Ahh...sunshine and water...finally

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We've been waiting so long for weather good enough to play in water. Noah loves water and had fun playing in a bowl of water while watching the big boys on their new slip and slide. Squeals, squawks, "whoo hoos" and giggles...the sounds of summer outside play! yea!

Our Peaceful Little King

 

Noah Ryan, 'peaceful little king', has been such an incredible blessing to us. He smiles more than he blinks, he coos and talks to keep up with the rest of us, and he is so content and happy. His medical condition has brought our family closer and has created a deep sense of gratitude for the family and friends that surround us and for God's perfect provision. He is such a gift to us!

Missoula Maze

 

We've attended the Missoula Maze in years past, but this year was the best! They utilized a "knight" theme and the maze was not only hay bales, but corn stalks too. They give you an option of easy, medium or hard and your choice determines the level your clues are. We chose easy because we don't know a lot about medieval times and it was STILL hard. We were lost several times, but the boys LOVED the adventure of figuring out how to get out! They have a small maze, an obstacle course, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, food and picture opts as well. Fun night! Even Noah had a good time. He was in his stroller all bundled up and talking to his flower hanging from his car seat. He was so sweet; smiling and cooing at his friend while we wandered the mile long maze. The boys picked out their pumpkins and made plans for the carving which will happen next weekend.

Playful Noah

 

This is one of Noah's favorite things to do at 2 months old. We lay him on a "soffy" blanket with the Sesame Street Gang above him. He loves to bat at the toys and his legs go wild while he plays. He talks and talks to the characters, his favorite being the character he sees in the mirror that hands right over his face!

Happy 8th UnBirthday!

 

We celebrated Ethan's summer birthday in his classroom this week! What a week. It's the last week of school, he got 3rd place in the Governor's Cup, celebrated his birthday, and is in a play tomorrow!

Slow and Steady wins the Race!

 

Without training, Ethan got 3rd place out of 104 second graders in a 3 mile race! I was so proud of him and his strategy was so cute. He told me he was going to keep the winner of last year in sight and let him help set the pace. Then, he said he gave himself 4 breaks of 10 steps of walking and that's all. I asked him what he told himself when his legs were burning (he told me the last lap, he was burning). He said, "Come on, Ethan. You can do this! Slow and steady wins the race!" I asked him where he got that strategy and of course, from the infamous tortoise who beat the hare with humility in "The Tortoise and the Hare." He's got his eyes on next year because now he's more serious about running and training. He was so excited and was beaming from ear to ear! Glad we were able to cheer him on from the sidelines! His time was 25 minutes exactly. Pretty darn good for shorty 2nd grade legs. The winner got 22 minutes and some seconds. Ethan beat his time by 13 minutes from last year!!!! Amazing what a little strategy and determination can do for you!

What a Way to End the Day!

 

These pictures were taken while trick or treating this evening....

It's been a jam-packed 36 hours! Both boys attended parties yesterday which started their festivities. Drew decided he would wear the venom costume yesterday and Ethan stuck with his new Batman costume. Then, this morning, the boys were at a friend's house while Eric and I worked a bit. Drew decided he was going to be Robin, Batman's sidekick this morning. We reconveined to have lunch together. Then, it was home to re-energize for the rest of our day! After nap time, Drew changed into his Scooby Doo costume and we went and visited "Aunt" Jeanie for our first treat of the evening! We then met friends to trick or treat with in our neighborhood and when feet were tired and buckets were filled, we moved on to a party! We got pizza and made snacks and I organized games for the kids. They played "lava pit", "pumpkin harvest", "spiderweb crawl", and "monster/pumpkin bowling". After way too much sugar, we loaded up to head home!

Clocks are set back, October is complete! Now comes the best and my favorite fall treat....NOVEMBER! What could be better than my anniversary, my birthday and Thanksgiving all in one month! Whew!