Carving pumpkins

This year was a first for our boys......they got to carve the pumpkins instead of painting them or nailing decorations to them. I was so tense the whole time watching them use these sharp knives. I was so glad when it was over! They both did a great job and were very careful with their weapons. We have never lit up a pumpkin either since they have never been carved. So, that was fun....the boys loved seeing them glowing in the dark. A new tradition for our family. =) However, Genevieve only got to hammer golf tees. (Thanks, Grandpa "Power" for giving us all those tees!)

Pumpkin Patch

Every kid needs a pet

I've always heard that every kid needs a pet, but we aren't really pet people. We had a rabbit before we had kids, but gave it away after a few months. However, we did potty train it. We then tried some fish after Tyler (age 2) received them for a Christmas present from my Dad. They didn't live more than 6 months. We waited another 2 years then gave a dog a try. Poor puppy...we got him from the pound and returned him to the pound 4 months later. We just are not pet people! But the boys have now saved up many hard earned dollars to buy these gold fish and the tank to go with them. We started with ten fish 11 days ago and are now down to seven. I'm not sure what we are doing wrong, but we are hoping to figure it out really soon. These poor fish are dying off too fast.
Anyway, here are photos of some proud fish owners.

Genevieve looks a little bugged by these creepy little swimmers. She really loves watching them though. She pulls the chair up to the counter at least 10 times a day.

Any advice on how to keep fish alive?

No Boys Allowed!

I spent a night up past Cedar with some of my very favorite gals! We had a blast playing games, eating fondue, staying up way too late and laughing. There were many great memories made. And Amber's tops the list for sure!

Thank you Teresa for sharing your cabin with us all!

I can't wait for our next adventure!

Our house guest

There are many things that I love about the fall season like the cooler weather. So, I've been able to leave the back door and windows open most of the day. Well, today a little fly decided to make our house his home. And I have now discovered that we have a child that is terrified of that little, harmless fella. This is what I have been dealing with most of my day today......

It was kinda funny at first, but now it is just ridiculous! Get over it Vieve! It won't hurt you!!!

However, it does remind me of last summer when my Hayden went through a phase where he was terrified of the wind. Actually, it wasn't even the wind. It was more like a teeny tiny breeze. He wouldn't come outside until he checked to see if the leaves on the trees were moving ever so softly. He even screamed at me for taking our, at the time, 6 month old Genevieve outside saying that she would blow away. Thank goodness that is over with. Now, I just have to kill the fly.....poor little guy

Just so you know - I didn't drink out of that cup once I saw the fly land on it. Gross! But I didn't get all hysterical either. =) We also had to picnic in Genevieve's room after I shot this video. She even made sure to shut her door so the yucky fly couldn't get in. Silly girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAYDEN!!

Hayden has been trying to decide what to do for his birthday for months now. He has gone back and forth between Jumping Jacks and Staheli Farms. He also thought about Fiesta Fun and bowling. But the winner was Jumping Jacks. We love going there. We all come home sweaty and with burns on our elbows and knees. But it is all worth it!

I think Hayden had a good day! It started off with breakfast at IHOP with Grandma Bingham. Then they went shopping. Hayden loved all the attention he got at school. They sang to him in his class and at P.E. After school we headed over to Jumping Jacks then it was off to Grandma's for the "nicest birthday dinner" and a special Oreo cookie cake. What a great day for such a great six year old! Happy Birthday Hayden!!!