Wow, how fast time flies!!

So, I can't believe it has been about 1 1/2 yrs since I have posted anything! Life got crazy and since I am now on Facebook, it is easier to just post pictures there. I'm not sure anyone even looks at this anymore. Send me a message if you would like this to be updated on a regular basis again...

Trick or Treating!!

Finally, Halloween has arrived!! Ever since we carved pumpkins, Anna has been asking when it will be Halloween. Gabe has patiently been telling her that it will come "the last day of the month." But, as we all know, that is very hard for a 4 yr old to understand that concept.

Needless to say, there was much rejoicing when I told Anna Sat morning that it was Halloween. the only bad thing was that she we ready to go out trick or treating right after breakfast.....

This year Gabe was a Vampire or Count Dracula -- he couldn't decide what he wanted to be called. He did think it was neat to get to paint his face and buy hair gel. He was so tickled when he touched his hair and it was hard. (Oh, the things that many boys never get to experience except on Halloween!) The costume was actually a costume that John wore a long time ago and it was made by Aunt Jean. She will be so tickled to see that it is getting more and more use!

Anna chose to be a princess this year. She was so excited to put on her princess dress. The week before Halloween she told me that she wanted to be a "vampire princess" and that we needed to get her "purple vampire teeth." (The sad thing is - Walmart actually sells different color vampire teeth.) I told her no, and that she could wear some of mommy's makeup when she was a princess. She decided that was the way to go!

It was a nice night to be out. The kids were in layers and we didn't have snow. We did have a few set backs though. After the second house, Gabe ditched the vampire teeth. Apparently they hurt his mouth. Then about 4 houses in, the handle on Anna's bucket broke. So, we took turns carrying it between houses. I guess those things only last so long. I would love to make a cloth one for the kids, but that would entail figuring out my mom's sewing machine that is in the basement. The kids may have outgrown trick or treating by then!! =)

After trick or treating in town, we headed out to the farm to see Dave and Kathy's. The kids just adore them and it doesn't hurt that Kathy always has candy for them. =) We visited for a while and the kids played Old Maid. As you can see, Gabe had the Old Maid -- not going to retire on his poker face. hahah

Taco Tuesday

Each year, the Tuesday before Halloween is deemed Taco Tuesday by the Preschool. It is one of their fundraisers each year. We all meet for a taco supper and then the kids put on a nice program. They are so excited to show us how much they have already learned in preschool. They do a variety of songs, finger plays and Bible verses. It is so nice to hear the little ones sing and talk about God's love for us.

This will be the last year for a little Minton to be in the program. But, I think we will still go check it out next year. The preschool at Trinity is celebrating 25 yrs this year. They were able to have a nice Tshirt made for all the kids.

Carving Pumpkins

Well, it is that time of year already. I can't hardly believe it. This year has seemed to just fly by. Not to mention that we have already had snow. I am a little concerned about how this winter is going to turn out. Oh well, the past couple weeks have been back to normal temps, so that is a good thing!

We are so busy these days with Anna in dance class, Gabe in Boy Scouts, Doug on a bowling league, church choir, and Doug's other meetings that we had to carve our pumpkins the Sunday before Halloween. With the colder weather, we did lose one of our pumpkins. Doug and Anna worked on that one first and then we baked it. We ended up with enough pumpkin for 12 pies!!! Then, we did have a couple smaller ones we bought just for baking and ended up with enough for 5 more. Not to mention the stuff that I still had in the freezer. I am set for the next year. It is a great thing that my kids LOVE pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread!

Here are our little creations....

Boy Scouts

This year, Gabe is old enough to start his journey in Boy Scouts. He starts as a Tiger Cub and will work his way up. So far he is having a good time. We have already sold our first round of popcorn. I am sure this is just the beginning of a long road ahead of fundraising. =) He also helped the Pack pick up food for Scouting for Food.

Tomorrow night he will compete in the Raingutter Regatta. He has been working very hard with Doug on perfecting his boat. Should be an interesting night. At the Dec meeting, he will be getting his first recognitions - a couple things for his belt, some beads for working towards Tiger Cub and possibly a patch for selling popcorn.

I can tell that it has given him a little more confidence. My hope is that being in Cub Scouts will help him come out of his shell a bit more. I think we are on the right track so far.

The night of his first pack meeting, he was so excited to put on his uniform. Enjoy these pictures!

First Day of School

Since we are in MN, we don't start school until after Labor Day. Well, that was pretty late this year, so by the time we started school, we were all ready!

Anna started first this year! She started her 2nd year of Preschool. She was so excited to be going back to see Mrs Harms. She goes 4 days a week in the afternoon. The only problem we have is that somedays we eat lunch too late and are a few minutes late to school. Which, is sorta comical to the teacher, because we live the closest.

Gabriel had 2 days of being at home with me before he started back to school He is now in 1st Grade and learning so, so much! I am amazed at times how much these kids know as 1st graders. But, he is having a blast -- just being a little too silly in class. I think he is still trying to feel his way with the other kids and trying to find his groove.

The Rest of Summer

Once we got home from our vacation, it was time for Baseball and Tball to start. This year, Gabe moved up to the level where they pitch. They did occasionally use the T, but for the most part, the kids learned how to hit from a pitch. I was amazed at how strong some of the kids were. This was the first year for Anna. She was so excited to get to play Tball. She loved batting. She was also excited to play on the playground while Gabe was having his games.

Then it was time for swim lessons. This year, swim lessons were not that enjoyable for the kids. We had a cool, rainy summer, so the pool water was pretty cold. There were many days that the pool wasn't open the full amount of time because it was too cold. You may notice in a few pictures that the kids look really cold. We didn't get much use out our swimming pass this summer. But, it was a great time to go hiking. We also found a new bike path, so that was exciting.