Lately...

• I can't wait for Halloween to be over with, I am very much in the mood for Christmas!  I loved it all about a month ago, but now I am just done.  I dread the buying and collecting of all the candy and the Halloween parade at school.  I know I sound awful, but I just want it all over with. I am anxious for the next big holiday, I have already started my Christmas shopping...
• After finding spinach in the fridge, Tyler asked, "Mom! Can I have a bowl of spinach?"  He was completely serious.  He really does like Spinach.
• We had family come for a quick visit and stay.  It was so much fun and so memorable, my only regret is that I didn't take any pictures, darn it!
• Kirk and I got away for a night and a lovely dinner at Ruths Chris Steakhouse.  It was so much fun watching Kirk eat that steak.  We have been there before, but it was even better than we remembered it.  Special thanks to Kirk's sister for staying with our kids.  
• We had a little flood in the basement, it was sprinkler related:(  Luckily it is all fixed up and we have clean carpets downstairs. 
• Football is almost over, we are on the count down.  It has been another great season and the boys still love it as much as ever.  Hopefully both teams will be champions again after the playoffs!

It Started Out Good...

So my kids have been off track for about a year now.  It was really exciting when they went off track, we had lots of plans and actually did a lot of fun things that first week, then it got cold, then I think I sort of went off track and it has been downhill from there.  I long for the days when the house would stay clean for more than 1 minute, when a bag a chips would last at least a couple of days, and when hours used to go by without the noise of the tv.  Oh how I miss those days, they seem like a distant memory or dream.  Lucky for me the boys are going back soon and I might get back on track as well.  Here are some pics from one of our favorite field trips...

 Can you feel their enthusiasm?  I get this every time I try to take a picture.

 I have never hiked the Y before and we picked a warm day to go, we were all hot and sweaty by the time we made it to the top.  About half way up the mountain, we thought it had to be right around the corner.  We were all a little discouraged when a hiker on his way down informed us we were only about half way.  

 And there it is!  We made it!

 The kids all enjoyed seeing Seven Peaks from this view

Afterwards we went on campus for some ice cream and a little shopping at the bookstore, it was a good trip, I learned a lot about hiking the Y, mostly just never go in the middle of the afternoon on a warm day.  

Perfect Summer Sunday

One Sunday after church, we headed for the hills to have a picnic.  It was perfect.  I can't believe we didn't think to do it sooner.  We had such a good time, I can't wait for next summer so we can repeat!

Demolition Derby

Who knew my kids would love a good demolition derby?  We went last year and had to go again this year.   Of course they have carnival rides and other things going on to take your money, we have always avoided them, but we gave in this year and it was actually really fun to see the boys having fun with their friends.

Family Reunion 2011

We had a family reunion this year and it was such a fun time!  Especially for all of the cousins who got to play and play and play!

 As always there was lots and lots of yummy food!

 Crafts for the kids...

 Where did all those girls come from and how come I didn't get any?!?

 One major highlight for the kids was the amphitheater.  They spent a lot of time practicing their moves and preparing a "show" for us that they were all too embarrassed to perform:)

 In true Grandma fashion, she brought presents for everyone!

 My grandma with her oldest (me!) and youngest grandchildren.

It was a lot of fun, the only thing I would do different is leave my air mattress at home, because boy were they noisy every time you made a move.  Other than that, it was perfect!