Bennett's Birthday Party with his Friends

Bennett was able to have a friend party for his ninth birthday this year. Since we were living in an apartment, we knew we needed to go somewhere else for the party! Bennett had the great idea to make tie-dye shirts for his party. We lucked out in that there was a Friday right before his birthday that was a day off from school, AND it was beautiful weather that day! We just had everyone come to a park nearby that has a nice covered bowery and a lot of playing space as well. Bennett also chose to have one of his favorite foods--tortellini with red sauce--rather than your traditional pizza :) I unfortunately didn't get any pictures of the lunch or the shirt-dying (saying I was busy would be an understatement.) But we did get some pictures of the presents and the fun games.

Since Halloween was nearby, we had a fun game of racing to wrap up your friend in toilet paper to look like a mummy. And the boys were very good sports when we played baby food hot potato. (Don't worry, they each got their own clean plastic spoon to dip and bite.)

Nora~10.5 Months

I took these photos of Nora real quick when she was 10.5 months old--just outside at my parents. I knew it would be too cold out when it was her birthday, and since we were (still are) in our apartment, all of my indoor photo stuff is in storage, plus there is almost no natural light in this apartment; it is a terrible place fore taking photographs. That being said, I fee like I've missed out on being to take good pictures of Nora as she has grown up these past almost 8 months. I hope I will be able to make up for it in our new house. (We will be there soon. Yay!!!)

Colorful Fall Leaves? Not this time...

At the end of September, we always go on an annual drive with Russ's family to see the changing leaves. For some reason or other, there was no color when we went this year...At least not color in the leaves. We did, however, see a beautiful colorful rainbow, and the drive was beautiful all the same. It was pretty cold for our picnic afterwards, but the kids never seem to mind. I love traditions :)

Isn't Nora a little cutie?
These girls are so cute together! I'm glad they are good friends and that Mylie has a cousin so close in age to her. I can't wait until we move into our new house so they can get together again!   Oh, look! Someone must have talked to Nora. She has/had (still kind of has) major stranger anxiety. She is a mama and dada's girl for sure! Cute boys!   I love Coy's smile for pictures.   Here is the beautiful colorful rainbow by the not so colorful leaves.

Family Pictures 2014

We took these pictures back at the very end of August! It is crazy how much has happened since then! I can't wait to hang them up in our new house, even though they will be a bit outdated by then! It will be a problem making decisions on which one/ones to make up :) My dad and mom came along to help out. My dad snapped the photos after I tried my best to set up the shot, and my mom worked hard on getting the smiles!

First Day of School 2014

The first day of school was different this year without getting to send my kids to school on the bus! (We live just down the road from the school right now, so I take and pick the kids up each day. I have actually enjoyed it!)

Bennett and Mylie were both so excited. I am so glad my kids love school! Mylie was especially excited to start first grade and get to go to school ALL DAY. I don't know if I am as excited about that! These kids grow too fast. It is sad to see them leave their carefree childhood days behind! School is so busy. There isn't near enough time for play anymore! (We have been enjoying our Christmas break, getting to relax and play--although we haven't enjoyed the freezing weather!)

Well back to talking about August and warm weather, here are my two cuties all ready to go. I also love that they love each other. Bennett for weeks would hold Mylie's hand and walk her to her door after I would drop them off in the morning. I would just sit and stare from my minivan with a full heart each morning. I am not sure when it finally stopped, but now they both just run off their separate ways---probably because we are always running super late nowadays.


 
Mylie, of course, had to be super fancy for her first day of school!  
Bennett picked out this new backpack. He loves it!  
First Grade!  
Third Grade! What?

Excited jumps!