Happy Halloween

It's hard to believe, but Halloween is here again. Nolan really knew what was going on this year and it was so fun (and funny) to watch him go trick or treating. Every time he left a house, he looked in his bag and said, "I got candy AGAIN!" He was amazed that people just kept giving him candy. After two blocks, he was tired from the walking and out of breath from being sick, so Farrel carried him while Laiken and Carson went to a few more houses.

Here Nolan is in the Elmo costume that he insisted on:

Carson went as a scary joker and Laiken was an astronaut.

Austin

We love going to Austin. Except for the lack of the Pacific Ocean, so much of the climate, environment, and atmosphere reminds us of when we lived in San Diego. Farrel and I got to spend some time in Austin this weekend with Joe and Daniela laughing, talking, Sunday driving, and brunching at Waterloo's. Great call on brunch, Daniela, and next time you and I will plan the party--know any good caterers? I know one we won't use...

Fall Halloween Carnival

Growing up, I loved, loved, loved the Fall Festival that our school held every year. I always had so much fun going with my friends, playing games, eating junk food, and just taking it all in. This Friday, Laiken and Carson's school hosted a fall carnival. We all had a great time and it was so much fun to watch my kids enjoying all of the things that I loved when I was their age. Thanks to Grandma and Papaw for helping out and making the night even better, especially since Nolan was not feeling well and required a little extra attention. There was a time when my mom and dad couldn't wait to stop going to the school carnival, but I guess it's more fun when you get to go with the grandkids!

Learning About Leadership

Laiken was elected as Historian for this year's Student Council. She loves to write, take pictures, and create things, so she is very excited to be able to use all of these skills this year as she fulfills her duties. The induction ceremony was Friday and the superintendent of the school district spoke to the newly elected executive board and class representatives. He reminded them of what an honor and responsibility it is to serve in positions of leadership. The morning was a memorable occasion and it was great to see all of the kids so excited about taking on their new roles.

Blue Ribbon Day!

At the awards celebration on Friday, Carson was named the Blue Ribbon Student for his class for the month of October. He is such a great kid and we are so proud!

Pumpkin Patch

I can't believe that the first time I went to the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm, Laiken was 2 years old and in her first year of preschool. I went back several years in a row with both she and Carson for their school field trips. This year, it was Nolan's turn. We had a great morning feeding the animals, riding the hayride, and picking out pumpkins. In typical Nolan fashion, he was a little wary of the whole experience at first, but we ended up having lots of fun! Such a sweet smile....

...feeding the goats...



...riding on the hayride...



....posing with the pumpkin he picked out (the little one towards the front)...

2 Down, 1 To Go...

For reasons unknown, the fourth grade had a book report, a 3-D model of the water cycle, and a science fair project all due this month. Needless to say, Laiken has been busy. The book report was finished and turned in last week, the water cycle model was handed in this week, and the science fair project is next. The projects have required a lot of time to complete, but I am so grateful to be at a school that really challenges our kids.

For the first time since she started her schooling, I am letting Laiken completely handle these kinds of projects. As you would expect, I cringed a few times when she chose designs or materials that I never would have used--but, I managed to keep my mouth shut (shocker, I know) and I smiled as she showed off her finished product. I figured that unless I am going to write her essays for her AP exams or complete her college projects someday, then I better start handing over the reins now--it's just so difficult!!

Big Cheers!

We spent another weekend on the sidelines of the soccer fields, but this week we were fortunate to have a big cheering section. Thanks to Uncle Joe, Grandma, Papaw, Carolyn, and Arlene for cheering on Laiken and Carson during two back-to-back games!

My Boys

I love my sweet, funny boys and I love seeing them laughing with their new puppy. For years, people told me, "Carson needs a dog. Boys need dogs." After seeing them together the last couple of weeks, I think I agree.

Friday Night Fun

There are times when you know that you have done something right while raising your kids. Some of the best reminders of this are when your children's friends come over to play. When you can tell that your son or daughter has chosen good people to associate with, it makes you feel like all of your talking and teaching might have sunk in.

Tonight, I got the privilege of listening as Laiken and two of her best friends talked about college plans and future careers as writers, Broadway stars, and astronauts. I got to listen as they laid out their life plans and talked about future goals. They sang while we ate dinner and got up periodically to show me a dance move or to reenact something dramatic. So much energy and so much confidence. I know that at nine, I was never so self-assured as these girls are. Big plans for a big world--I can't even imagine what great things life will hold for such amazing kids.

Camping Moved Indoors

Last weekend was a long weekend with Monday off for the kids. We had promised them that we would put the tent up in the backyard so that they could "camp out" for a night. After a drizzly day on Saturday, we weren't sure what Saturday night would hold and we moved the camp out indoors. I was afraid that it would start raining in the middle of the night and that we would be pulling kids, blankets, and pillows indoors while getting soaked in the process. So, everyone still had a great time and stayed dry in the comfort of Carson's bedroom. Best of all, Nolan was able to participate--rain or no rain, there was no way I would have let him sleep outside!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Laiken got quite a surprise at school this week. She was honored with being chosen from over 600 students at her school as the student who most exhibited the core value of respect. A Chick-fil-A representative came to her classroom and took pictures and presented her with a letter of congratulations. We went to the restaurant to see her picture displayed and to celebrate with her over dinner. She was very excited and we were very proud.

Nolan's First Trip to the Dentist

Nolan had his first trip to the dentist this week and was absolutely perfect! Neither the dentist nor the hygienist could believe that he was only 2 1/2. We've come a long way over the last 6 months! There's no way I could have expected such great behavior from him last spring. I forgot my camera, but the great staff took this cute picture for me. That's customer service at its best!