Future Artists??

Rick is getting the kids started early on projects! They are such good helpers. Rick, Carlie and Davis were nice enough to paint the mailbox post for me. It is probably only something I will notice but I appreciate their hard work!

The Witches!

We took our annual Halloween outing to Gardner Village to see the Witches! This is probably the third year we have been and the kids love it! Carlie especially enjoyed it because she was with her cousin Brinlee. They have added a few new witches to their display. In the first picture the kids are looking at a witch in a boat-new this year. The kids love it every year and it is a great (free) activity to let them get out and enjoy this lovely fall weather.

Pumpkin Patch

This week we took a trip to Pack's Pumpkin Patch in Farmington and let Carlie and Davis pick out their pumpkins. Here are some pictures of our outing. We had lots of fun!

Davis and his dad examining a huge beetle they found on the farm! Here's a close up.
Davis wasn't too sure about having this giant bug crawl all over him.

Top Ten Reasons I Love Davis

Sometimes, when Davis is destroying his room instead of sleeping, it's nice to have a list of of the things that make me love him. Here are some of the reasons I love Davis (in no particular order):

1. The way he nods his head yes when I finally figure out what he is trying to tell me.
2. The big hugs he gives before he goes to bed.
3. The way he loves his sister and always wants to be with her.
4. His energy level (even though I am exhausted at the end of each day).
5. The funny way he dances when music starts playing.
6. How innovative and creative he can be to solve the problems in his life .
7. How he teaches Carlie things she would never come up with on her own (not always positive).
8. His laugh when you nibble his toes.
9. The goofy faces he makes.
10. How he can fall and hit his head then be back up playing again without missing a step, or shedding a tear. He is a pretty tough boy!

There are many, many more reasons we love Davis and we sometimes get focused only on the crazy things he does. It's nice to remember that there is a sweet boy under that crazy, energized kid.

Flowers

Rick surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of fall Roses and Peruvian Lilies. I thought I would share a few pictures because they were so beautiful-thanks Rick!

The Zoo

We couldn't have asked for a better day than this to go to the zoo. The weather was perfect, there were no crowds, the animals were out and active and we were with friends! There won't be many more days left like this, so we are taking advantage of the nice weather while we have it.

Carlie and Ethan on the train ride. Kelly, Caden and McKenna are behind them.

Carlie enjoying the view of the elephants. She was in time out prior to this picture-that's why there isn't a smile.

What's that smell?

Trying to get Carlie and Davis to look at the same time isn't very easy.

Davis' favorite attraction was the waterfall. He is a big water fan!

Under the Big Top

Last night was a night at the circus. Carlie kept hugging Collin the entire night because she was so excited to be with him at the circus. Davis was good until intermission and then he was ready to go home to bed. Overall they seemed to have fun and Carlie is already talking about going next year.

Carlie and Collin mesmerized by the circus performers.

Davis actually sitting still during the show. He loved the horses!

Elephants on parade!

One of the circus clowns!

Davis' New Trick

My worst nightmare has come true-Davis can now climb out of his crib. He was such a good sleeper and now his nap time consists of him pulling everything he can out of his closet and every drawer! It was a big surprise when I went into his room, after he wouldn't stop crying, and found him standing by the door. He does eventually fall asleep, but not until he has destroyed his room! Can't wait to see what he does next!

Discovery Gateway

This past week Carlie, Davis and I went to Discovery Gateway with my two good friends, Kelly and Janet and their kids. Carlie and Davis had an enjoyable time playing with their friends. Carlie's favorite part of the museum was the playhouse. This house had everything that you would find in a real house. She loved playing in the kitchen with the fridge, food and oven. Too bad we don't have something like this at our house-she would be entertained for hours! Davis just loved the freedom to run and cause trouble throughout the museum. The pictures aren't that great-the kids were having too much fun to take time to pose for pictures.

Carlie's First Day of Preschool

Doesn't she look excited for preschool? Carlie was a little nervous for her first day of preschool, but after going once, she decided she loved it! There are six kids in her class and the moms take turns having preschool at their house. It has been good for Carlie to get to know some of the kids her age. They are becoming good friends already. I'm looking forward, yet very nervous to have six preschoolers running around my house.