Running

Todd had the crazy idea to run a Half Marathon. 13.1 miles. That's far, too far. He is a go getter like that. We made the trip into Richmond to be supportive. I missed him crossing the finish line. I'll take the sopping wet clothes and salt crystals on his forehead as proof that indeed he actually did do it! We are proud of our daddy!

Fall

Nothing warms my heart more than these faces. My big kids. Including Ben, he refuses to be my baby. He has places to go and people to see. Cars to watch, cats to chase. Sisters to avoid and a big brother to wrestle with. Life is good. I am blessed beyond words.

Grandma and Grandpa Baker came to visit us during the month of October. It was wonderful as usual.

Grandma always has a craft stuffed up her sleeve, and this year it was in the form of a Scarecrow.

He did his job well. It took me a week before I could go outside without jumping at the sight of him. I heard a little girl cry pointing to him in fear. Our neighbor told us the story of walking one afternoon, puzzled that we wouldn't say hello back or wave to him.

Greenfield farm with the family

This year is the first time in 8 years that Todd and I snuck away from the kids for a few days. We had so much fun. Acting like kids ourselves. We watched the sunrise and hiked till my legs hurt, did a little spelunking, and ended the day watching the sunset.

This Halloween we had some groovy costumes. I spent plenty of time digging in thrift stores to find the perfect matches for our mystery gang, and Jeepers what do you know?

Raking mounds of leaves is nothing when you have helpers like mine!

True Story

If you let Dad take the kids to the park,

they will see the nature trail and want to go for a walk.

When Dad takes them for a walk,

they will pass the river and want to throw stones.

While they are throwing stones,

they will see a baby frog.

Then they will pick him up,

and ask to bring it home.

Once they bring it home,

they will see that he needs supplies.

Later they will dump blood worms and live crickets into his cage,

and worry when he won't eat.

Then they will get Daddy,

and beg him to save their frog.

Dad will discover that the Northern cricket frog can't be a pet,

and they will have to take him back to the river.

Then the kids will cry,

and Daddy will promise to take them to the pet store for a new frog.

And chances are,

when he takes them to the pet store,

we will end up with ...

HAMSTERS?!

Mom is left wondering if the 3 hours of peace and quiet was worth it!

My Little Hero

I practically had to bribe him to come outside and play in the rain. All he wants to do anymore is play the "puter". Computer for those of you scratching your heads. He would do it for hours. It's temping I tell you. However I would much rather have this guy right by my side.

Back to School

First Day of School

Olivia 3rd grade

with her teacher Mrs. Strickler

Claire 1st grade

with her teacher Mrs. Trimpe

Paige 1st grade

with her teacher Mrs. Stork

Magic Eight Ball? Will I ever get better at blogging?

LOOKS DOUBTFUL

I am a bad, really bad blogger.

Here is how Summer went down.

Family & Friends...

FUN...

Fourth of July...

Paige and Claire's Scooby Doo Party

We had a scavenger hunt to solve the mystery

"case of the missing birthday cake"

turns out a ghost had taken it.

We miss all of our Family and Friends. Till next time.