October

October started with Dietrich's birthday party. He wanted his friend, Ridge, to come over with his family for a BBQ. It was a beautiful afternoon. We had lunch, a pinata, presents and cake. Dietrich chose this pool cake. It was fun because the pool was jello and it jiggled when you shook the cake.

We had quite a few field trips in October and they all happened in the same week. Our first trip was as a family. We went to see the place where a family from our small group processes onions. I've never seen so many onions all in one place before. They store them until they get orders for more.


Our next field trip was Free day at the zoo. Heather Ambler asked us if we wanted to join them for this day. We left early, because I knew what free day at the zoo is like from our visit last year. The kids had a great day looking at all the animals. I think we saw everything except the snakes. I wasn't too sad to miss them.


The day after the zoo, we headed to Greeley to see Centennial Village. It is a little town set in the early 1900s. We got to see lots of houses, the school, and a chuckwagon. I think the kids liked the story of Rattlesnake Kate the best. She killed over a hundred snakes in an hour and then took them, skinned them and made a dress and some jewelry. I hope we can go to the Greeley museum to see them some day.
Our last field trip was a hike/science lesson. Each of the kids learned something different. M. learned about the ecosystem. A. learned about birds and living, non-living and dead things. E. and D. learned about bugs and also about different ways seeds are transported. They enjoyed being outside.

Mid-October, Paul had to attend a Precepts conference in Denver, so I decided to go with him. We dropped the kids and Winston off at Grandpa and Grandma Higman's and headed to the west side of Denver. While Paul attended the conference, I read books, watched TV and did some shopping. Paul and I were able to have a nice supper together and then we saw the movie "Courageous." It was a great movie. The time went quickly, but I had a wonderful time.

The last big event in October was Halloween. The kids dressed up and we all headed out for the evening. It was a beautiful night and the kids enjoyed walking around with their friends. M. was a character from a book that she had read. A. was a king. E. was a 50s girl and D. was a firefighter. We have so much candy. Can't wait until it is all gone, so I am making a valiant effort to help.:) Here's some pictures of the kids.

Well, that about sums it up for October. See you next month!

September

September was full of activities.

The month started out with my first 10K. I was able to finish it in about 1:10:32. I wish I had pushed myself a little bit more. Maybe next time. This day was also my 40th birthday, so after the race, we went out to lunch with friends and then home. I opened my presents and then later we went out for supper. I was so worn out from my race that I ended up going to bed early.
These are the beautiful flowers that my siblings sent me for my 40th birthday. They spoiled me.

Later in the month, my parents came for a little visit. We had a great visit with them. I was so glad that we were able to get pictures of the kids with Grandpa and Grandma Alexander. On the last day of their visit, we went to a Harvest Farm Festival. The kids had a blast riding on the little bucket train, wandering through the maze, feeding the sheep, and shooting off cobs of corn and pumpkins.
At the end of the month, we went to McKee hospital for a field trip. The kids enjoyed the nature walk and the simulation room. I don't think it was the greatest field trip for the younger kids as there was a lot of talking to listen to.

Well, that ends September. Next up, October.