Something's Missing...

Something's Missing....and it's Halley's tooth! Halley lost her FIRST TOOTH on Monday. She was sooo excited! I was out of town visiting a friend, so I missed out on the excitement, but I heard all about it as soon as I got home! I was a little put off that she couldn't have waited until I got home...but I soon forgave her when she smiled that toothless grin =)

Go Bucks!

Collin & Halley were proud to wear their scarlet & grey on Buckeye day at school. Halley had grey in her leggings & Collin got to buy a new jersey for the big Ohio State Michigan game. This was the extent of our festivities for the weekend, but that was just fine with me. We stayed at home for some much needed R & R.

An Adventure in Horesback Riding

A couple of weeks ago the kids were invited by some classmates to go horseback riding. Now, I'm sure this is fun for any kid, but if you know Halley at all, you realize that this is the highlight of her entire life. She has been in love with horses for a couple of years, and as she gets older, she is trying to find ways to get one. Recently, she told me that she thinks she wants a horse instead of a car when she turns 16! This is the 2nd time that the kids have been on a horse, so this time they seemed like pros (well, from their mom's point of view!) The mom that invited the kids actually gives lessons at a stable. So the kids were blessed to have about a 3 HOUR FREE Lesson! And yes, Halley's horse fever is even higher!

Brushing Sam, the pony before riding

Collin up on Chief--all ready to ride.

She really did light up riding the horse. By the end, she was riding the big horse all by herself!

Cameron rode too, but I was helping him balance, so no pics =( He had lots of fun too!

A Clone, A Motorcycle Racer, & the Cutest Kitty on the Block

We had a great (and very busy) weekend. We started off the weekend watching the kids at the school Halloween parade & parties. Even Cameron got to dress up, but I didn't get any pictures of him =( Then were were invited over for pizza at a new friend's house. Saturday was filled with breakfast with Poppa, some shopping, store returns, and then off to paint pumpkins! The kids had a great time painting and we had a great time watching. Then we headed back over to our friends house and went trick or treating. We have soooo much candy I don't know how we will ever eat it all or why we would want to! I think we're going to donate some to a friend who sends boxes to troops over seas. We managed to fit in raking neighbors' leaves (the kids are raising money for needy kids for Christmas), cleaning out the garage some more, mowing, fertilizing...no wonder I'm still exhausted! Well, enjoy the pictures below & look for more later this week. We went horesback riding yesterday, so I have more pis to share!

Kevin & our motorcycle driver (Cameron), needing a break from walking.

A motorcyle racer, a clone trooper, and the cutest kitty on the block

Halley's pumpkin complete with a peace sign and 3 horses

Collin's pumpkin was a star wars mask (Can you tell what we're into?)

Cameron made lots of faces on his pumpkin!

Okay, this is not from Halloween, but Cameron discovered this monster truck tie of Collin's & decided to wear it all over town last week (grocery store, library, etc)

Halley eating the biggest caramel apple ever (courtesy of Poppa Pennell)

Halley in the school parade

Class party

Hope you enjoyed the pics, I know there were a lot!

Fall Festivities

Kevin's parents came down to visit a couple of weeks ago for Cameron's birthday. We went to a pumpkin patch complete with a wagon ride, hay maze, and cider. We had lots of fun, but I'm not sure it compared to Michigan's fall festivities!

The kids with Grammy & Papa after picking their pumpkins

Playing in a corn "sandbox"

The kids were excited that they had regular pumpkins & camo pumpkins.


Grammy & Papa bought Cameron a very cool Lightening McQueen bike. He LOVES it!




Wish I could take credit for this adorable cake, but my wonderful husband actually decorated it! Pretty talented if I do say so myself!

Cameron turns 4!

It's hard to believe that 4 years has already gone by since my baby boy was born. I know every parent says to enjoy every moment because it's gone in a blink of an eye...but I don't think you can really understand it until you see it for yourself. I blinked and my baby is four! I am so thankful for the past four years--Cameron has added such joy and delight to our family. I can't wait to see what God has in store for his future!

Cameron & I had a "mommy date" for his birthday. We made cupcakes, went to build a bear, the lego store, and the ended the fun in the slums of Columbus at a McDonald's playland. Yes, what a mother wouldn't do for her child. I was using a GPS to find McDonald's--only downfall is they don't tell you if you're heading into the slums. I wanted to leave as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, but of course, the birthday boy had spotted the play area. So...I prayed for saftey & we headed in to eat & play =)

Cameron making his doggy at build a bear.

A nice lady offered to take our picture together--Cameron, "Doggy", & me.

Making cupcakes--he's showing me he's four!

He did such a good job putting those sprinkles on!

The birthday boy ready to blow out his FOUR candles.

Firsts

Halley took her first field trip with her new school yesterday, and I was able to go with her! It was a day full of firsts...Halley's first field trip on a bus, first time to the Columbus Zoo, and my first time meeting some of her new friends and their moms. It was also the first sunshine we had seen all week!

Group shot of the first grade classes--Halley is in the middle, 3rd row back.

Halley with some of her new friends.

A little squinty, but happy for the sunshine =)

Halley loved the aquarium!

This is Collin & Halley getting ready to get on the bus for the first time ever (taken a couple of weeks ago).

A New Chapter & First Day of School

I'm going to ignore the fact that it's been over a year since I've updated this blog, so hopefully you can too =) Many of you are on facebook, so you have been keeping up with pictures that way, but I will try to post some highlights from the past year sometime soon...

Most of you know by now that we have moved to Ohio. It has been a difficult decision and has been filled with much sadness and tears to leave our family & friends in Michigan. However, we feel that God has a great plan for us, so we have taken this step of faith. Please keep us in your prayers as we start this new chapter of our lives.

Collin & Halley had their first day of school today at their brand new school. I thought that they would be nervous, but they were both very excited & didn't think they would sleep last night! They were both greeted this morning by eager classmates who have been waiting to meet them since August 19th (the official 1st day of school). I think that made the both feel like the stars of the class. I can't wait to hear all about their first day of school!

Halley in her new classroom.

All ready for 4TH GRADE!

I must say he's probably going to be the cutest 4th grader in his class!

All ready for first grade!



Collin, Halley, & Cameron all ready to go!