Hearts

I have posted before about my kids finding me hearts everywhere. It is a tradition that started with Justin. And now that the little boys have seen it continue, they have jumped in from time to time. I have had everything from mustard to rocks to shave cream to sand to shadows and even trash. And the tradition continues.

During Sacrament Meeting on Sunday.

Left on the seat of the car after school drop off. (Caity and Justin eat their breakfast in the car after seminary on the way to school.)

I don't even know where this one came from. But it floated around the house for a few days.

I think this may have been the most creative of them all. That would be the dog's lips as she is sleeping. Oh yes, this was presented as a heart just like all of the rest.

This is going to be one of my favorite traditions to remember. I hope it keeps going.

Halloween

I keep meaning to get some pictures up from October. Better late than never.

Jacob got to go back to our favorite pumpkin patch with his class!

Jacob and his best buddy.

His favorite part of the field trip was the animals.

Jacob is a master charmer. He found this sunflower and immediately ran to his teacher to give her his 'special present.'

 This year we made an effort to carve pumpkins thinking it would be a fun family project. One of the three pumpkins actually made it through the process. This may not be an activity we repeat. But maybe the kids will remember it differently than I do...

Jacob LOVED getting the 'guts' out.

Brad and Justin did the lion's share of the work. I was surprised to see Ty and Drew loose interest. And the girls... I don't think pumpkin carving is even on the list of interesting activities to begin with. So...

Next was the trunk or treat at our church. Everyone loves the trunk or treat!

This is the trunk of someones car. Apparently our new ward goes all out.

I had to take the kids to trunk or treat without Brad so I didn't get many pictures. But I did catch Drew in the doughnut bobbing station.

And finally, the real-deal Halloween night!

Drew was spider-man, Ty insisted on being a boy scout, Amber was a dancer, and Jacob was Wolverine. Justin followed his siblings around with a pillow case and worked the generosity of our neighbors despite his age and lack of costume. His candy stash lasted less than a week. 

My least favorite holiday is done for another year! Caitlin calls me the Scrooge of Halloween. It's a title I don't mind.

A few things you missed

I think once we get Nathan and Aiden home I will again need to adjust my definition of 'busy.' But, for now, I just can't say it enough. We are always on the move. I keep wanting to sit down and throw a quick blog post onto the computer. But it never happens. Some day I will look back on this and be glad I finally got something up. So, while it will be short on details, here's a few things you missed while we were running:

 What's this?! Pictures of Brad's birthday? I never document poor Brad. Finally, Dad gets a spotlight on the blog! Four months late, but hey!

 Dates are still happening almost every Friday night. The kids are sure to let us know if we miss one. This is me and Ty on a bike ride enjoying a gorgeous sunset from the park. This special one-on-one time with each of the kids is one of the few things we seem to be getting right these days. Point for the parents!

Sometimes these kids are really sweet and seem to all just get along. At least sometimes...

Jacob was being rowdy at bedtime so Drew and Ty got to climb in mom and dad's bed while Jacob fell asleep. Apparently they were tired too. 

These two melt me.

That would be two teenagers playing board games together after the little kids went to bed. Sometimes even the teens get along. Shhhh, don't tell them I shared this.

This is a typical Saturday evening in our house. We are all too dang tired to do anything other than lay around and let the kids play. Except mom. Mom is still working.

Even Bella has learned to assert herself to get some attention. I love this dog. Best dog ever.

These are all the details I will forget later if they are not recorded. Holidays and big events are easier to remember. It's the little day-to-day things I hope to recall later. Even though we are busy, I wouldn't have it any other way. Because all of these little moments make it so worth the effort.