Monday, October 31, 2011

October 2011

Is it really November already? October seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye!

Here is a recap of this past month's happenings:

The first weekend was the Fort Smith Air Show. We hopped on a bus that took us to the Fort Smith airport where many planes, helicopters, and servicemen were waiting for us. Elijah ran from one thing to the next. He was so excited to get to see inside the cockpit of a fighter jet, walk into the back of a cargo plane, and check out the operations of a helicopter. He also bounced and slid his way down several neat inflatables. It was a treat to watch parachuters coming out of the sky to the National Anthem. Several carried flags too. We also watched a re-enactment of the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. It was extremely moving and brought this piece of history to life, literally. We also watched as a bus fitted with a jet engine sped across a field. Later in the day the Thunderbirds put on an awesome show that we were able to watch from our backyard. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Thank you Lord for a truly awesome day!

The next week was a pretty normal one but Eli ended up coming down with croup. We had a rough weekend but he was better by school the next week. He would have hated to miss school!

The next weekend, the boys and I headed to a farm with our devoted nurse, Michelle, and her daughters Riley and Kaylee. There was soooo much to do and see and again God blessed us with beautiful weather. We went on several hay rides, petted different farm animals, went through the corn maze, slid down a HUGE slide on potato sacks, dressed up as scarecrows, and picked out our own pumpkins. It was such a fun time that we can't wait to go back and do it again!

The following week, Jeff was very busy with parent teacher conferences and the robot competition. His team did awesome and took 3rd in the robot portion of the competition and placed 4th overall giving them the opportunity to compete at Regionals in December. His Physics students are already coming up with ideas to revamp the robot and marketing presentation. The day ended with a special visit from Candy and Julie. They were able to take in some of the competition before joining us for supper.

This past week was filled with costumes, candy, and fall festivities. Elijah's school had a costume parade on Thursday. It was absolutely adorable to watch all this little kids parade across the gym, so proud, in their costumes. A few of the cuter ones included a one-year old little girl dressed as Piglet, a little chef (home-made costume), and, of course, my Spiderman. We also had a Fall Festival at our church on Friday evening. Eli eagerly donned his Spiderman costume again and we dressed Thad in a monkey costume. Both boys received many compliments on their attire. There were many fun games, an inflatable, and cookout. Everyone walked away with a ton of candy and many great memories. Thad's favorite game was pulling duckies out of the duck pond. He didn't even care about getting candy...just getting wet! Elijah's favorite was the inflatable bounce-around. He jumped for almost an hour by the end of the evening.

This past weekend we had some more special visitors. Ms. Janna and Ms. Laura came. We enjoyed spending time catching up, reading and looking at pictures with our friends.

That brings us to today, November 1. We have plenty more activities planned this month so I hope you will check in at the beginning of December to see pictures from Elijah's birthday, his party, and Thanksgiving. Until then, we pray that you are all healthy and enjoying the fall weather as much as we are!


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Monday, October 3, 2011

September Memories

September has brought cooler temperatures, slower growing grass, fewer leaves, and tons of fun! We love fall and so far this season has been one to enjoy.

The month started our with our first 70 degree day in what feels like forever. We enjoyed the weather while taking in the sights at the Tulsa Zoo with Nana and Papa. We all had a wonderful time. The boys were both enamored by all the animals and couldn't wait to see what was next. The highlight for Eli was definitely getting to ride the camel. For weeks afterward that was the first thing he told anyone we saw. We can't wait until next year to make a return trip. Maybe we will take in the aquarium too!

Leigh Ann started her first Bible Study Fellowship class this month. They are studying the Acts of the Apostles. It has been both fun and challenging. Elijah also enjoys going to Bible class during this time. Unfortunately, Thad is not enjoying it at all and cries most of the time each Wednesday. Please pray that he will get over his separation anxiety and enjoy this time of Bible songs, stories, and play too.

Our big project this month was painting and moving the shed. The paint was flaking badly and it was in an awkward spot in the backyard. After power-washing and sanding the painting went fairly quickly. Then it was time for more of a challenge. Moving that beast took two days and several failed attempts. We ended up purchasing three pieces of huge PVC pipe and lowering the shed onto them. We then used the car and a rope system to pull the shed forward, push it sideways, and roll it back into place. I must say that we were pretty proud of our efforts when it was all said and done. By moving it our yard feels much bigger. Now we just have to plant some grass and we will be good to go!

The end of the month brought two very special visitors: Ms. Candy and Bailey. Candy is a dear friend of ours from Glenhaven and Bailey's new mama. Elijah was so excited that she was coming that he asked multiple times each day that week if it was Friday yet. We enjoyed babysitting Bailey and had several good laughs over the antics of he and Murphy. What a special time for everyone!

Well, we are already a few days into October and more fun and adventures have happened in our lives. You will have to wait and tune in next month for the full report! Until then, enjoy the pictures and God bless!


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