Still here!?!

Yes - we are still here, just been really busy - so expect some great posts in the next couple days! (Hopefully - the computer has been acting up and hopefully will get fixed on Monday!?!)
In the mean time, we are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. It has been super nice weather this past week, so we have spent a lot of time outside. We also made a bunch more applesauce today - which takes time, but is so worth it! The whole family loves it, so it doesn't last long!

I also just started a new bible study this week. It is the study of Daniel by Beth Moore. I know that some of you reading this are in the bible study with me, and I know a few others of you have already done some Beth Moore studies. For those of you who haven't heard of this before, I strongly urge you to take the time to do this study. It is a commitment of 12 weeks, and does involve homework - like about 20-30 minutes for 5 days prior to meeting the next week, but wow - after just one lesson - I am super excited for the rest of the lessons, and also have learned so much! Can't wait for the next lesson!

Wanted by God

This year in Sunday School, the theme is "Wanted by God". Each child got a colored bandanna with a star pin. All the kids were to take a picture with their new attire. Allyson refused to cooperate. She didn't want to wear her bandanna, and then didn't want her picture taken either. Finally she stood by the wall, but wouldn't smile.
When the kids got home from church, Allyson was the first to go and find her cowgirl hat to wear with her bandanna. Funny thing is, she took the new fashion statement off to eat and nap, but didn't take it off the rest of the day. Can we say ATTITUDE!? (or as some friend's call it - "ALLYTUDE") I think it fits. Caden is pretty laid back. He does have an opinion and lets you know at times, but mostly goes with the flow of things.

Apples

Saturday, we picked apples from a friend's tree. It was a treat. The kids had so much fun.

































After we were finished picking the apples from the tree, the kids were shocked to find out that you could eat them. They both picked an apple from the bucket to eat. In the 4 miles it took to get home, both kids pretty much finished off their entire apple. At one point, Allyson was sitting in the back of Grandpa Rick's truck and exclaimed, "look what's in my apple". (there were pits in the apple and she had eaten all the way into them and could see them. They both ate the skins and all!



















Later when we were peeling apples for sauce, Allyson kept asking if she could "comb the skin". I really didn't know what she meant by that, but after a couple times of trying to figure it out, I realized she was meaning to peel the skin off the apple. Both Caden and Allyson tried to peel an apple with the peeler, but realized it was harder than it looked.

Babysitting

We babysat for a 2 1/2 month old baby the other day. The kids loved it. They gave her so much attention. It was nice to hold a baby again, but was also nice to bring her home. We would love to babysit baby Elsie anytime!

1st Day of Preschool

September 2 was the first day of "preschool" for Caden and Allyson.
They have preschool right at daycare, so it is very convenient for me. They love it.
Each week they are introduced to the letter, and then throughout the week they do fun activities related to that letter. Each letter has a character and a story to go with.
Since I am posting this a little late, I can explain that they have learned about
Allie Alligator
Bonnie Bunny and
Calico Cat.

Sunday School Kickoff

Sunday was the first day of Sunday School for the year. Everyone played games. The younger kids played Duck, Duck, Goose and the older kids went outside for a basketball shooting contest with their dads. This year Broc and I will be teaching the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. It is a class that consists of 6 boys. (Thus the need for Broc to "help"). We are excited to start the year and look forward to learning new things.
Here are a few pictures of the younger kids playing.

Fall Camping - Last time this year????

We went camping this past weekend. We camped with Brian, Doni, Dan and Dana, and families. The weather was a little cool and rainy, we still had a great time. We stayed Friday night and Saturday night. The campground was not very busy - so we had our choice of spots. We picked right next to the playground. There was also a sand volleyball area right next to the playground. Since it was too cold to swim, the kids enjoyed digging in the sand here. This was ideal because the kids could play until their hearts were content and the adults could sit by the campfire (which we started on Friday evening, and didn't go out until Sunday afternoon, except for a brief period on Sat afternoon when it was raining, but it started back up on its own after the wind blew a little). (click on the pictures to make them larger.)












Friday evening, we made pizzas with the pie irons. They were so yummy. Doni brought zucchini and sliced it and put it on the grill. Cooked it 4 minutes on each side and then put some pizza sauce and cheese on top. They were very yummy. Even those that don't care for zucchini tried this and most liked it. Saturday morning, Brian cooked french toast and bacon for breakfast. He is a great cook and since breakfast is probably my favorite meal, it is a special treat. Camping is about the only time that we actually have cooked breakfasts. Usually it is a granola bar, cereal, muffins, etc. Saturday after breakfast was all cleaned up, Broc got his remote control car (for big boys) out and everyone had fun with that (until the axle broke).









Saturday evening, it was pretty chilly. We had layers under our winter coats to keep warm. It did seem to warm up after the wind died down. We made "dough boys" on the camp fire. You take a refrigerator biscuit and stretch it out, and wrap it around a roasting stick. You cook it by the fire, and then dip it in butter and then roll it in cinnamon and sugar. They are the best!









Sunday was a beautiful day. We went to church, and then came back to the campground for lunch and a little more play time.

Labor Day

Labor Day Monday, we went to the parade, then watched a group called Sheltered Reality. The kids enjoyed the music. Then we watched a puppet show. Both Caden and Allyson got to be a helper and were excited about this. After the puppet show, Allyson got to see how the puppets work. Caden and daddy went to look at a pickup with Grandpa Wayne.



















Waiting for the parade to begin.















The firetrucks are coming - and they are LOUD!















The dancing horse - so neat!

Labor Day Weekend (Part 1)

This past weekend, we went to fireworks on Sunday night. The kids thought that was great!










































I will post the rest of our Labor Day weekend activities soon! I just wanted to get something posted before you thought I was MIA.

Frogs

Friday evening, Tyler, Eli, and Carly came over to play. We spent most of our time outside. They found a little frog and had a lot of fun with that. Caden held it for a little bit, but the frog wouldn't sit still for very long and would jump out of his hands. Allyson didn't dare to hold it. (I don't blame her). I couldn't resist adding the one of Carly. I just love those blue eyes!