Fall and Halloween prep 2018

We have tried to get out to enjoy the last of the tolerable fall weather before it gets cold!  Mrs. Laura was here recently for a half day and took the boys to the park to play.

Our garden did so well this year!  And it turned a beautiful purple for the last bit of summer/beginning of fall.  Makes me happy!

The boys had their conferences, it was neat to see their work up in the hall and to chat with each of their teachers.  Everyone is doing well!  Here Sam wrote a story about where his teacher might be if she went missing, a la "Miss Nelson is Missing!"  He predicted she would be in space!

Noah's work identifying his goals this year:

And Isaac's work!

We had a bit of an issue with our dryer.  The tiny space required a tiny worker, Sam was just right for the job!  He connected the vent back up from the dryer out to the outside wall!

Teamwork at it's finest!

 Isaac is still a pretty hesitant swimmer, so he's been doing fall lessons.  One week, his usual teacher was out sick and he was put up in the higher class.  It did not go well (zoom in), but he's making progress!

Philie and I went to a sign making party at Michelle's house, we both opted for holiday signs.  I think they turned out really well!

If eating a taffy apple while trying on your new winter boots isn't peak autumn, I don't know what is!

Isaac's inventive spelling for "heavy medal."

My mom hosted her book group's 25th anniversary celebration, her decorations were amazing!

25 years, lots of books and even more laughs!  What a cool group of ladies!

Sam met a friend at a recent grocery store trip, no he didn't come home with us!

Noah doesn't get to wear his costume to school, but he did have a party at karate this weekend.  How terrifying, the blue screen of death!

Pumpkin carving seems to get easier each year as they can actually do it somewhat on their own.

Mr. Mustache!

Sam was pretty worried about the survival of his oogie boogie design, but dad rescued it just in time!

 So here they are: Mustache, Oogie Boogie, and WiFi!

 School pics came home this weekend too!  Noah's 5th grade shot was a little sliced off on top, but otherwise great!

 Isaac: Kindergarten

 Sam: 2nd grade

So, now we are ready to trick or treat and head on to November!

Rodeo and more classic September!

 Boy, September sure went by fast!  We went to the annual Labor Day Parade that is very close to our house, it was fun!

 Sam and I did a Taco Bell date!

 One of the highlights of the rodeo this year was meeting the Schwantz's new puppy, Lucy.  She's a tiny cutie that all the boys adored!

 Hats ready, it's Fort Madison Rodeo time!  First up, the parade!

 Never ceases to amaze me how many kids we all have now!

 Becky was a very brave grandma and did tie dye with everyone!

Rodeo time!  It was a perfect night for the traditional flag fly in!

 Sam's usual highlight, the cotton candy!

 Noah found the funnel cakes and was super pleased!

 Isaac enjoyed seeing all the animals.  It was by far the muddiest year yet!

 Bear Down!

 Gotta line them all up by age again!  Can't wait till next year!

 Isaac's fall activity of choice is indoor swim lessons.  He's still a little fearful, so we thought this would be a good pick.  His teacher, Lexi, is very sweet with him!

 Recent mom gathering, the picture of the moms is funnier than the picture of the kids!

 Mike and I upgraded to new phones, portrait mode FTW!

 Picture day ready!

I was fortunate enough to go to the annual Closing the Gap conference in Minnesota with some awesome coworkers!

 This year was especially neat because we did 2 presentations!  It was a lot of work and practice and nerves, but I think they turned out great!

 It was a long 4 days to be away, but it was fun too!  When I got home we celebrated (my return and the end of a LONG consequence Sam was serving) with a special trip out to the arcade and for ice cream!

 Life is sweet with these guys!

Looking forward to all that October has to offer with Halloween and more!