How did this happen

I fondly remember the days when I could at least guide my kids in what they would all be for Halloween and as a group we could be something...  Not so, this year!

A Skeleton pirate a witch and a troll

Halloween

The kids got to dress up several times this year, all the better.  We love Halloween

My big sister

So Madeleine was all geared up to be a fairy witch until Paris decided to be a "spunky ballerina" for our church party.  Madeleine couldn't change costumes fast enough.  She loves and admires Paris so much.  We are always grateful for their sweet relationship and Paris' fine example.

Outside movie theatre

We watched Evan Almighty

Paris' 12th Birthday

One thing I adore and appreciate about Paris is she is always willing to share her friends with her siblings.  Every party, every event she always seems happy to have her little brother and sisters around, and always seems proud of them.  Her Birthday was no exception.  

She planned the whole party, all I did was help with the execution.  She had whip cream contests, toilet paper contest, and they watched a movie outside on a projector.  It was a great night, with great friends and family.

My Baby Turns 12

Pumpkin Carving

It was really nice of my sister to invite us to her house for this super messy yucky, not sure why we do this tradition... 

Advantages to being the only boy!

Easton sometimes gets the raw end of the deal being the only man in the group. But, sometimes it couldn't be any better, like this day when he had is own cheering section at his soccer game. The girls take great delight in suiting up for his games. No one yells louder than us and he loves it!

Easton and Darin prepped for the trip

One Long Night

Darin just headed off to help his brother on a housing project in Texas.   He decided to take Easton with him, so they could spend some time together.  Easton was elated.  He was packed and ready to go the night before, all without anyone asking.  He came in every hour on the hour to see if it was time to go yet.  This started at 1:00 a.m.  It was a long night for us, but we couldn't be happier about the decision to take him.  The trip turned out to be everything they both expected and started a stream of one on one trips with either Darin or myself.  It's so different when you get them alone.  This picture was taken at one of our favorite restaurants "Rudy's."