Autumn

October has been another busy month for the Rice family. Thankfully, fall finally found us. The month began quite warm but has finished in the 70s with the temps dropping into the 40s at night.

The month started with a visit from Auntie Meredith and Isaiah. We went to "Touch a Truck" an event put on by Chick-fil-A. All different kinds of vehicles (monster truck, police car, fire truck, tractor, bus, ambulance, mower, semi, UPS, and more) were parked in the parking lot and the kids were able to touch, climb in, walk thru, etc. It was a really neat thing to get to do! Papa even got to join us and then bought us McDonald's for lunch...our favorite!

Jeff spent the better part of one Saturday at the BEST competition. His physics class put together a robot that had to complete certain tasks and compete against other schools. It was a fun time and they even made it to the semi-finals!

During the weeks, the boys and I went to story-time, playgroup, friends houses, and more. We keep fairly busy and really enjoy getting to do different things during the week. I also enjoyed attending our women's group at church where we made a special dinner and had a Mexican Fiesta!

We also celebrated Elijah's birthday (a little early). Auntie Meredith agreed to host and we we able to invite our Russellville friends and Mark and Jennifer. A great time was had by all. Elijah LOVED his Thomas the Train cake and all the wonderful gifts he received. He couldn't wait to get home to play his new drum set. I think he is a natural (at making noise anyway)!

Jeff finished up his first quarter of school this month and was a part of his first ever parent-teacher conferences. The conferences went well and many parents had encouraging things to say. I am VERY proud of Jeff and his perseverance during this often overwhelming time.

We ended the month by going to a local church for a Fall Festival. There was trunk or treat, tractor rides, cotton candy, popcorn, slushies, pony rides, balloon making, a costume contest, and more. Elijah enjoyed the festivities and quickly figured out that saying "trick or treat" led to candy being placed in his bucket (smart kid).

I hope you enjoy the pictures. Sorry there are so many...I had a hard time choosing which to put in the show. :-)

A free photo slideshow by Smilebox

The End of Summer

As summer draws to a close and the weather becomes cooler, we find ourselves playing outside more and relishing the opportunity to get out our warmer clothes. September included a birthday bash for Isaiah, a trip to the ER, and some fun family times.

We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Isaiah's birthday at the beginning of the month. The boys had fun playing at the park and riding the train complete with steam engine! Watching their eyes light up as they rode the train was worth a million bucks. After the park, we came back to our house for brats, burgers, cake, and presents. It was fun, fun, fun.

Later in the month, we were at a different park when Elijah slipped and hit his head on a bicycle pedal like thingamajig and split his forehead open. Luckily we were only 3 blocks from the hospital and had the fastest ER visit ever. The doctor Durabonded (glued) his head together and we were in and out in an hour. The doc said there should be no brain or nerve damage (he just missed hitting a major nerve in the forehead that controls facial movement and more). Thank you Lord for your provision and protection that night.

School continues to go well for Jeff. We enjoyed hosting his physics class for pizza one night as they worked on a robot they are building to compete in a show in mid-October. It was fun to get to meet some of the kids Jeff teaches everyday.

We also enjoyed going to a few rummage sales one Saturday morning. Elijah found the guitar you see in the pictures. It was a great find for him but drives me crazy! He loves to play it and show off his moves. :-)

Thad is a fun-loving, smiley, little guy. He definitely favors Jeff in appearance and loves to be with Daddy. He has started sleeping most of the way through the night giving us both some much needed rest.

I enjoy playing with the boys, hanging out with friends, and attending a weekly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. I also had a blast last week going out to dinner with some friends from Russellville. I love you Laura, Laura, and Beth!!!!

I hope you are all well and enjoying the cooler weather. Until next time, please enjoy the picture show.

A picture slideshow by Smilebox