Boys & Mud

Today was a rainy day, but that did not stop the guys from working in the yard. It was wet and muddy out there, but they worked hard shoveling dirt over the back fence. Ben was dying in the house because he wanted to be out there with the guys. He must have got out of his rest 20 times "just checking on Dad" and giving me many other excuses. I finally gave in, bundled him up and sent him out. The best part was that he wore Heidi's pink polka dot rain boots from a garage sale because his croc boots are too small. He started to give me a hard time about it, but I told him if he didn't have boots on he would have to stay inside. Shows you how much he wanted to be out there, he wore the pink boots! He had a blast and was covered in mud. I went out to take some pictures and he was up to his knees in mud. They had to hose off before coming in the garage. Thanks to our Dads for helping John today in the wonderful conditions- you're the best!

Halloween

We spent Halloween at Andrew, Luke & Allie's house with our family and their neighbors. When I mentioned maybe celebrating Halloween with our new neighbors, Ben looked at me like I was crazy and said, "We always have Halloween at Andrew's house, we have to go there!" So we did, and the kids had so much fun. Ben was a red Power Ranger and this year he and Andrew were totally into Trick-or-Treating and RAN from house to house. Ben was worried all day that it would be raining, but there was a nice little break in the rain. Partway through, it started to drizzle and Heidi was ready to go back. She does not like getting rained on. She was a princess this year and was so cute in her pink dress and crown, although soon after she got out of the car, she broke her wand. Baby Kate had 2 costumes. She was a ladybug, but because it was a bulky costume, we took Heidi's cowgirl costume for her to wear too. Leslie had their house set up so cute for the kids. She had the front room full of fun activities for the kids and they really played so well together. Grandma T and Grandma E made yummy homemade donuts for us and of course we had lots of other food. Everyone had a good time and on the way home Ben asked, "Dad, how much longer until the next Halloween?"

Luke, Spencer, Abigial, Andrew, Ben & Heidi

Ben & Heidi with her broken wand

Baby Kate, the cutest Ladybug ever

Grandma T, Heidi & Grandma E


Allie & Kate's first Halloween

Me & Baby Kate

The whole crew ready to Trick-or-Treat

It was a big group of trick-or-treaters

Dad & Baby Kate

Grandpa helping Heidi

At one house they were handing out Dorritos and Heidi had to snack on them along the way

Aunt Jamey and the girls

Heidi was showing off her candy- she liked to open the packages, but not eat the candy

Andrew & Luke coloring

The Power Ranger and his new car from Grandma E

Baby Kate in her cowgirl costume

Dad & Ben making bead bracelets

Heidi swiped some Mike&Ikes out of the candy to pass out

Heidi found Allie's doll and she was having a good time playing alone in the playroom

She got the doll a chair and was reading to her

The kids finished the party with a dance show!

Bishop Farm Field Trip 2008

On Tuesday, Ben and I went up to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm for a field trip for his 4 year old preschool class. It was really nice to spend some one on one time with Ben. He is such a little man and he has so much to say and ask; it was nice to give him my full attention. He was very particular about the pumpkin he chose and we almost missed the hayride back! He picked a good one and found a cute little one "for his sisters". I really enjoyed spending the morning with him.
There were lots of BIG pumpkins this year!

Ben with his final choice and the little pumpkin for his sisters

Having fun on the hayride

Ben was very impressed with the giant pumpkins and informed me that he would need to use a chainsaw to carve those things!

At the pig races- ours came in last

Mom & Ben- can you tell he really wanted to take a picture with me?

Flower Farm Pumpkin Patch

Last Sunday we went to the Pumpkin Patch at the Flower Farm in Loomis with Grandpa Les & Grandma T, Aunt Jamey and her friend from LA, Fran, and the VandenAkker family. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the Flower Farm is such a pretty place. Grandma packed us a yummy picnic lunch, we went on a hayride, visited the chickens and ducks and picked out some cute little pumpkins and gourds. We tried to take some family pictures and pictures of the grandparents with all the kids while we were there...not very successful! We had fun together though.

Ben & Heidi by the Forrest Gump pumpkin

Looking at the ducks

Heidi in her Halloween overalls

My attempt to take a picture of all 3 kids

Kissing Kate.....

...and they were off! Poor Kate didn't know what to think!

Our Family Pictures :)


The boys were enthralled with the chickens. Thank goodness they were in a cage!

Andrew & Ben waiting for lunch

Andrew was teasing Heidi with a giant spider. She was being such a GIRL!

Allie & Kate in the pumpkins. So reminiscent of Andrew & Ben.

Heidi joined them for a girl cousin picture

Grandpa & Grandma with all the kiddos!

Evening with the McGuckins

Our good friends the McGuckins are moving to San Diego. They have been wonderful friends since John and I were in the college group at church. We have spent great times together, and we are going to miss them a lot. We got to spend the evening with them last Friday before they left. We had such a nice time with them as usual and the kids had so much fun together. We appreciate the many ways they have blessed our lives. I guess we'll just have to travel a little farther than Folsom to hang out now. Plus we're still planning on being in-laws someday :)

Heidi, Kate, Natalie, Grace and Ben watching the Little Mermaid

The four girls

Ben was having a blast driving the ladies around in the Barbie Jeep