Happy Halloween

Hayden is Iron Man, Coy is a dinosaur, and Grady is Spider-Man.

Pumpkin Carving

The tradition lives on.

Coy picked the witch.

Hayden picked the monster, again.

And Grady picked the cat. I off course finished them, but they get better and better every year.

Meet Chase!

So here goes the story. Travis called about the beginning of October and says "hey one of my co-workers is selling some pugs and their way cute do you want one?"

To which my response was "no way no how, forget it. When we get a dog it will be hypoallergenic and Hayden will be 10."

Travis comes home a week later and at the bottom of his basket I find a picture of 5 of the most adorable pug puppies I have ever seen. My lecture to myself was "be strong Shannon, NO DOGS!!!!"

Two hours later, I confess I couldn't stop thinking about the adorable apricot colored pug in the picture and told Travis "so you killing me with this picture." He reveals his master plan and says "I know that's why I brought it, just do some research Shannon."

OK what could a little typing hurt, apparently it can seal a deal because I learned that pugs are a low maintenance dog. They don't require a lot of exercise, they don't get very big, they are good with kids, and they are sturdy, and all around friendly.

I find the personality traits in a dog I have been searching for.

We find out they are available the Thursday before Halloween. We tried to keep the kids up the night Travis came home with him, but they all passed out. So these are pictures of them half awake the next morning trying to figure out what was happening.

Coy and Hayden both said he's to keep? They thought we were dog sitting or something. They still thank me, and tell me it was the best surprise ever and love Chase so much.

I adore him as well. He is a perfect fit for our family. I have never been attached to an animal like this before and am so happy we have our new addition to the family.

Cider Fest

Thanks to my girl Amy, who watched Grady, I was able to go with Coy to his first field trip.

Play-doh, some of the best home made I have ever seen.

Face painting, Coy got a pumpkin.

Learning how to mold chocolate. This was really cool they showed us how to make a rose and then let the kids play.

Eating our sugar cookies.

Learning how to toss the food for a good saute.

Learning how to make home made applesauce with a food mill.

Trying different types of apples. Dough for cinnamon rolls.

Trying to peel the dough off his hands.

We got there a little early so we took the kids out to the track and they all started running. Coy did three laps. It was such a fun time. They also learned how to make cider, peel carrots, and zest oranges. I was so happy to be able to be there with him.

All I Want for Christmas.....

A few days later I could not longer call him snaggle tooth. I did however sing him the the Christmas song a few hundred times.

Snaggle Tooth

Hayden lost one of his baby teeth, unfortunately until the other one fell out he looked like..... well this. He would not pull out the other tooth even thought it was totally ready. So I told him his new name was snaggle tooth until his other tooth fell out.

Keep the Commandments

I went to pick up Hayden and Coy from school, which I do twice a week because their bus ride is so long, and his teacher told me a cute story. She said they were talking about respect and what it meant. Then she had each of the students tell something that was respectful, as she went around the children said the normal things like, be nice, tell the truth ect.. When she got to Coy said we have to follow Jesus Christ's Commandments. I was so pleased and amused. I guess the hold to the rod FHE stuck that we did the night before.

As if that story about Coy wasn't funny and cute enough the most recent one is more creative. Again picking the kids up from school and talking to the teachers. This time Coy was writing in his drawing in his journal and his teacher came around to ask what his drawing was about so she could write it down. He said, "This is a monster from and dream and he is allergic to nice." Hahaha. What a kid, she thought it was so funny she had to tell it to another teacher and obviously I think both are worth noting in my blog. Coy Coy Coy, boy we love that kid.

Apple Picking

One of my favorite things about living in New England is the fall when the colors start coming out and the apple orchards are full.

There is nothing like a fresh crisp apple right off the tree.

I think Grady agrees. The kids had fun filling their bags, but sadly it didn't take them very long to do it, so our time at the orchard was shorter than expected but we still had fun.

We went home and I made home made applesauce and canned it. Coy and I love just plain unsweetened home made applesauce. HMMMM!

They had quite the day today between soccer in the morning, apple picking in the afternoon, and then the park later in the day they were pretty tuckered out. I only wish everyday could be as smooth and full of fun like this one. But that's not life so I try to really appreciate and enjoy days like this one.

My Life

This is my life. 2 1/2 and still intentionally destructive. As the old saying goes "It's a good thing he's cute." ;)

Soccer

Right now we are trying out a little bit of everything.

I think we have decided that T-Ball is not a favorite, but Soccer is yet to be determined.

At first they didn't like it so much because they had never played much, but now they are getting better and starting to like it.

I don't care if there super star athletes I just want them to be healthy and active.

First Day of School

I can't believe Hayden is in first grade, Coy's in kindergarten and it's just me and Grady every day.

Coy did so well no tears, a little apprehensive, but also excited. They both did so good.

This is what they chose for their fist day of school outfit.

Stud number 1.

Stud number 2. I miss them when there gone but they are learning so much and love it. I am so happy for them. Hayden is now reading small books and Coy is starting to comprehend and addition and sight words. They are both so smart, we couldn't be more proud.