Not a first for everyone.

Today the kids went to the dentist for their check-ups and cleaning. I decided I could go ahead and take pictures, even though it wasn't their first time. I wanted to capture a trip to the dentist so we could all remember what it was like. I'm really glad I listened to that prompting. 6 months ago Domonique wouldn't even sit in the chair, so I figured this time we'd try it again. We'd see if she would at least sit in the chair and open her mouth so they could look at her teeth. Never did I expect her to do so well. She was simply amazing! Don't get me wrong... All the kids do great. They all love the hygienists and I'm always happy with all my kids, but I was totally floored when I saw little Domonique sitting in the big chair. She handled everything like a champ and it was awesome. She did start to cry once the male dentist came in to do the final exam, but she collected herself and it was fine. My little girl is growing up!

What a crew! The teeth are all clean and they are all happy with new toothbrushes, paste, and floss!

It's Autumn Time!

The hardest part about this time of year is the cooler temperatures. That means the kids need to start wearing shoes and jackets, but that's hard to remember when they are used to running out with sandles and just going. Fortunately, it has been mild so here's hoping it stays that way. I would love another mild winter like last year, but we are prepared for much colder.

Lots of wood to keep us warm. I am enjoying the fall colors and the kids are enjoying the leaves on the ground. It all works out! Now if we could just get healthy so everyone could stop coughing and having fevers that would be even better!

Smith's Alpaca Farm

We were able to celebrate the Alpaca this weekend. Several farms in Michigan (in the "Thumb") gather together and open up for the public to come and learn. It was fun to drive together as a family, in the Beast, and see all the fall colors! The kids were excited to get out and walk around the farm. They also served lunch so that was a bonus! We saw lots of different colored Alpaca, a horse, goats, dogs, fish in the pool, ducks, chickens and peacocks. It was lots of fun and I'm glad we took the time to visit this little farm up north.

Domonique figured out there were fish in the water! She was very excited.

These are Suri Alpaca from a different farm. Their owner is the one spinning the fleece and gave the kids each a piece of the fleece. It is so soft.

These goats probably had a belly ache after we left because my kids kept feeding them grass.

Harmonie is getting really good at standing and I loved that the Alpaca was interested in her. She got so excited and followed it down the fence a few steps.

They were all grazing and I thought it looked funny.

Had to include a picture of the Beast. Now you know why they called it Harvest Gold.

Love the fall colors!

I took lots more pictures but I think that'll do.

We had a fun time just hanging out together.

Introducing...

THE BEAST...

Kevin got the bug and started looking for our new family vehicle. He found one in town but it wasn't what we really wanted/needed and it wasn't in very good condition, so we passed but he kept looking. He found a couple that he really wanted/needed. At least they fit the criteria: 15 passenger, diesel engine, good condition. We looked and he picked this one, older but fewer miles. (Actually, the other one wasn't there so I'm not sure why it was still posted on the dealers website.) Anyway, it really is in great condition with low miles, and for a diesel that means we have lots more use left. The kids enjoy having a ton more room. I am happy that it handles better than I thought it would for its size. I am sad that I don't have power windows, locks, cruise control and CD player, but really those are just "nice to have" items and we will be just fine in the new bus. Wave if you see us in The Beast, a.k.a. Harvey. You'll know when we are around because you can hear us coming, especially if I'm backing up because it beeps.

Xiomara's first tooth

She told me about it a while ago, when it was just getting loose. Then last night she reminded me and it was really loose. I was afraid she would swallow it during the night so after family prayer we decided to pull it. She braced herself, counted down, and I tugged. It came right out and she was so happy.

Disappointment

Yesterday, I decided to make some tortillas. I was so excited because I remembered them being delicious when I made them on the island. I was sadly disappointed because they didn't taste the same at all. Bummer. I'm glad the kids like them because I'm ready to toss them to the chickens. I guess I'll be sticking with store bought from now on.

Almost 7 months old!

She has figured out how to pull herself up on things and get to kneeling position. She will often start to bounce while she has something to hold onto. It's really fun to watch her and she is just delighted with herself.

Here she is bouncing in the baby corner, propped up on a plastic tub I have as a side table (clutter catch spot).

This is a new face she likes to make.

Here's that expression again, this time at the dining room door. This is another one of her favorite spots to practice her new skills.

You have to love a little face squished up against the glass.

She has also started to play with her tongue, twisting it inside her mouth. You've got to love the combination!

She is full on crawling and can get from a crawl position to a sitted position! She is living the high life now, and so are all our possessions because we have to keep them out of her reach or they get eaten. This is what she did to my Primary Outline when I left it on the floor in the baby corner. I flattened it out but there was lots of "water" damage.

Switching knowledge

Emily was answering some trivia questions about the Book of Mormon. She has been answering all of them correctly. She came to one and quickly responded, "Saul!" Wait, he's not in the Book of Mormon. She then realized it was Alma, the younger, who was persecuting the Church and was visited by an angel. In her defense she said, "Saul was too." It's hard when you know so much!