Halloween

We've been discussing Halloween costumes in our home a lot lately.  After school yesterday, James ran through the door and drew this picture.  "Mom," he said in all seriousness, "this is my Halloween costume: a four-headed gopher."  

Soccer begins

James is really happy now that soccer has begun. After years of watching David play, he FINALLY gets his turn!  Somehow, his entire team are members of the ward, so the team name has evolved into "Mormon Monsters".  Everyone has commented on how surprised they are to see James come out of his shell... yes, he is our competitive child.

Life with a baby

With school in session, we are getting into a routine and it has seemed to help ease the stress of handling 4 kids.  Ruth and Emmy are my companions during morningtime.  I am looking forward to watching Emmy grow into Ruth's playmate.  As of now, Ruth considers herself the mommy.

The kids squealed with delight when they saw this.  Those hands really work!

Lots of early feedings and light snoozing.

I love it when a baby can smile and coo... it shows that there really is personality inside that tiny body!  So far Emmy is quite a flirt!

First day of school

David and James started their first day of school on September 7.  Our morning started very early, as we had to be loaded and on our way to school by 7:30 am.  

Jame is starting TK this year, which is pretty much a bonus kindergarten year.  We are fortunate to have Mrs. Weller again.  James really feels like he has finally arrived and is so excited to report when he sees  David on campus.

David has a shared class.  His two teachers are Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Duone.  They are new to the school, so very much an unknown.  So far, however, he is really enjoying himself.

Last weekend we "helped" daddy clean out his office.. very exciting for the kids to see where daddy goes to all day long.

Ruth takes dance!

Since our mornings are now quiet with the boys at school, I signed Ruth up for preschool dance!  She loves it!  I love it too.. and yes, I am reliving childhood through Ruth.

Miss Sharon is the director at my dance studio.  She is 70 years old and still teaches 4 classes a day...   She is so amazing with these little 2 and 3 year olds; for one whole hour, they are focused and working so hard.  I would love to learn her craft for teaching such tiny people and hope that when I am 70 I will still be teaching others to love dance.

The first time I saw your face...

I came across this picture of Emmy yesterday...  This was taken moments after her birth.  She was screaming her head off until the nurse placed her on my chest.  She knew instantly that it was me.  If you look closely, you'll notice that she is trying to look up at me.

All dressed up

Emmy smiles!

...especially when Grandpa's around!

Emmy's blessing day

 Emmy was blessed Sunday September 1, one day after David's baptism.  Isn't she beautiful?  Hard to imagine life without this sweet baby.

The best we could do for a family photo...

The gang after church.  We sure enjoyed our special weekend together.

Coming of age

David was baptized last Saturday.  Though Joseph's parents were away in Africa on a mission, my parents were able to fly in for this much anticipated occasion.  We were also fortunate to have lots of friends drive in and many members of the ward attend.  David was glowing afterwards; he felt so great inside.  I am so proud of him and am grateful for the example that he is to his younger siblings.

Like father, like son?

My dad took this cute picture of James as he was trying to work with his buttons right before the baptism.

Back up to last week.  David attends his first cubscout pack meeting.  I love these uniforms- so adorable!