Pumpkin carving with Gagi and Papo

Natalie likes to pull up a stool so she can be involved in what is going on. She usually just brings one of her little chairs, we decided she should be a bit higher so she could help with the dishes.

All the memories from childhood get even better when you're helping your kids make memories!

I'm sure my parents can't remember the last time they carved pumpkins. I'm guessing they won't miss a year again for a while. The kids had fun watching, I know they'll have fun in the future when we include them more.

The finished product! A night full of fun!

Future Harley rider!

Try to give this girl a doll, no thanks. A stuffed animal, even less interested. But give her a ball, car, truck, tractor or motorcycle, now she's lovin' it!! She even makes the sounds as she drives!

She is constantly entertaining us! She was really trying to ride that little motorcycle.

Wild girl!

Houk's Halloween Bash

Someday I am going to shock everyone and have a "real" costume! As for this year, Trever and I went as "dirty street signs". We posted them on front and back.

Such a rare time with all of us girls (and the guys were there too!). We can't wait for the fun again next year.

Schilter Pumpkin Patch

Going to Schilter Farms has become our annual pumpkin patch tradition. They have so much to do, a play area, farm animals, a maze, and the pumpkin area. Nathan remembers the kittens and goes right for them! There are plenty of other animals but he mostly wants to hold and chase the kittens.

I asked Natalie to smile for the camera... what a little ham!

They love riding the John Deer tractors.

Enjoying some pumpkin bowling

Both kids loved pumping the handles on the water pumps. They raced their ducks back and forth. We get constant enjoyment watching them have fun learning new things.

Playing together on the slide. The slide comes out from the hay castle. Natalie especially loved running around in the bottom of the castle and having Trever scare her!

Our little scare crow.

I hope we remember to take this picture each year.

This picture might come back in the future... our ladies man. He was really just interested in holding the kitty, and then girls were running the show. Bossy girls ;)

A visit with Auntie Abby

It was so fun watching Nathan play with Cash. Glad he is a good influence because Nathan wanted to do everything he did! I loved watching him draw (something he generally shows little interest in). Nathan's major sign of independence was playing with the trains A LOT. That boy loves to build train tracks. Halle was so nice to help him out and make a bigger train.

Natalie cuddling up with her Auntie.

Nathan painting with Gagi and Papo

My parents are not fans of painting... looks like they have future hired help.

I LOVE MY HUSBAND

I have just stared at this picture, trying to find the words to express my feelings. There are too many, there are not nearly enough. I love you! Funny how three words can say so much, but they still don't convey the way my heart quickens, the butterflies that tickle my tummy, the smile that grows on my face, the tears that sometimes well in my eyes. I am so thankful.

Every prayer that I whispered to the Lord was answered the day I met Trever. It took us some time to make the jump (8 years from when we met), but I think we both always knew it was meant to be us. Even when we were out of contact we still wondered about each other. I thank the Lord that he brought us back together. I could not have dreamt of a better life partner.

"Lucky to be in love with my best friend". So true.

My biggest wish for my children is that they are able to find a partner as fitting as I have found. Someone that helps you be who you want to be, helps you to see what is wonderful in yourself, and holds you tight when you see the things that aren't as wonderful as you'd like. A partner that makes you laugh, knows the slightest quirks, still likes to learn more each year, and wants to continue growing together. Someone who encourages the importance of friendship, while also being the best friend you could imagine. Someone to encourage dreaming, someone to help make life's dreams a reality. Oh, how I am blessed! The riches of the world could not make my life better.

The Pumpkin Train

My dad has talked about taking the kids on a train ride for some time now. He looked online and found that the Chehalis Steam Train had a Pumpkin Train this weekend. The kids got dressed up in their costumes (Nathan needed intense encouragement) and we went on the train. We could not have had a more beautiful fall day for the adventure. The sky was clear, the air was crisp and the leaves are changing colors.

Natalie is going to be a pumpkin this year, Thanks Auntie Katie!

Giving loves to Papo.

Trev and Nathan with the conductor.

On the way back the engine pulled the train. It was fun to get good views from both sides of the engine.

The kids were each able to pick out a pumpkin. Natalie thought it was one for each hand.

We never knew how much we would love these wonderful children!!

Nathan is yelling a train "whistle".

Natalie was full of giggles, and loved being able to stand up and look out the window.

What a fun family day! I'm so thankful we joined my parents on this outing.

Girls Night In

Natalie and I got to have some bonding time tonight. Which means playing with any toy she wants, no fear of big brother coming to take it away. I was shocked to see she had picked up a stuffed toy... but then turned to see she had dropped it in favor of a car and tractor. That's my girl.




Driving the tractor over the "My Big Truck Book". She likes to look at all the pictures, Nathan has always liked that book also. I can't remember when he started knowing what the trucks were... maybe that's good, so I can't compare. It's fun to have a darling little girl who likes cars, balls and trains. She even makes the car sounds when she's driving them on me.

Family work day

On Monday and Tuesday we brought the kids out to the house for some work on the yard. The weather was perfect, a beautiful fall day. The kids did really well playing while we worked. Natalie loves to drive the tractor now, she knows how to operate the bucket up and down all by herself. They both like to sit with us when we're driving it around.

It's so fun to be out there getting work done together. We might slow Trever down a bit, but I'm positive he appreciates it (most of the time). We miss Daddy, so we love to have the opportunity to help out when possible.


A beautiful moment when the kids are playing well together.