pumpkin patch

Before I moved I wanted to take the gkids to the pumpkin patch.  I've taken my kids for the last 11 years.  I'm really going to miss not being able to take them next year.  I'm going to have to find new things that I can do for and with them. 

I love how Retta is watching Adam so intently. 

 She would not look directly at me.  That's OK.  She's still super cute.

 This has become Adam's new smile lately. He chose this pose all by himself.

 Geoff's mom was in town for Geoff's birthday.  I'm glad Anne was able to come with us.

 We were on the hayride and a woman offered to take a picture of Adam and me.  He would not look at her.  As soon as I took the camera back he was ready for a pic.  He's a little stubborn.

 Bailee came too of course.  After all she hangs out with me everyday.  ;)

 

 Adam wouldn't go down the slide by himself.  I offered to go with him then he expected me to go on every one.  After the slide I kinda tossed him a bounce house by himself.  He loved it! 

baked goods

Bailee has become so very bored hanging out with me these last few months. She has only worked 3-4 days a week.  So on her free time she's made some yummy food.  Here are some of my favorites. 

changes

With the move to Illinois we added a new blog, Chicagoland Adventures.  I'll keep working on past activities to document our fun.  So for awhile our family will have two blogs.  I hope I can get this one caught up soon.  Please continue to follow along on all our adventures.

general conference weekend

When Brian started his job in Chicago he was told the company would fly him home every other weekend.  The first weekend he stayed I flew there to look at homes.  Then he stayed a weekend by himself and struggled... so we decided to meet in Springfield, Missouri over Conference weekend.  On Saturday we watched the first session then went rolling skating.  

 

It was fun.  By the end of the two hours all the kids had improved.  Brian only watched.  All of us were sore.

 

Whenever we meet McKinzie and Geoff halfway this will be where we meet.  The hotel was great!  The city is over 140,000 so lots to do.  It's about 7 1/2 hours still.  So it's still to far for a short weekend.  But better than either one of us driving 15 hours.

pinewood derby

With Brian already working in Chicago, there was only one Saturday to work on the car. They stayed focused and finished it in a day.

 

 

 These are the treats I made for pack meeting.  I thought they were cute!

 I love how uniform they look below.

 Here is the line up for the night.  I think it's great how different they are.  It shows how unique each boy is. 

Before the races, awards were given out.  Carson had earned his Bobcat.  Yay Carson!!

 

 The races began.  He lost some...

 ...and won some.

 

Overall he got 4th place and earned the "Nascar Award".  Life is good!

another season of soccer

I took this picture right after the photographer said she was finished.  I love it!!

This season Carson knew he wouldn't be to make it to all the games.  He didn't go on his baptism day, then last week we went to Missouri to see Brian.  He will only be able to play in 3 games for the season.  He was OK with only 3 games.  He said he only needed one to make a goal.  That was his goal...to score.



 

 Both Brian and I wasn't able to attend his first game.  Luckily Bailee was around.  Today shortly after the game started Carson headed to the goal.  He kicked...the goalie stopped the ball.  Dang it!!
Third quarter he was in again and he kicked...he SCORED!!!

 

He was so very excited! He said it was the best day EVER! The best soccer game ever! He's right!! It was exciting to watch him make that goal.

a little melancholy

Oscar has never taken a nap on the diving board.  I wonder if he knows we're moving.  He seems sad.  I know the rest of us are sad.  We have two more weeks then the movers arrive.  I forgot what it's like to move...NO FUN!!! 

Everyday, it seems, there has been some excitement/glitch that causes us to wonder if the house we've chosen in Illinois is not the one for us.  Or perhaps Brian shouldn't have taken the job.  But deep down I know the move to Illinois is where the Lord needs us.  When Brian told me he lost his job I KNEW that we were moving to Chicago. It sure would be nice if something would go smooth.  Anything.  One thing.   

park fun

 On Friday before Carson's baptism Julie and I took the kids to the park.  Adam was excited to feed the ducks.

 He wanted to feed the baby ducks the most.  This goose started getting close and I got nervous.  Our geese are aggressive.  The ducks left and Adam ran out of food then this goose bit Adam on the waist.  It left a red mark.  It hurt.  Dang goose!!

It was a nice morning.  I'm sure going to miss these two when we move.  :(

my day

September has too many birthdays.  In less than a nine week period we have six birthdays around here.  As you may have noticed on my blog Carson's lasted for weeks.  ;) 

My birthday was nice.  It lasted longer than usual for me too.  My MIL made this beautiful table runner for me.  I love it.  The kids have asked over and over if I'm going to have a Texas room in Illinois.  The answer is YES!  I think I'll turn this into a wall hanging.    

 The kids gave me this locket.  It has a person with each of their birthstones in it.  A cowboy boot, a sewing machine, and a heart with "mom".  I love it!! Thanks kids!

Brian had these beautiful flowers delivered to me.  He ended up flying out the morning of my birthday.  They are wonderful.  So is Brian!!  I ended up going out with friends for lunch on Wednesday then different friends on Thursday.

Another year has come and gone.  And I love where we are as a family.  I love my family more than I can express.