Happy Halloween 2016

Funny story:  I painted Gavin's face in preparation to head to the school and see the kids on Halloween.  After trying my best to paint a wiggle body,  I wanted to show Gavin what he looked like in the mirror, all the while Facetiming Mckay so he could see his reaction as well.  It was hilarious!!

He was not sure about his new look!

It was a hilarious reaction for us to say the least!!

Eventually he calmed down and just wanted to avoid mirrors for a bit!

Kenzie at school.

Brielle the Wicked Witch and Gavin the Lion.

Taylor the Tin Man.

Funny Brielle in her Kindergarten class.

The kids love class parties, I'm sure it is hard to get them focused all day.

Taylor's fun class.

McKenzie as Dorothy herself.

Payton made for a handsome Scarecrow.

It was fun going for the Wizard Of OZ theme.  The kids got quite the reaction and I either thrifted most of the costumes or had things on hand.

Acting their parts!

Love these kids!

Then we ran down to the city hall for costume judging-this year they opened up a family category.  The kids ended up getting $30 for first place, before running over to the church for a Trunk-Or-Treat since it was supposed to be starting at the same time.  Story of my life lately...always feeling like I'm double booked and needing to be more than one place at the same or close to time!

Then it was off to Trick-Or-Treat with a few friends.

The kids had a blast and Gavin was loving collecting candy.

It was a little chilly, but for Montana...it could have been MUCH worse!

What a cute little Lion!

Good looking crew!

Assessing their loot later.

Happy Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins as a Family

Time to carve pumpkins before Halloween.  The kids were looking forward to it and some of the older children are getting better at doing more of the process on their own.

What a good looking crew.  Even Gavin got in on the action.

Scooping out the pumpkin guts.

The kids don't love this part of the process and are always eager to get going on the carving by now.

Gavin thought the insides were weird.

But he was curious and wanted to help.

Working away.

Dig in Gavin!

Looks like he is having a good time.

Brielle wanted to do more on her own this year and also requested a scary face.

Once I drew on the face, Kenzie began carving by herself.

Payton did the face and pattern on his own.

Gavin's pumpkin has a cute scared face and it looks like it was getting a little heavy for him!

Quality time together.

Way to go McKenzie!

Another scary face for Taylor.

5 adorable kids with 5 Jack-O-Lanterns.

They each turned out unique and great.

Awesome job everyone!

Payton's First Basketball Game

Payton was thrilled to begin playing basketball this year.  We literally didn't have a break between football and basketball, so we braced ourselves and went for it.  Actually, it is such a fun sport to watch.  The kids this age are just so funny and Payton plays with a lot of good kids his age.  I think there were around 12 players and the coach was Nate Pitcher.  It is going to be a great season watching these boys learn and grow.

Getting all ready for the big game to begin.

Go Payton!  Payton was a good team player and sure enjoyed scoring points.  We told he if he made a basket or stole the ball we would give him a dollar.  It was music to his ears and he had a great game!

Time With Gavin

Gavin and I keep busy while the kids are at school.  One of the things we enjoy doing is going to the library.  Here we are on a hayride.

This smile is a bit forced!

Gavin enjoys when Daddy comes home for lunch.  One afternoon he was eager to try his hand at using the toilet.

He was modeling some pajama pants (I am making the family matching pj's for Christmas-good thing he won't tell my secrets quite yet!)

Gavin also likes playing with me, going to playdates, shopping in town, and hanging out together while the kids are at school.  But, let me tell you, he sure loves when the kids get home and instantly has more buddies to play with.  Lately, Brielle and Gavin take off to play while the older kids breeze through their homework.  It is a priceless relationship!

Halloween Sugar Cookies and A Family Tea Party

I am all about traditions and one of these have got to be making Halloween sugar cookies.  The kids love decorating their own cookies.  It is a fun family activity.  I love how some kids choose to pile on the decorations high!

The girls have been wanting to have a tea party as a family so we turned this into one and they were all excited to participate, including Dad!

Gavin is all smiles with a sweet in front of him.

Here is one of the "pile high" culprits...Sweet Brielle!

Payton's Fishing Merit Badge

Payton has been working on his fishing merit badge.  This it right up Payton's alley since he absolutely loves fishing!

I love that Payton has a good group of boys his age to grow up with.

They sure are silly and just plain fun!

Payton and Hunter, hoping to catch something...no one ended up catching a fish but they sure had a good time anyway.