The Birds

Grandma and Papa Tregaskis came to visit last week and we had a great time hanging out with them. Papa brought his bird watching stuff and we tried out my new telephoto lens. The boys bought a new bird feeder too so we could attract more birds to the house. My dad was in heaven and we all had a good time watching him spot a new one. We went hiking on the Katy Trail, along the Missouri river, walked around the Powder Valley Nature Reserve and visited the World Bird Sanctuary in our quest to find rare species. The five miles along the river was a gorgeous walk, even if we didn't spot many birds. The boys did great and Emmy ended up having a nap on David's shoulders.
My mom and I spent some girl time quilting and antiquing and my parents watched the kids so David and I could have a rare, date night out. It was wonderful! They even had the house cleaned and baked cookies for us when we got home!
We are already missing the puzzles, late night HGTV, chicken watching, hugs and early morning bird spotting sessions. Please come back soon!    

Run, Run, as Fast as You Can!

Caleb ran the Valley Park Hawk Run this year. It's a big event and all the kids get very excited about it. Caleb did anyway, and ran with David, after school, a few nights every week to prepare for it. It's a mile run for 3rd grade and up and the top 10 in each group get a medal. We didn't know this, so when Caleb kept saying, "I think I can be in the top ten!" we were like, ..okay, way to shoot for tenth?!? He did do well and ended up placing ninth and receiving a medal! It's amazing how much motivation a medal can produce. I wish I could have been there to see him run, but my life is currently ruled by the afternoon nap. (Not for me, but Emeline)Ü Anyway, David was able to volunteer and help direct kids along the race route. A few friends even texted when the kids finished running and commented on his good form. I am happy that he enjoys running. I keep thinking back to my elementary school days when even thinking about the "mile run" would induce vomiting. I still get anxiety when I think about it! Anyway, we were able to make it to the awards ceremony and celebrate with everyone. We are so proud of him!

 

Jake has been doing really well at his therapy lately. We love his therapist, Diana. As you can see, she is very involved and can really get Jake to try new things and enjoy them. He has also become more interested in reading. He is excited to learn so he can read Go Dog, Go, all by himself. He goes to preschool three times a week and we haven't had any tantrums or anxiety spells for a while now! I think it might have something to do with the candy bar I bribed him with at the end of each week. He is making lots of new friends and learning about how to be a good friend.
 
Emeline is busy. She has started screaming to get what she wants. Is that a girl thing? She has also started doing that thing where she turns into a noodle when you try and pick her up. So much fun. She is attempting to get her fourth and final molar, but a week and a half later she still has nothing to show for it. Poor baby. She loves her pink snow boots and wants to wear them whenever she is outside. I let her.

Corn maze and leaves

I found a Groupon for a corn maze a few minutes from our house, so last weekend we decided to drive down and enjoy the fruits of fall. They had a corn maze, tractor rides, hay rides, zip line, funnel cake, corn box, Pumpkin launching, and a petting zoo. The drive down was GORGEOUS! Leaves are in full-fledged color here in the Lou. David and the kids humored me and let me take some "quick" pictures. I am loving this hobby (and Hubby) of mine!







When we got to the maze, we walked around it for a good while. The corn was a little stunted because of the drought, but it was still a good time I thought. The kids had a lot of fun picking which way to go.
We also tried the zip line. Or should I say, Caleb tried the zip line. Boo for weight limits! He did fine until he misunderstood David's directions to keep his feet in front of him and landed on his butt at the end. He was a good sport though and didn't even cry even though I wanted to, for him.

Next, we did the pumpkin launching. That was f-u-n. I think it should be an Olympic sport. I would pay to watch all the different ways you could do it. I think that was the kids favorite thing there. Emeline liked all the animals and would not sit still to get her picture taken. We came home to crock-pot beef stew and then hung out the rest of the evening. It was a very good day!

The leaves are seriously this bright. It was incredible!

what does the monkey say?

I have really been enjoying my wonderful family lately. They are the best! We just spent the afternoon at the doctor's office doing check-ups, flu shots and sore throat swabs. All of the kids had their flu shots and poor Jake got his boosters in both arms. It was horrific but remedied quickly with slushies at Sonic. These pictures are the "before" shots. You don't want to see the "afters". Ha! We survived and are now officially geared up for General Conference this weekend. So excited! What are you all looking forward to this weekend?