Halloween

Brian was obsessed with finding a scary mask this Halloween.... this wasn't it, but the mask he found should make an appearance at some point on the blog. He's had an infinite amount of fun scaring us.  He loves nothing more than making us jump... and scream... and filming it. I swear that someday when all his clips are discovered, his ancestors will think he's a sadist.  For Halloween we pumpkin patched, trick or treated, and then hit our annual post trick or treating visit to Helen and Al. As usual, fun was had by all.

Trunk Or Treat

Our church trunk or treat was elaborate, decadent, and wonderful.. as usual.  We had a cute little pirate, Captain America, and a cat... they stole the show.

Xiana Lee

Where do I begin? My little girl turned 7. Those words are simply staggering.  I can't believe that she could possibly be 7. Where does the time go? It's so incredibly fleeting.  This year, like others, was filled with firsts.  She is such a spunky and wonderful child. She's a go getter and lives life so vivaciously with such joy. She truly is an example to me. She mommies her siblings which is, on the one hand so helpful, and on the other hand so annoying.  I have to rein her in from time to time.  For the most part though, her desire to help is an infinite blessing to me.  She's such a natural putting Argenta on her hip and walking around. She's so good with her. It's easy to see what an amazing mother she will one day be. She's naturally on top of things. She has always looked out for those around her.  She delights in her surroundings. She thrives in every environment. She is and always will be my little bundle of joy who once upon a time saved my life.  She's continued doing it ever since. Happy birthday little girl.  Happy birthday.

Joy

• So many things to be joyful about, and this little co-op is one of them! Kolton's preschool this year has been a great group, moving at the perfect speed, surrounded by friends. It's been as fun for me as for this little man.
• He's incredibly smart! He can identify many letters and numbers into the 30's at 3-years-old!
• He's got a temper that will knock your socks off. He loses it, and it's often hilarious! 
• He is still so sweet. People are often surprised by how loving he is... how snuggly and kind he is to his sisters.
• He will also play superheroes with the best of them. His imaginative play is priceless and looks nothing like his female predecessors.  
• He can build anything.
• He loves to be read to... even more than Xiana did I venture to say. I saw a quote the other day that said, "love for reading develops on mommy's lap." I loved it. It is so true for him.  For a kid as addicted to tv as he is, he'd do anything to be read to.  It's lovely now that Xiana can read for when I'm too busy.
• His antics are hilarious... he has an explanation for everything.
• The other day he was sitting on Garrett's shoulder.  He said, "I'm the angel on your shoulder." Xiana climbed on his other shoulder and said, "no, I'm the angel, you're the devil on his shoulder." Kolton replied, "oh yeah, because I'm the boy."
• He's daddy's little helper. He loves to build fires, gather wood, work on projects, and most of his imaginary conversations detail the events of his busy project building day.
• His make believe also includes a lot of "okay honey, buckle up"s and other sweet terms of endearment aimed at his imaginary world which is almost enough to make a mama cry.