A Visit from Mimi and Gramps

We were blessed to have Mimi and Gramps join us for a weekend in October!

We had decent weather and were able to get outside. Of course there is always raking to do!

But also time for a walk that turned into a treasure hunt. 

We celebrated Crosby's birthday. He got some sweet new clothes as well as a puzzle and Charlie Brown. He hasn't gone a night or nap without his new buddy Charlie:)

And then on Saturday our sink broke so theses two got to work. Unfortunately they weren't able to fix it but it was some good, male bonding!

Random Fall Pics

 TMNT hats at the mall

 Driveway races....ready, set, go! 

 Carter had soccer practice on Monday nights this fall. His little brothers would always come and "watch". Usually this meant tackling me or running all around the field. 

 Ninja sandwiches with our friends the Dafoes

 Curious George day at the local bookstore

 A backyard picnic on a card table. Why not?!

 The littles sending Carter off to school in the morning:)

 Some of our gear as we were loading up for Fall Retreat. It really is amazing how much stuff we need for one weekend:) 

 Lots of wheelbarrow rides this fall

A little fun at BK while Tim was out of town 

 College basketball reunion! Hall of Fame weekend for Crousie

 Backyard dodgeball

 Meeting baby Max!  

Watching the garbage truck, recycling truck and leaf truck

Crosby's 2nd Birthday!

Carter and Cooper thought it would be great to have a Rainbows and Rockets themed party for Crosby's 2nd birthday. Being that Crosby didn't really have an opinion, we went with it! Carter drew pictures of rockets that went up all over the walls and our rocket costume joined us at the dinner table. Good times!

 We just had a small party with the fam. Dinner, cupcakes and gifts. Simple and fun!

 Mmmmm, blue frosting! 

 Gift time!

 It was actually Crosby's birthday party. The big boys thought they were being sooo helpful. Thankfully Crosby didn't seem to mind:)

Happy birthday Crosby! I can't believe you are already 2 years old! You are growing up so fast and are such a sweet boy. Your smile is contagious and you have won the hearts of so many. We love you and thank the Lord for you!!

Nelson's Pumpkin Patch

 The weather this fall has been so up and down so when a nice day came around, we took the opportunity to go to a local Pumpkin Patch! It was our first time and we were very surprised by how fun it was.

 Rubber ducky gutter races

 Kimmie joined us for the fun. Why not take a crazy picture with pumpkins??

 Nobody really wanted to take part in this picture:( The are getting tired of my camera!

 Crosby LOVES animals!

 Pumpkin bowling 

 A large corn maze! I tried so many times for a good pic but the shadows and unwilling participants made it challenging:)

We ended out time with a nice hay ride. What a fun afternoon!!

Carter's September 2013 Update

Carter is at his first non-family birthday party today. It feels like there are new "firsts" for him every week! He continues to love school. He sets his clothes out the night before and is giddy each morning. When I pick him up he runs and jumps into my arms though so he is still okay with coming back home:)

 Carty is a pretty coordinated and athletic guy. Here he is doing "tricks" off of a park bench. I did warn him on how bad it would hurt if he clipped a foot on the arm rest but it didn't slow him down much. 

 Carter continues to surprise us with his love for coloring and art projects. His pictures are getting more detailed and creative. I don't have enough room around the house to put everything on display!

 Soccer!

We signed Carter up for his first organized sport this fall...soccer. He practiced wearing his shin guards around the house and gets very excited for practice and games.

One of his buddies from pre-school is on his team! Aren't they cute??! And just in case you think he is Mr. Intensity, he still is silly and knows how to have a good time:)

 Goal!

Carterisms from the past month:

-When picking him up from school: "That guy over there was my bully last week but now he is my friend."

-In reference to the ice berg lettuce I served one night: "What is this? Yuck! Can I have spinach instead please? Spinach is the best food ever. It's my favorite food. I like it even better than pasta. Well, ok, not that much!"

-Tim told the boys that his high school football team was going to be on television one night. He then told them that their mascot is the Ponies. Carter's response: "Ponies? Really? Ponies are for girls, not football!!"

-I asked Carter if he is making friends at school: "I have some buddies but no friends. Friends are people that you know their names and have them over for play dates. These are just my buddies."

-Carter: "Can we go out for dinner sometime?"

Me: "Sure. It's a lot more expensive though to eat out than eating at home so we don't do it often but sometime we can. Where do you want to go?"

Carter: (His eyes get big in excitement) "McDonalds! Or a cafe! Or someplace where they have a feast!"