Natalie's first purchase

Natalie has been saving up her coins.  The kids get paid for doing various jobs.  At this point it's all voluntary work. Usually when they find something they want they start looking for jobs.  Natalie found a camera at Costco so it was time to take the coins to the bank to get some cash (you're welcome to the checker at Costco!)

Putting her cash into her purse.  They used to be a bit more savvy in their money accumulation... asking my parents to empty their pockets each day.  For some reason that behavior has stopped, the piggy banks are growing slower and I'm sure my parents are feeling wealthy.

Heading into Costco.  She is SO proud, SO excited to be a big girl with her own money.

Such a big girl, making her very first purchase, and even getting change back for some fun in the future.

Bad manners night

What kids doesn't want to say "out with the good manners and in with the bad?"

We decided to embrace a new tradition in our family.  "Bad Manners Night".  Bring it on!

At this age the only bad manner the kids could come up with was eating without utensils.  Bad manners night is sure to get more fun/interesting as they get older.  :)  

A visit with the Treats

Although it feels few and far between we love our visits with The Treats.  Matt and Trever have been friends for over 20 years.  Someday (when we don't have a baby in the belly or a toddler) we are going to have all 4 adults upon Mt. Rainier... maybe some of the kids will join us!

Trick or Treat

We enjoyed some trick or treating at the Griffin Fall Festival.  The kids played in the bouncy houses, loaded up on candy, made some crafts and played some games.  The organizers really do a great job.

Natalie was walking ahead of us at one point.  She walked into the hallway and found herself alone for about 30 seconds.  There was something heartbreaking and comforting at the same time when I saw the panic cross her face.  It's horrible to see the fear, but I'm glad she doesn't like to stray too far away.  She was upset that she didn't have her whistle, so we made sure she had it for Halloween night.  She kept it around her wrist, whistle held in her fingers ready to blow at any moment.  Only twice did we see her start to use it, both times we were within feet of her.  Now when we're going into a store or around people she quickly asks to hold hands.  I'm glad she knows how to keep herself comfortable, and I know this stage will pass.

Scary Zach!!  Scary and completely gross... very gross.

We love trick or treating with the Houks.  I think we've been with them every year, love it!

The skeleton band that walked along the streets in the Historic District.

We let the kids binge on candy during Halloween night.  After that it goes away.  It's actually kind of fun to watch them get excited and not  to argue about what they are eating.  A friend just gave me the idea to have them trade the rest in for a toy.  She said her kids pick out the toy before Halloween and they are so excited to trade their candy for it, what a great idea.

Halloween Train

Trever and Papo took the kids to the Halloween train in Chehalis.  Nathan is still obsessed with trains, so we try to take advantage of opportunities to encourage his interest.  Natalie likes trains, but I don't think she is really that interested.  I wonder what Andrew will think of them when he is older?

Trever and his little skeletons.  Nathan wanted a costume with a scary mask, Natalie was bit scared of him at first and then decided she wanted to be "what Nathan was being".  Andrew just happened to get a skeleton hand-me-down.  And thus our family skeleton theme was born. :)

A girl and her Papo.  He has such a way with the kids.

Hunter Farm Pumpkin Patch

Going to Hunter farms is a new tradition.  We went last year with Nathan's preschool.  This year we met up with a play group.  To be honest I rarely take the kids to the play group, so they don't really know the other kids.  We try to make the active dates (Jumpy house and farms).

Hunter Farms has a tractor that takes you out to pick pumpkins, a wonderful hay maze that even the parents have a difficult time managing, and a giant slide.  I love staying a little bit late, after the crowds are gone, so the kids can slide until they are worn out.

My heart will always swell a bit at the sight of my kids being affectionate to each other.

Train day

Doesn't everyone end up with a train set up on their kitchen counter?  

Kids Halloween Party

Andrew getting in on the fun before our friends showed up.

The "babies" Andrew (9mo) and Mike (7mo)

I didn't realize how much fun bobbing for apples could be.  

My favorite moments are when our house if filled with friends.  I love having all the kiddos running around enjoying their time together.

Auntie Katie brought over candy for decorating the pumpkins.

Noah, half dressed, decided to bob after the other kids were gone.

Andrew and Lily

I'm not sure Lily is certified by the American Association of Pediatrics to be a safe "walker" for Andrew.  But she sure does a nice job. 

We have a book named "Good Dog, Carl".  It's about a rotweiller that babysits.  I think Lily would do a great job.  She would love to make him lunch, especially if Andrew agrees to share.

Andrew at the dentist

Doesn't he look excited?  It's pretty much his M.O. but I'm going to let Brady (Dr. McDonald) think it's because he liked the visit. 

As a side note, I still think it's a bit crazy that my kids dentist is the little brother of my good friend.  One of many reminders that I'm just not that young anymore.