Singing in church

The kids sang in church last Sunday.  They sang for all 3 services, and this first time that I got on tape was definitely Lyla's best.  The other two times I don't think she sang at all, and the 3rd time she spent most the time staring at the kid's around her. Lincoln is on the top riser to the farthest left, and Lyla is on the right on the second riser.                                                                                                                                                                                        

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at mom and dad's this year.  Nate and Ang went to Florida for their 10th anniversary, so it was mom and dad, our family, and Caleb, Abby, and Ethan.  I had fun feeding Ethan in the high chair and carrying him around.  Ang, I think we spoiled him a little- sorry!  We just couldn't let that cutie cry!  Uncle Matt tried to watch him in the basement a couple times, but each time he wouldn't stand for it.  Guess him and Uncle Matt will need some more bonding time.:)

Beautiful Nails!

Grandma and Ethan

Matt teaching Lincoln and Caleb settlers. They did pretty well with this, and stuck with it the whole game.

Contemplating the next move

Black Friday shopping with mommy!  We went around 9 Friday morning and spent most the morning at Kohls.  This is at the mall standing in front of Santa

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

Lyla seemed to like the tricycles quite a bit this year. Lincoln was not interested in them at all.  I was thinking this was about our third year of going to the pumpkin patch, and the first time that we could did not have to help anyone on anything. I think last year I was still pushing Lyla on the tricycle, and helping her go down the slide.  This year she insisted on doing everything by herself, even the slide. It's a pretty big slide, even walking up to it is tricky because you have to walk up a big hill to get to it.  She wanted to walk up to it by herself and go down by herself.   After she got turned upside down going down one time, she told me she wanted to go with her next time.

Jumping

You can't see his expression but he looked pretty terrified.  First year doing this by himself.

success

Lincoln's consistent favorite from year to year.  That kid loves mazes so a live one is  right up his ally.  Lyla and I  opted out when he wanted to do it again...

racing down the slide

riding out to the pumpkin patch

Almost to the 4 ft mark.  I have noticed at 4 ft a whole new world opens up. You can go down the slide at the Y, and lots of amusement park rides require you to be at least 4 ft

painting pumpkins

Batman and a Cat!

I dressed up as Dorothy that day at school.  I randomly found the costume at a garage last last summer.  Most of the kids at school knew who I was but alot of the younger ones were guessing Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

tunnels, friends, and soccer

One day we walked to the park by our house and found a guy and his kids digging gigantic  holes/tunnels.  Lincoln found this beyond fabulous, and it is now a favorite activity.  The kids have always liked playing in the sand a little, but nothing like how they like it now!  

Matt's college friends get together about once a year. This time the wives and kids came and we all met up at one of their houses.  It was alot of fun seeing everyone, and neat to see the kids play together.  If you know this group of guys, it is not hard to tell which kids are theirs!

Lincoln's last game of the season.  He told me right after the game that he wants to play again next year!

Matt did a great job coaching again.

Grandma Jean's funeral

We all miss Grandma Jean so very much.  The kids used to pray that she would feel better, now they still pray for her but say that they are glad she is in heaven.  She used to tell me how much she loved reading these blog entries, so as I write this I am tearing up thinking about how she isn't here to read them anymore.  I am so thankful she is not in pain anymore, that she is with our Lord and Savior and I will get to see her again someday.

 My Grandma had 5 kids, so we are a pretty big group when we all get together.  I loved seeing everyone, and wish we could all get together more.  Thank you so much Uncle Randy for taking pictures and sending us all copies.

Cousins playing duck duck goose after the service.

All Grandma's great grand-children.  The little cutie on the left is my cousin Joel's little girl, Ayla.  Irelyn and Lyla are posing for the camera.  Lyla has never done this, but Noelle told me Irelyn does it alot.  You can tell she is pretty good at it so Lyla is learning from a pro!  Wishing I would have noticed Lincoln's untucked shirt!!!

Zoo trips

Lyla has really gotten into coloring and painting in the last couple months.  She will sit and do it for a long time!

We went to the zoo alot this fall.  After not going for months in the summer because it is so HOT, it is always fun to go  when the weather is nice.

Lyla showing us where to go with the map. 

Lincoln's class party and chuckie cheese

I brought Mario star cookies to Lincoln's class on his birthday.  He showed pictures of himself, and answered questions the kids had.  They were supposed to ask him questions about himself, like favorite food, day of the week, color, ect.  It was pretty funny and comical.  One kid asked him his favorite color, I guess after someone else had asked because he said bluntly, "I already said that."

Mat and I took the kids to Chuckie Cheese on the night of his birthday.

Proudly showing what they got with their tickets