He Blinded Me With Science

As part of his book order, Trace wanted Icky Sticky Foamy Slimy Ooey Gooey Chemistry. It came in today and he wore me down...we did the Test Tube Ghost experiment. I love that he wore the goggles to put colored water in a test tube!!! He really wanted to do the volcano experiment, but that one is definitely one to do with dad!

Backyard Fun

It has been raining and wet for, it seems like, forever. We were finally able to get out into the backyard for some fun. Well...not into the actual yard, but at least to the trampoline. It's a favorite spot for Katie. She and the kids play and play and play on that trampoline. When she is outside by herself she even likes to play on it. She probably does it now because it's the only dry spot in the yard.

In the first video, you'll hear the little planner devising some betend trick or treating fun with 'really a much candy'...but she's gonna share! I posted the second video because I know, someday, no one is going to believe that I could do it. So here it is...for posterity.

At the Camphouse

Over the last year, Chad has spent a ton of energy refurbishing 'The Moo Moo'. It is a mobile home at his grandmother's cattle ranch. It has been there for many, many years, unused for a number of years. He's done this to give us a place to go when we go hunting and teach the kids that hunting is not about cartoons and computers. It is about being outdoors and spending time together. We all went in this weekend and spent some time there Saturday night. It was perfect. Kinsey calls it 'The Muy'!

pizza around the fire

Who doesn't love s'mores???

Mouthful of marshmallow!

Not to be outdone...here's another mouthful of marshmallow!

awwwww

absolutely perfect!

Even Katie was chilly! She had a rough start at our house...or maybe I had a rough time with her start at our house...but the kids L O V E her. She has turned out to be such a great dog.

up, up, up into the deer stand

Running the bales

Kinsey fell between two hay bales after I quit taking pictures. She was a little stuck, but Chad came to her rescue!

Yep...she is driving! All grown up at 4...but we knew that already!

Trace, Chad, and Uncle Pecos

The kids sitting in a feed bucket full of corn. Trace put a handful down Kinsey's pants. I guess that's just part of being the younger sibling!

Kinsey and Bug

Kinsey does love to feed the cows!!!

Rock Solid Character

As part of Red Ribbon Week, Trace got to climb a 25' rockwall at school today. It was a great activity with an even better message. Here's a blurb from their website: Rock Solid Character is an adventure-based character education program of Team Synergy, Inc., dedicated to challenging students, parents, and teachers to make positive character choices on a daily basis. During our unique program, students hear and experience positive character lessons reinforced with the opportunity to climb a 25’ portable rock wall.

www.rocksolidcharacter.com

Carving Pumpkins

I don't really remember the act of carving pumpkins as a kid. I think I figured out why when we carved these with our kids this year. The kids were riding their bikes while Chad and I did all the work!

Trace chose an alien and Kinsey chose a silly face. We had a third pumpkin so we picked the only design out of the book that would fit on that little pumpkin Kinsey picked out at the Farmer's Market...bats in flight.

This and That

Last week, Kinsey's class went on a field trip to the Farmer's Market. They learned about different vegetables and (we all) learned about different types of squash and pumpkins. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about going with 14 four year olds, but they were all so good. I enjoyed it so much that we went back that afternoon so that Trace could see it all. We will be carving those pumpkins this weekend. Pictures to come soon!

The witch is a halloween decoration between the kids in the pic above. I bought it that morning and it was still in the car when we got to the Farmer's Market. As we were leaving I told them to hop out of the car for a pic and they decided the witch should be in it, too!

Kinsey and a friend discussing their choice of the best pumpkins.

Here we are on the 'big giant bus'! I think the kids were more excited about taking the bus than they were the pumpkins!

To get in the Halloween spirit, Kinsey's dance teacher has changed the rules. Only scary dancing. That means no pointed toes, no straight legs, no pretty arms, no quiet little tippy-toe runs. Next week they will all be in costume!

Kins and a friend during a shoe-change break.

I love the dance between the line change!

End of Season Party

On Saturday, Trace's coach hosted an end of the season party for his select baseball team, the Texas Heat. I am happy to report that there was only one fist fight. With ten, 6-7 year old boys, each of whom had either a gun or light saber, I'd say one fight was a success!

Talk about an accident waiting to happen...

Kinsey and Reese

To say she is fond of him would be an understatement...I don't know how she is going to survive without seeing him three times a week!

What a sport...'fixing' Coach Kory's hair.

Jack's Birthday Party

Yesterday Kinsey's friend, Jack, celebrated his 4th birthday. The party started at the local firestation for a demonstration then off to his house for cake and fun! Jack, Austin, and Kinsey went to Mother's Day Out together last year. That is where the kids, and parents, met. The boys have proven to be great friends for Kins and the moms dear friends for me! I didn't think to take my camera to the firestation, but here are some pictures of the kids at Jack's.

Kinsey & Ella


Kinsey wanted someone to push her and all the adults were tired of doing it, so Austin came to her rescue! He pushed her for a long time and was so tired...sweet boy!!!