October happenings

So much going on, such little time to blog. Guess that's what happens when you have 4 kiddos.

Here's some pictures from Dewberry Farms a few weeks ago.

I love this picture - this is so my girls... just being silly and having fun.


This picture really doesn't do this "slide" justice... The girls giggled on every "bounce, bounce, bounce" - really funny to watch.


Children of the corn. You can really lose someone out here.

It was a beautiful day.

"Hey bro, whaddya say we lose the parents and get some ice cream."

Behold the power of Cheetos.

Getting ready for the pig races.

And they're off!! Well, at least 3 of them. Poor little Abby's pig is stuck in the gate.

Another new park - check out this slide! Kinda resembles a large intestine, right?

Mr. Chunkalicious is growing.

Since they don't have cell phones yet, this will have to do.

Austin's football wrapped up this weekend. They actually won the Superbowl. I didn't have my camera so I took a few on my phone... here is he before the game. He kinda looks like half a Cardinal with his shirt tucked in so far. :)

James told me last night I had to go look at Austin while he was sleeping... this is what I found.

Oh, he is so proud. It sure makes all of those practices worth every second.

When the older kids come home, they insist on playing with Cole. This day they were on a plane... Cole wasn't exactly feeling this game.

The girls and I had a "girls day" this weekend... I had to find something to wear for our annual family pictures on Sunday... so we shopped and had a lunch date at 59 Diner. I must say it is pretty fun having 2 girly girls... totally opposite of me. Abby said it was her best day ever... "except for the 15 minutes I sat in the chair" (meaning when she had to wait for her food).

Hope you're all having a fun October!

E is for....

Emily!



Did you notice that her hair makes the letter E?!

Making baby food

Cole's first week of solid food has been a success. Now that we've given Cole a chance to experience the boring rice cereal, we've decided to broaden his food experiences. Really the only things he's ever tasted are pretty bland... milk, baby cereal and his hand. It's time to step out.

Our first three kiddos ate the Gerber stuff out of the jar. I remember my mother-in-law telling me how she made her own baby food for her kids, and how I should start making it with ours. She said it was easy. I thought she was nuts. Now that I'm somewhat wiser, I think she actually had a point. I think about all the preservatives that go into those foods... and knowing where the produce comes from and how it is prepared seems a lot healthier for a baby.

It's not to say that I will never give Cole jarred baby food. I'm sure he will get it on occasion, but I am going to try and keep this up.

So today we made apples and pears. We peeled and cored both fruits... boiled the apples and steamed the pears.

They went into the food processer and ta-da! Homemade baby food. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I then put the extras into ice cube trays to freeze the leftovers.

"Yeah, it's food time! I love food. I sure hope it's that yummy rice stuff that I've been getting all week. I'm so used to it."

"Um, it feels like the other stuff. Wait, why is my tongue starting to tingle?"

"Hmmm... that's different."

"Can I talk to a manager. I didn't order apples!"

"Um. No thanks. I think I will pass."

"I said NO MORE!"

I'm not too offended. After all this was his first try at something besides his rice cereal. We'll try again next time! :)

Cole gets his first taste of football!

Lordy Lordy - LOOK WHO'S

FORTY!!



I couldn't imagine a better partner in life than you!

LYMM! Looking forward to spending another 40 birthdays with you! :)

And no, you do not look forty. Ha!

And here's some messages from our chickens:



Well in case you blinked, she said "Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you very much."

Which she must, because she actually said something on video.

And from our more outgoing one:



And here's the dance:



And a short message from the eldest...


and youngest.