Pumpkin Carving

My Monkeys

Gramma took the boys over to the park one afternoon...

You can't quite get the full effect here, but you can note a little of Ben's select 'outfit'.  Underneath the sweatshirt was a sleeveless muscle shirt...accompanied by sliding pants a size too small...black socks and loafers.  I asked my Mom about the get up and she said he came out dressed and said 'I look cool huh Gramma'... how can you argue with that.

Still makes me nervous, but of course Zach has to follow Ben all over the jungle gym...and when I try to hover all I get is 'I do it'.

Thirty 5

My age never really registers until I have to say it out loud or write it down...I could swear that I'm still in my late 20's.  :)  However, I've definitely been blessed in the last 35 years!

My mom was up for my birthday and to spend a few days with the boys while school was out for PIR days... thanks for the birthday lunch, shopping & cake Mom! 

Are you sure that doesn't say 25??!

PINK

October is known as the month of PINK...notably for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I have also learned that it is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month...something that holds a whole new meaning in my heart. For our sweet Hallie (who was due to be born this month) and for all the tiny angels that have come and gone too quickly...I know you're safe in His arms, but my heart goes out to all of the parents with aching arms for their little ones.

We are fortunate to have a few precious keepsakes of Hallie...and even at 10 oz, 10 1/4 inches, she had 10 perfect little toes:

            

My heart melts every night as Ben thanks God for all his family and not once forgets to mention his baby sister.  Thank you God for Hallie...please giver her kisses from all of us!

Bus Stop

There were so many firsts that came along with Ben starting Kindergarten...including riding the bus.  I never really gave much thought to the bus...I grew up riding the bus almost every day...but I when it came time to put my little guy on there...I'm not sure who was more nervous.  Of course I put on my bravest smile and told him how much fun it would be and how cool it was... you can see from this picture below the brave face he was putting on as well!

Zach & I walked him down to the bus stop, which is thankfully only 3 house down from ours.  Ben was super excited about it all morning...but hesitation set in with each step out the door.  It took everything I had not to tell him that I would just take him and we could do the bus another day!

I was so proud of him...I could tell how nervous he was, but he gave me a kiss and hug and marched over to the other side of the street to wait with the kids.  

It helps that we live in the best kid friendly neighborhood...there are 6 kids just from our side of the street that get on the same bus regularly.

I asked Ben how the bus ride was when I picked him after school.  He told me it was good, but said he was a little scared.  When I asked him why he said because he didn't know where they were taking him.  I had never really thought of that, but I'm sure it was a little different weaving in and out of stops instead of our straight shot to school.  I asked him if he wanted to ride again the next day and he said no.  I let it go for a few days and finally convinced him into giving it another go.  It was one of the most difficult days for both of us...he was in tears begging me not to leave him at the stop.  It killed me, but I knew he had to get past this hurdle so I walked him up to the bus door... and was so thankful that his driver, Mr. T, was so great, stopped the bus, walked him to his seat, and made him feel at ease.  Wish someone would've helped put me at ease...my stomach was in knots all day.  When I picked him up and asked about the bus, he told me it was good, and has since rode the bus almost every morning.  It amazes me how quick the transition went from tears in the mornings to barely a kiss, a quick wave and he's off.  

OC & Kiddos

My good friend Kara came to town for the weekend with her kiddos.  We don't see each other nearly often enough, but always have a great time catching up!

We met up for dinner & drinks one night downtown.  It was so fun to catch up...one of my dearest friends and I miss hanging with her!

Misty came out with us too. 

The next day we took all the kids to the pumpkin patch out at Rocky Creek Farms. 

Ben, Aislinn pushing Conn, Zach, Autumn & April

This farm leaves a little to be desired, but it's still fun to go out there and the kids love it.  Here they're trying to 'pet' the chickens.

 I always love when my kids get to hang out and have fun with my friends' kids.

Loaded up on the hayride out to the pumpkin patch. 

Ben & April...fast friends. 

Ben got to help drive the tractor for a bit along the ride.

We got out pretty early this year...and obviously caught a gorgeous day.  I told the boys they could pick out little pumpkins to paint.

The corn 'maze' (I use the word pretty loosely)...I felt like we were just walking through a trampled field, but Aislinn did manage to lead us out to the other side. 

And this is what a day of fun in the sun will do to you...

They were refreshed and ready to paint pumpkins when they woke up.

 Zach's was more of the abstract art.

 Ben called his 'warrior pumpkin'