I have a lot to catch up on. We have been so busy with the campaigning, the blogging didn't get done. However, important things still happened in our family's life, and it is fun to remember them and celebrate them.
In September, Audrey turned 11 years old! We can't believe how old she is getting. We had a huge craft night/extravaganza at our house for 16 of her closest friends. It was a blast, and they all were hyper and full of fun. Audrey is so good at planning parties, it is fun to have a chance to plan her birthday party with her. We are realizing that our little girl is growing up. Her time with us seems more precious than ever now.
Here is Carson running hard. I am always a big fan of this fundraiser for their school. Each child runs/walks about 3/4 of a mile through the streets near their school. There is a lead car with the school mascot and radio blaring. But most of all, it is neat to see the kids work so hard to accomplish a hard feat. Carson is running his heart out in this picture. He is the first boy in the third grade to finish, and he is only a half a block behind the leaders. The Audrey and Kate were focused on staying with their friends and helping them finish. I was proud of their sweetness in being loyal to their friends. And, the fundraiser was a success. The kids all got unexpected free T-shirts with the extra money it generated.
With all the kids in school except Graham - this is what I have been up to. I work hard most of the week on "mommy jobs", but on Thursdays (and sometimes Fridays), Graham and I play. We have taken this bike trailer out a couple times. We always try to include a friend for Graham, and we have been out enjoying the fall weather. These are the good memories I will always cherish. What a neat thing to be able to enjoy time with our youngest child.
A highlight of our fall was visiting the new Scheels store that opened up blocks from our house. The kids have been watching it being built for so long, and now we got a chance to explore it. Of course, the first thing to try was their Farris wheel, but we found enough to keep us busy there for 2 1/2 hours. It was really fun!
.The kids enjoyed Halloween. We trick-or-treated at dad's work to start the holiday. Employees had decorated the building and created a spook alley for the kids to come visit. They are standing in front of a LED pumpkin at Chad's work in this picture. Then, Saturday was the pumpkin party at Grandma's house. Graham had croup, so just the older three got to go. Next on Tuesday, the Primary had a Halloween party sponsored by the Young Women. Super fun! And, of course, the school had a parade and class parties Halloween morning. Finally - it was Halloween night. The warmest and best Halloween I have ever seen. We trick-or-treated for a couple of hours, until Graham couldn't go on. Everyone had a blast. Audrey went with her friends, but we saw them a few times as our paths crossed. Audrey was cookie monster, Carson was a werewolf, Kate was Cleopatra, and Graham was a dragon.
Both Kate and Audrey played soccer this fall. Chad coached Audrey's team and I helped Kate's coach with her team. It made for some pretty hectic Thursday nights, especially with the stake women's volleyball I help out with. We had fun watching our girls improve. Audrey's team had another undefeated season. There have been so many rewards for Chad's (and his assistant coach's) consistent efforts with that team. Somehow, despite the campaign and other conflicts, soccer was a real highlight of our fall.
And finally - Carson earned his purple belt in karate! He has worked hard for this belt - and he did terrific earning it. He had to show a little perseverance with this one. He was ready for a break from karate about a month or two ago, but he already knew all the things for the purple belt, so we asked him to stay in until he tested for the belt. He did it! He is now very grateful for a break. I think we will try rock climbing next . . . It is fun to have a new adventure.
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