Nature Walk

While Weston took his nap we went exploring on the trail.

We found a pumpkin and had to check it out.

It's too big for any of us to carry.

We had to leave it and go on our way.
It was a nice day for a hike and everyone had a great time.

Building Gingerbread Houses

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday this year and we all joined in the fun of making Gingerbread houses.

Weston and Danielle are a team.

Jack and Aaron are busy at work.

Kayla is teamed up with Michelle.

Austin and Adam are hard at work.

Here is the fruit of our labor.
Kayla has the most frilly design,
Austin has the most original,
Jack has the most authentic design,
and Weston, well Weston has almost a house!
He and Danielle, papa, Aaron and I worked and worked
but his house would not stay together.

It was a lot of fun anyway.

Just Havin' Fun

After dinner the kids retreated to the living room and wrestling was on their minds.
Looks like Weston is the winner!

Then it was time to try to get a good Christmas picture.
Caught you picking your nose.  HA! 

Who is that boy trying to sneak in the picture?

Could we be any happier? 

All smiles.

New Hats

Austin and Kayla got new character hats for winter.
Kayla is Hello Kitty and Austin is Angry Birds.
Pretty proud of themselves.

Taking a Hike

Since Jack and Wes got to go for a hike it seemed only fair that Austin and
Mikayla try the feat also.

Enjoying a view from the deck.

We stopped at the gazebo.

There were several of these that needed our attention.
They made a nice platform to twirl a stick in the water.

We climbed to the cavern in the side of the hill.

We walked on rocks in the creek, threw many rocks in the water and enjoyed nature but now it
was time to head home.
This is sure a long hill to climb.
Can't wait to go again, maybe next time daddy can join us!

Making Silly Putty

We found a recipe for silly putty and were anxious to put it to a test.
Austin thought it looked like blood.

You can imagine all kinds of internal organs.  We decided this looked like a kidney and
part of the intestines.
I think it was a success.

Hungry Little Girl

Sunday evening Austin and Mikayla dropped by for a few minutes while daddy went to Men's Wearhouse.   We had just finished eating and Mikayla said she was hungry but was told they would eat at home as mom had supper ready for the oven.  She apparently was very HUNGRY as she grabbed the stool, laid on the counter and finished off the green beans.  (Oh the wonder of having a GIRL!)

Hats

Austin is all about hats this year.  He is excited about his new Avengers one.

Hiking is FUN!

Saturday Aaron, Jack, Weston and I took a hiking adventure on the trail in our subdivision. Dad had this experience as a kid and wanted his boys to have a chance to enjoy it also.  It was a totally perfect day.  The weather was warm and the leaves were there for the scrunching.  So off we go...

Bridges were a favorite.

Weston is getting a helping hand.

There was even a gazebo overlooking the trees.

No day would be complete without tossing a few rocks into the water.

A hill climb to get to...

A CAVE! 

Watch your head dad!

Posing for just one more picture on top of a hugh rock.

Then over yet another bridge and up a long flight of stairs to the road.
We had a GREAT TIME and both boys said they liked the hike so will need to go again.

Bouncy Time

Mikayla asked me to get the bouncy house out so she could tumble and bounce.   This is something we had not done since they were babies.  I could hardly believe she remembered it.

Austin is taking a rest.

More goofey smiles and playtime.

Soccer Stars

This is Miss Amber, Jack's soccer coach presenting him with his trophy for fall indoor soccer.

Jack worked very hard for this trophy.  This is one HAPPY BOY!

Austin's coach Kevin is ready to hand out trophies. 

Another PROUD soccer player.
Both boys did an amazing job playing this season.  They were up and down the court faster than most of the team members.  They both seemed to really enjoy playing.
Can't wait for another round of sports!