merry christmas

Merry Christmas!

polar express

We had a magical time on the polar express this year! 

bug turns 11

My big girl turned 11 this year. She's still loving soccer, is great at piano and reads late into the night every night. Her favorite quotes are, 'Be like a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside.' Also, 'Bookmarks are for quitters.'  Both quotes describe her pretty well. She's thoughtful and patient with her siblings and is a big help around the house. I'm already getting sad for the day she's off to college. She's steady, calm and makes a really sweet and silly friend. Happy birthday Little Bug!

halloween

This year for Halloween, we had a snow warrior, Harry Potter, unicorn and bulldozer. Halloween last year made quite the impression on Mr. So much so, when we were at Costco at Christmas time last year, he gleefully shouted, 'Happy Halloween day!!!' and has been looking forward to Halloween coming around again ever since. So he was pretty darn excited this year. The kids all got the hang of it and came out with way too much candy. 

pumpkin patch

We had a great time at the pumpkin patch this year! We tried a different place this year and it kept us entertained for hours! I think the biggest hit was the potato shooter and of course, the pumpkin donuts. 

Mr turns 3

Not too sure how it happened, but Mr turned 3. He is such a joy in our household. Everyone loves him. He loves trucks, trailers, and boats; asks me for a popsicle EVERY morning for breakfast since summer started and can usually talk anyone into anything. If fact he talks pretty much non stop, keeps us laughing, and leaves us exhausted.

Bless his heart, he requested a doughnut tower for his cake and chicken nuggets for dinner. Done and done. I'm not too sure there's been a more excited birthday boy. He caught on quick and was thrilled with everything. Then politely told everyone individually thank you for the gift and pronounced he loved his birthday. The next day he was still thanking me and asked if he could 'do my birthday again.' Happy birthday Mr, we love you!

first day

Sadly, summer had to come to an end and the kids started school. Bug and Tank started and two days later Bitsy started. Bug and Tank were SO excited to have Bitsy join them. 5th, 2nd and Kindergarten this year. It's been a couple weeks and the house still seems too quite. Bug still holds Bitsy's hand everyday getting on the bus, but they all come home happy, reporting that they love their teachers. I was nervous how tired Bitsy would be with full day Kindergarten. The first day she came home bouncing off the walls and Bug commented, 'I think she has more energy after school than before!' She definitely crashed that night, but has continued to love going to school. I can't believe how much a big part of my heart heads out the door each morning.

camping

We took a few camping trips this summer. We went to Windust with some friends, but after setting up all our stuff a big dust/wind storm came along. It was in the name I guess. After trying to ride it out for a couple hours. We ended up packing everything up and heading home. The kids were pretty disappointed. So the next weekend we headed out to Teancum Timbers with cousins. We had some dinner, smore's, watched a movie on the projector and headed fishing the following morning. 

tank's baptism

Tank was baptized June 22nd and he was so excited. He choose 'Gethsemane' for his opening song and with that brought the spirit immediately into the room. When Bug got baptized, I was surprised as soon as we started singing the opening song I started crying. I'm usually not a crier and wondered what on Earth was going on, when it dawned on me my Father was in the room. It's happened a few times since his passing. Transitioning from the busyness of getting ready for a baptism to the spirit of a baptism took me by surprise. Tank's baptism was no different. There was a wonderful strong spirit in the room and my dad was there for the important event. Tank was so focused on all the songs and talks. I've never seen him sit so still and intent for so long. I'm so excited to see where life's adventures take him as he builds and incorporates faith into his life.