Hanging around the house together

This was the rest of my "confused" costume, that I didn't end up wearing

because the pig nose was uncomfortable.

Naomi loved being a flying pig!

And she danced around the living room.

We are all done with having animals.

The pigs have been slaughtered (still waiting to get the meat).

Today the kids loaded up all the chickens into the trailer,

and Kevin took them to a friend's house so he could add them to his flock.

All gone are the chickens!

Domonique enjoyed playing withe some salt dough

which she received at the Trunk or Treat last night.

What a pretty rose!

Harmonie made a double tulip, with leaves.

Trunk or Treat

It was fun to attend our ward Trunk or Treat activity tonight. It was a bit chilly but we all survived. I was walking around the building and parking lot again this year, trying to get this baby to come, so we'll see what happens the rest of the weekend. (It worked two years ago!) So here are our little costumed children.

Harmonie and Domonique - M&M duo

Kemiah and Xiomara - two headed creature

Ben as Sherlock and Camdilyn as a police officer.

Emily the warrior princess, huntress, elvin keeper of the woods!

With Naomi a little witch (who was really cold).

The only picture I took of the kids actually doing any activities.

Group photo of all the kids.

Yes, Marissa was a purple witch again.

I'm confused (that was my costume idea).

Kevin was himself!

He stayed with our trunk which had shredded paper, two little pumpkins

and our very docile old rooster, Anna.

Everyone was very surprised that we brought a live chicken.

But everyone also enjoyed petting him.

I am so sad I didn't get a picture of our trunk!

When we got home, one of the kids gave Kevin a drink bottle.

Kevin talked about he had always wanted one when he was a kid,

but never had one,

so this was his very first one!

I had to document the moment!

Happy Trunk or Treating and we all went to bed, tired but happy to have enjoyed a fun evening with family and friends. We'll see if anything happens this weekend with the baby we are all excited to meet!

Sharing the love of learning to read

We have been working with Harmonie on learning to read. One of the things I taught her recently was that -ow sometimes says "ow", like when you get pinched. So at breakfast today Harmonie asked, "Camdilyn, do you know what o-w says?" Camdilyn matter-of-factly responded with, "ow." Harmonie was surprised that her younger sister would know that, then Camdilyn said, "I know that joke." OH the delight of confusion and not really knowing what's going on! Fun times with little kids!

Tiny little bug

Xiomara was outside playing and came in to tell me that I HAD to come out and see a tiny little bug. She said it was a baby praying mantis with wings so I was intrigued. I grabbed my camera and went out to see what she was talking about. It was certainly an interesting bug but I have no idea what kind it is.

Family Time Together

We picked the best day to go Johnson's Giant Pumpkin Farm with our family. The sun was shining, and the breeze was blowing and the animals were fun and the pumpkin launch off the trebuchet was perfect and the donuts and cider and kettle popcorn was delicious! We had lots of fun together and fed animals and took pictures! What a nice time together!

I have started bringing quarters because they all love feeding the animals.

8 of my 9 children.

Watching the blacksmith.

Watching other children ride ponies.

Ready to eat the yummy doughnuts.

Camdilyn was very calm with her little bee/wasp friend.

Looking at the Native American's skins and artifacts.

The geese weren't as active this time.

Heading out to the trebuchet for the launch.

All 9 of my children - you just can't see Naomi who is with Ben.

They are coming back from running out to see where the pumpkin splatted.

Friendly emu.

Found an emu feather.

Not dead, just laying around.

Inside the shop watching doughnut making production!

We all love to watch and wish we could have one at home.

2 Kitchen-Aids with lots of bowls to keep up with the doughnut batter needs.

Watching rope making.

Sharing kettle corn.

 Getting ready to leave.

Last group shot of my kids!

What a great group to hang out with!

This is what happens to the not-yet-2-year-old after such a wonderful day!