Halloween

We started the Halloween season with a pumpkin carving party at our house for the neighbors and a few close friends.  It was a really fun time.

Madison's preschool had a trunk or treat the weekend before Halloween.  We went with Angie, Josh and Ellie and also saw some friends from church.

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Madison had her first school party the Wednesday before Halloween.   Todd went and helped in her class.  They had a great time!

Halloween was COLD this year!  The wind was really strong and it had been raining earlier in the day.  Thankfully the rain stopped for the most part but it was in the low 30's so I only took the kids around out little cul-de-sac.  Todd was in the hospital because he had just had his hip replacement the day before.  Sharon, Todd's mom, was in town so she passed out candy while the kids and I went out for a little.  We tried to go to a church to trick or treat inside, but it was really busy and didn't stay long. Overall we had a fun Halloween (week) :)

1st Field Trip

Madison loves her teachers and school.  She would go every day if it was an option.  This week she had her first field trip to Post Family Farms.  A few days before, the forecast was for rain but thanks to some prayer, it turned out to be great weather.  I was able to go with and we had a great time.  The doughnuts were delicious!

Art Prize 2014

Grand Rapids is really a great city to live near.  One cool thing about Grand Rapids is Art Prize in the fall.  This is the 6th year for Art Prize, but our 2nd year exploring it.  We took the kids down yesterday and will go down a few more times to see more of the venues.  It was a little cooler, but turned out to be perfect because the crowds weren't as heavy like the past week when the weather was wonderful.  Madison had been with Grandma and Grandpa to see some of the other art venues so she was an expert at looking at a piece and telling us what she thought it was.  She even met the artist of the colorful puppies.  The artist thought Madison was adorable and took a few pictures of her for her Facebook website with her piece.  It was a fun family night!

Preschool!

Can you believe my baby girl is in preschool?!
Madison has been excited about going to school for a long time.  She loves to learn! When there was 26 days until school, she started to learn a letter a day.  She did a wonderful job and knows the alphabet.
Today she woke up early, eager to go to school.  We took the obligatory first day pictures and then headed to school.  She said "bye" and walked right in! After school, she didn't give too many details but said she had fun and wanted to go back so I'd call that a big success!

Lake Fun

It wouldn't be summer unless we went on the Sea Doo with Uncle Aaron!  Kaden is still too small and I had just had Lasik so I couldn't go out, but Madison was able to have fun on the water.  They didn't go tubing this time, but had a good time speeding around.

1st Rides

At our church picnic this summer there were horses for the kids to ride.  Madison had never been on a horse but was very excited to give it a try.  She was very brave and got right on the horse.  She could have ridden all day if we let her.

Madison has been to the zoo a few times this summer.  When Christopher was in town we went and they rode the camel together.  Madison had a blast!

15 Months

Kaden is 15 months today!  His official appointment isn't until Friday but I weighed him and he is 22.5 lbs.
Kaden is a parrot and likes to repeat lots of words.  Some words that he says on his own:
Mama
Dada
Yes
No
Uh-oh
Hi
Light
This
What
What's this
Thank you
Please
All Done
More
counts 1-2-3
waves bye
blows kisses
high fives
barks

He's still a sweet boy but he has also found his voice and wants to be heard when he doesn't get what he wants.
Kaden isn't walking yet, but is cruising on furniture so I don't think it will be too long.
We love our big boy!