Friday is spirit day at school....Go big orange! Jacob was sad Emily didn't want to stand next to him for the picture.

Tara and that cat!

You know it's almost Halloween when the kids start coming up with costumes for their stuffed animals.

This week flew by. We had the flu mist for the kids on Monday. Gene got sick about that time too. We had another great cross country meet...in 94* weather. This time there weren't too many hills and it was just under a mile. Emily kept up with Kyra and Tara this time. I was too busy cheering to get any photos.

Emilyism for this week: "My dad is spider brave (brave enough to kill a spider) but, I don't think he's snake brave."

Taraism: "We are learning about mutilism" Really? as in mutilate, tear up? "no, where each helps the other...." OH Mutualism!

Cross country race

The girls participated in their first cross country race this week. It was way far away at Cove State Park. They were a bit nervous...and it was hot. But, they did a fantastic job. It truly was up and over hills, through mud puddles (see the back of Tara's legs) and over a bridge. It was amazing. I was proud of them for finishing a "hard thing."

Braces changes

Jacob now is wearing rubberbands in a square/rectangle around his 8 front teeth. I've had to head up to his classroom the past few days and get the band off before snack time (and then we have lunch at the same time----how convenient!)He's almost got it now by himself...maybe by Monday he'll be able to do it alone.

Emily's bands are twisted around the front.
All of the kids had them tightened/changed the day before school pictures. I think the smiles will be more of grimaces...we'll have to see.

The Swing

We finally got our swing. The rope has been lonely dangling on the tree since I promised the kids a swing at the beginning of summer. My idea was a tire or even a piece of wood with holes on either side.....but, Gene wanted a more secure, weather-safe seat. I'm glad we waited. Jacob helped Gene put the brackets on. Then it wasn't long before it was up and 'swinging'. Each kid had their turn and then got the kitty to join in the fun. Just in time to enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

4 day week

Jacob is determined that it is DARK vader who uses a light SAVER. We've been trying to convince him otherwise. Here he's made his own out of a wrapping paper tube.

Where ever that cat is....there Tara is also.

One of Emily's flower hair clips I made yesterday. I feel a crafting splurge coming on.

This week was so busy. We didn't unpack from our trip completely until Thurs. Well, technically today because I'm just now putting DVD's back into their original cases that we took on our trip. The school days went by quickly but, there are alot of little things going on. The girls are doing great with their cross country. We missed the first meet on Tues. because we all had the sniffles and Uncle Darrell was still here visiting. But, both girls are looking forward to this Tues.'meet. I'll try to remember to take pictures.
I'm convinced the kitten has had a little brain damage...she is a little looney tunes. She's been spending more time outdoors. Everytime I turn around Tara has let her in again and is holding her sweetly.
This upcoming week is our visit to the Orthodontist, school pictures, first cross country meet and extra high scope training for me.
Gene and I did squeeze in a date night and saw the movie SALT....it was alot like the Bourne movies. It was action packed...and kept me guessing. Then yesterday I spent time at our RS's Super Saturday and made cute hair flower clips (as well as some Christmas ornaments.) I'm so grateful for Sundays...required resting days.
Happy Grandparent's day to all our grandparents out there!

cousin visit to Iowa

Emily and Alayna's baptism bracelets from g'ma Ribera.








Well, we decided to make a short trip to Iowa this past weekend to see Alayna baptized. We drove up Friday (with a very early start)12 hours to Iowa. We had a marvelous trip...the kids were happy. We had fabulous cool weather (with a breeze) which made our outdoor activities delightful. We walked to the elementary school and played on the playground, then attended the baptism, then played tennis. We saw the movie "Diary of a wimpy kid" and then the kids were up all night giggling...and we adults crashed. The next morning was church, a family dinner, game night and then we packed up. It was a fast but super fun trip.