Fall Day

We had a fun fall day! This morning we went to Hands On Museum in downtown Hendersonville. I only have been there once, when Everett was a toddler, and this whole month of October admission was only $4. So today we ventured out and the children had a blast! They all loved the play grocery store, the stage with costumes, the tunnel slide, the Lego raceway, and the play bakery. Eleanor loved the little nursery with baby dolls (where she gave her baby a bath, rocked it, and put it to bed). And the big boys got to participate in a science experiment making slime while Eleanor and Thatcher Reid did a project of painting rocks. They definitely did not want to leave and we will have to go back next month. While the littlest ones took a nap, the big boys watched a few Halloween videos. Then this afternoon we carved pumpkins. Everett, Hampton, and Eleanor drew faces on their pumpkin and then Eric carved. I think they did a good job! And then they made leaf piles in the front yard and had a blast jumping in them. Chili for dinner was the perfect way to end our fall day.

Sickies

Last week, and even into this week, the children have been passing around a cold/cough. It started with Hampton, then moved on to Thatcher, then Ellie....and now back to Hampton! Oh my, we are over this sickness, but tis the season I suppose. Everett has somehow managed to escape it (I think). 

When you feel sick, play with play dough! We made this pumpkin spiced play dough a couple weeks ago. It smells so good!

 Feeling kind of puny. And that is his artwork on the wall behind him. Took a lot of scrubbing from the Magic Eraser to get that out!

 Helping cook. And by cook I mean scooping dry rice in and out of the bowl. 

 My little helper. 

Movie Night: Frozen.

I just love family traditions and family movie night is definitely becoming one of them. The other night we decided to watch Frozen. We had not seen it in awhile. I stacked 3 jumbo size marshmallows on top of one another and called it "Olaf." Thatcher watched bits and pieces here and there, but mostly wandered around the playroom. Hampton talked through the entire movie. And Eleanor clung to her Frozen tea set and sang here and there to the lyrics she knew. It was a fun time!

Autumn Photo Shoot Part 2

Autumn Photo Shoot Part 1

I really wanted some updated photos of our family this Autumn and so in order to save some money, decided to take them myself. After church last Sunday we headed to one of our favorite spots, the arboretum, with camera in hand. We were already dressed from church so it was very simple. We had packed a picnic lunch and then I took some photos throughout our walk. It was so fun and I am pleased with how everything turned out! We even had a man passing by snap a shot of our whole family! 

Backyard Fun in the Fall

It really is the Fall time when we start venturing outside more. The summer heat gets to us all, but Fall weather is perfect. Cool, not too warm. And the crunchy leaves and acorns galore just add to the fun. Eric mowed our back lawn the other day and we moved our play set from the deck. There was also a slight chill in the air. The children took care of the rest-between playing pirates, collecting acorns, kicking a ball around, and just plain running, they had a blast! 

 This is Eleanor walking around just singing. 

 Thatcher Reid in the "forest" part of our backyard. 

Life Lately

Life lately has been very busy. Even during a normal week, I feel like we are going this way and that. Between preschool, first grade, AWANA, BSF, other church happenings, doctor appointments, etc. I just keep thinking life will slow down soon, but perhaps not. These are all very good things, but it just keeps us so busy! My favorite moments have been in the later afternoon and evenings when we are all home together. So here is a snapshot of our everyday....

All the babes are now able to line up and watch a video. The favorite is always Curious George. 

 Thatcher Reid looking so sweet in his backpack. 

 All the babes drawing and coloring together at their little table in the living room. Thatcher Reid has to be monitored as he often likes to use our walls as his canvas. 

 Eleanor got a new Frozen tea set and threw a tea party for all her friends. 

 Preschool painting. She loved this and it kept her very occupied one morning. 

 Playing with modeling clay. 

 He is so sweet. And so spunky. And mostly stubborn. 

 This afternoon I lined up Everett, Hampton, and Eleanor and we made these candy corn owls step by step. I had looked up a few owl facts and as we were assembling them we had a little owl lesson. I think they turned out so cute. Everett named his Cupcake. Hampton named his Evelyn (no idea where he came up with that). And Eleanor named hers, well Ellie of course!