Fall and pumpkins

We have had such a fun past few weeks celebrating fall.  Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was a blast and it was 80 degrees!  Can't beat Colorado in the fall.  Painting pumpkins was a nice way to lead up to Halloween and we had a blast trick or treating with Kenley and Sophia.  Fun times for sure.

 This view can't be beat for pumpkin picking!

 Pizza with cousins before trick or treating.  The kids are already planning next year!

 The girls were so adorable in their costumes.  We had fairy pirates, a fighter pilot, a firefighter, and a bumblebee.

 Checking out the loot

 My little bumblebee

Once we came back from trick or treating with cousins, the kids wanted to go up and down our street real fast. I love the fact that Carter is this excited at one of the last houses we visited. 

Carter turns 4

Yes, it is a few months since he has turned four but technically, we have a whole year to celebrate, right?!  This little man makes us laugh on a daily basis.  He has such a wonderful, endearing, charming and energetic personality.  I can't get enough of him.  Carter's party was at gymnastics again this year--so fun!!

 His favorite--the high bar

 Fun to have family celebrate!

 This child has NO fear of heights.  She loved dropping into the pit over and over and over again.

 We are lucky to have one of Craig's college roommates now living near.  He, his wife and their sweet baby joined us as well. 

 And, like last year, the adults had just as much fun.

 

The whole gang, minus the little guy.

 Not only was the party in the same place as last year but he wanted the exact same cake as last year.

 His Happy Birthday sign

Best buds

We love and adore you, Carter!  We are blessed beyond belief to have you as our son.  Thank you for making me laugh and smile each and every day. 

Preschool for Carter

Last week was Carter's turn!  He is incredibly lucky to have the same teacher as last year for his Fantastic Fours preschool class.  His teacher is one of the most amazing teachers I have ever been around and we are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be in her class.  (Abigail will also have two years of preschool with her starting next year.)  Carter has done such a wonderful job in school and was excited about going again this year.

 

 Carter's choice for breakfast was chocolate muffins with berries.

 Love this kid.

 

 He was a little excited.

 He impresses me with how quickly he picks up things and remembers new concepts immediately.

He had a fantastic day! The highlight was being able to have lunch with cousin Sophia at school.  I love seeing his excitement about school and that he comes home telling us that he enjoys learning about Jesus at school.  What a perfect start to the school year.

Kindergarten

I can't believe we are here.  Ethan is officially a kindergartner.  We are so incredibly proud of the how far he has come these past six years.
 

 

Last week we went to Back to School night.  He enjoyed seeing his classroom and walking through the school.

 

And, then after church (hence the tie) we went to pick up school supplies.

 The HotWheels backpack was a hit!

And, of all things, when we walked out of the store, there was free horseback riding...

 Ethan requested McQueen pancakes for his first day of Kindergarten breakfast.

 Love these two and their awesome relationship

 Ethan walked into school with great confidence, found his chair, sat down, and started working. There were no tears involved.  (For either of us.)  :)

I think it is incredibly hard to be an educator and a parent.  Most of my teaching/education friends agree that there is this difficult line you walk.  I don't know how many times I went back and forth with what I should tell his teacher as a parent vs what I know she will most likely figure out on her own as a trained educator. 
He goes to school three days a week for two full days and one half day.  I love this type of schedule as it allows him the opportunity to get used to being at school for a full day before he has to do it all day every single day.  Plus, he then gets a break between each day, which is good for him.
His concern going into kindergarten was the bell at school.  It proved to be no big deal and he did great today!  When I asked him what he wanted to learn about at school this year he told me, "Jesus."  Unfortunately, I had to tell him that his teacher now wouldn't be teaching him about Jesus.  I have to say, that is very sad for me.  His pre-K teacher from last year was one of the most amazing teachers I have come across and I loved that he came home every day feeling the love of God.  There is nothing better than that.