Batman

I snapped some pictures of Ashton yesterday, as he told me a very long story about batman. He's pretty funny when he gets started on a topic - he's very animated, but in a serious sort of way :)

Daddy's girl

Caitlyn reading "Silly Sally"

Caitlyn LOVES this book. Apparently she knows it by heart....




She's reading the same page over and over. It says "Now how did Sally get to town, sleeping backwards, upside down?"

Happy Halloween!

Halloween was very much anticipated at our house this year! Kristen was Hannah Montana, Ashton was Spiderman, and Caitlyn was an adorable little white tiger. Caitlyn's costume was the only one I had any say in, unfortunately. I'm really going to miss being able to pick out cute little costumes for my kids when I no longer get to chose any of them! Ashton's poor costume barely made it to Halloween! He's worn it daily for three weeks! Kristen's costume came together ok, but she ditched the wig right after pictures. Fine with me! I certainly didn't want to cover up her beatiful natural hair!

Thanks to some very ambitious friends, we were able to attend a halloween party with 30 or so other costumed children plus parents. Kristen, Ashton, and Caitlyn had a blast running around, jumping in the bounce house, and taking turns at the pinata! By the time we headed out to trick-or-treat the poor things were worn out. We were done after about 20 minutes! Too bad for Chris and I .... the kids' stash isn't big enough for us to sneak our usual share without being noticed :)

Kiersten, Kristen, Chloe, and Meredith (who's that boy in the back?) at the party

Caitlyn and Karli at the party

Miss talkative

Just a cute clip - chatting with Caitlyn. She's getting to be so talkative!

Trusting...

My daughter brought home this note from school today:

Dear Parents,
We have been having a problem with children's snacks disappearing. We have discussed this with the class, but the problem continues. We will not have snack anymore. Please have your child eat a big breakfast or bring something to eat in the gym before school.

Are you serious?! No snacks? So, from 7:30am to 12:15pm..... nothing? Ok, I know they aren't going to starve to death, but does this seem fair?

In Kristen's words, "someone is stealing snacks!" I can't say I'm completely surprised, considering that for the first two weeks of school Kristen's chapstick and hand lotion continually disappeared from her desk. We finally had Kristen bring them home and leave them. But still, how is it that someone is stealing the children's snacks daily and no one ever sees? I had to resist the urge to say to Kristen, "well that's not really fair that the whole class is being punished, is it?" And instead talk to her about why someone might steal food. Maybe I was deluded by Kristen's "perfect" Kindergarten class, but I really didn't think she would have to deal with something like this at school. Is she going to have to guard her pencils and crayons next? Is she going to hesitate before leaving her desk to sharpen a pencil or get a kleenex? What's next? Mugging in the hallways? Ok, not really, but.... really?? I guess I'm just upset because once again, I can't do anything about this. I don't know what's going on for 8 hours of Kristen's day, every day. What goes on in Kristen's class with her classmates has nothing to do with me!

I know this is just one of the ways I need to seriously let go. I just have to trust that the school and the teachers can handle this, even if they don't seem to be handling it the way I want them to. I have to hope that when Kristen learns about the six pillars of character in school (one of them being "honesty"), she really listens and understands. And I have to pray that the children around her are listening and learning, too.

The way to my kids' hearts......

Now we know.... They might be thrilled by a letter in the mail, even more excited to open a present. But the way to leave them speechless with joy? Send them a tin of popcorn and candy!! Thanks Aunt D!! We love you!

Rooms of their own!

My kids have their own rooms, and couldn't be happier. They don't even miss each other! Kristen was quick to set rules for HER room, with visiting hours and all. The rooms aren't quite "done", but they have their beds! I had to post a picture of Ashton's new bed - so cool! I think Chris was a little jealous :)

And a big girl room for my little... I mean BIG, girl. She picked out her accessories herself. (The lighting in the pic is terrible, I just realized. Her bed is a beautiful chocolate brown and pink.I'll have to post a better one tomorrow.) She wants to give up the doll house, but I wouldn't let her :) I'm still waiting for her to actually play with it!

More toddler fun....

And here's my big second-grader... posing for the camera of course!

Window watchers

Seriously, have you ever seen three one-year-olds so still AND so quiet?! Thank you Garbage truck!

Birthday and Tea Parties

Kristen had a wonderful birthday. We found a great place at the last minute - CoCo Key Water Resort in Kansas City. Kristen brought a friend along, and they had a blast eating at the T-Rex cafe and playing in the indoor water park. We'll definately go back!

Thanks for the pictures Steph!

One of Kristen's presents was a little china tea set, which Ashton was quite willing to join her in playing with. Too cute - I had to take a picture! Poor Ashton - he'll regret that someday!

Outside Fun!