto Spunky, as Spunky is in mid-shake.

Kyler!

Jared and the kids.

The beautiful river.

Jared going for a closer look.

Kyler told Lexi "hold on to me, tight" Sweet brother.

I find it fascinating as to what kind of mushrooms exist. Some are so freakish and some are actually pretty.

This one looks like it belongs in South America. It was very bright red, the photo doesn't do it justice.

This one was very bizarre.

I loved this sign, "respect life."

Pat sent me a photo of Samantha, Cindy and I from 1990. I'm the one holding the dog (always the animal lover), I was only Kyler's age. Strange to see how much my little sister looks like me. I never realized that before. She's almost identical to me, with very few subtle differences. Aw, I've known Samantha and Cindy my whole life! How I love these girls.

This past week has been wonderful, Kyler only had school Monday and Tuesday. It's always nice to hang out with the kids and very little to do.

On Thursday, we had Kyler's parent teacher conference. His teacher told us that he is "above his years", as we know, of course, though it's always nice to hear when other's confirm. She said second graders are required to read 90 words a minute by the end of the year, and he has nearly doubled it already. Also, said how advanced he is socially, she is so impressed with him. I am so proud of my smart, nice, not so little guy.

Hope everyone is having a great week! Happy birthday to Vaughn, Christina, Greg and Nicole!! Love and miss you all!

post Halloween

The kids painting our home grown pumpkins.
I planted them a month late, being as we moved in June. So the pumpkins never changed from green to orange. Next year will be more successful, or at least I hope.

He turned his into Frankenstein (thanks Anne for the idea!).

Winky, my 13 1/2 year old baby.

Their pumpkins!!

OCT 30th. The kids had a birthday/Halloween party to attend, so they were lucky enough to dress up twice.

Lexi as Hannah!

Look at her poses!!

Kyler the werewolf.

This was our first attempt at home made costumes for the kids, I believe they turned out rather well. We had fun putting it all together.

Halloween!!
At Lexi's request I was a cat.

Kyler was attacking me.

So adorable!!!

Jared the senior citizen, Lexi as Hannah and Kyler the werewolf.

We went to visit my dad in Springfield, being as my step mom was out of town (visiting family in California) we asked him to come spend the night with us. We had so much fun. Lexi took FULL ADVANTAGE of grandpa. "Grandpa my bag is ssoooooo heavy, will you pleeeeaaasssssee carry it for me?" As well as wearing him out playing with him NON STOP! We had SO much fun!!
Driving home with Lucy, my dad's dog.

They spent a few hours coloring! Lexi kept telling him how she's an artist.

Grandpa with the kids, heading out to trick or treat.

This was our most successful Halloween since the kids have been old enough to trick or treat. The weather was PERFECT, there were kids EVERYWHERE, most houses were participating, the neighbors gave out huge candies, barely any cars, and the kids had a BLAST. My dad kept reminiscing about when I was a kid, I think it really touched him to be able to participate and we all LOVED it. Of course, we missed all of our family and friends, but had them in our thoughts all evening.

November 1st (wow, I can't believe it's November already!)

We took my dad on a hike across the street in the trails that lead to the river.

the river.

Notice how Lexi is pushing Kyler!

Grandpa and Kyler.

Grandpa and Lexi.

it's so beautiful.

fall colors.

Lexi has been relentless in her attempts at getting Grandpa to play dollhouse with her, so here they are. They had so much fun!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. It was odd having a holiday almost alone but reassuring at the same time. The kids ran into many friends in the neighborhood and just had a blast but of course, talked about family and friends often. I can't wait to hear every one's holiday tales and see the photos!

Happy November!!