Volleyball

 Makayla played volleyball for the first time this year at school. She had a blast and it came to an end this past weekend. She learned so much and improved greatly in her skills. She LOVED playing and was sad to see the season end.  She had a great team as well, the girls were always very encouraging of one another and supportive. It was a fun sport to watch and be a part of.  While I am happy to get 3 of our evenings back I am sad to see it end as well.
Good job Makayla, very proud of the player you are!

One final picture and they had to make it a silly one! a great group of girls!!!

Brie's pumpkin patch trip

Brie went to the pumpkin patch this day with her preschool. It is always a chore trying to keep her awake on the drive home. Previous to this picture she was telling all about the pumpkin patch and how she picked the best pumpkin because it was her favorite and all the things of the day. It suddenly went quiet, when I got to a stop sign this is what I saw! she was so tired but I tell ya she never let go of her pumpkin!

Anna

Brie and I have spent most Thursdays running errands for the school fundraiser Pete and I are a part of. This particular Thursday I had the pleasure of Anna from Frozen escorting me. Brie was very proud when people would stop her and talk to her. (we happened to be at the grocery store when the fire fighter crew came in to buy groceries, they all had a lot to say to her. Then another stop a policeman walked in and right over to Brie he came and chatted with her. )
This is a costume I ordered Sept 1 and after 45 days and not helpful emails I canceled my order. They refunded my credit card and a day later the package was in our mailbox, hmm..... We had moved on and gotten Brie an Elsa dress instead, now she will not let us return either one! the smile on her face is totally worth keeping both!

sweet Pete had a birthday

 Pete celebrated his birthday out of town. We welcomed him back the next day with a finger jello cake! Since I am not the artistic one I did not know if a "cake" would turn out but sure enough!

 Everyone was very happy to have him home and they all overwhelmed him with love.

I think the tea maker was a hit! Happy birthday my dear! looking forward to the next 40 together!

Pumpkin Patch in pictures

It has been 2 years since we were at the Pumpkin Patch. Brie does not remember anything from the first time and PJ only has faint memories. It was a very fun afternoon watching the kids discover and have fun time just hanging out at the pumpkin patch.

 We did the hayrake ride out to the pumpkin patch and enjoyed walking through the HUGE pumpkin vines, they definitely had enough water this year. Huge stems and very large pumpkins!

 A little tractor ride, a few in the front and Pete and Maggie bringing up the rear.
A few just fun pictures! The kids love to snuggle with their daddy! Brie's little eyes were thrilled with each new area we went too.

 The kids did the big slide. If you can click on the picture when they come down the slide. If you can zoom in Brie's face is hilarious! She was not sure what she was in for, however in the end she was beaming and wanted to go again!

Mining is always an absolute at Vala's. The kids enjoy it the most of all things!

PJ and Brie are very serious about their search for treasures!

 GROUP PHOTOS!!

 Upon our departure we let each kiddo pick out a gourd. Makayla picked one that was like a phone!

 PJ was being silly with all of the gourds.
A great time was had by all, no doubt the "littles" will remember Vala's next year so I do not think we will be able to continue the every other year plan.......

Hawkeye Birthday

Makayla and PJ agreed to have a Hawkeye party. They both enjoy watching the football games. We had a quick but fun birthday party with family. 

 We managed to squeeze in a few quick pictures.

 I am not sure what my mom was telling Kayla at the time but it was something quite serious. Then we got the good one!

 Granny and Pop brought cousin Beth along and the kids all had a great times playing together for the weekend.  Makayla's surprise gift was a tackle box, which had some tackle. But then the real gift was deep inside, tons of nail polish and tools. She was thrilled!!!

 PJ really desired a snowboard from her Auntie Coke and Uncle Jeff. So being the clever people they are they wrapped a can of snow and a small board. So he got a "snow board", hehe. His face shows his happiness with his gift, then he realized as we were laughing what the true gift was!!!
 Brie insisted that she pose PJ just right to be able to photograph the snow board picture. My mom got him snow goggles which completely made him happy as well.  Granny and Pop got him a bike so he had a great birthday!! he was having a blast on his new bike!

 Cake time!(I do not recommend black frosting.... and Brie is proof why)

 My mom just celebrated another birthday and we found her some indian corn decorations for her house. My sister also has a birthday coming up and I could not pass up this witch(her favorite holiday is Halloween)

 The legos have been a big hit and Brie says thank you as well!!