fall pictures

We took fall pictures last weekend.  It is always way more trouble than it should be, but here is part one. 

Jill's party

Last Wednesday, Jill invited her favorite friends to her party.  She made Tangled invitations for Maggie, Casey, and Guinea Pig (Zach).  Sam felt a little left out, but managed to get a verbal invitation.  Jill was so excited and could hardly stop talking about her party with her friends.  She decided that they would have cupcakes and go to the park.  It was all set.  Then, at Pack Meeting, Jill spontaneously invited her friend Ashby to come to her "birthday party" the next day.  The mom, Michele, was thrown off because she hadn't remembered Jill's birthday being in September.  So, I quickly informed her that Jill was throwing her own party and why didn't she bring Ashby over for a party with Jill before the kids got home from school.  So, on Thursday, Ashby showed up for Jill's "birthday party" bearing fairy wings and a balloon.  They didn't seem to mind that it wasn't really anyone's birthday and happily made cupcakes and painted.  She was as proud as could be and I decided she knows how to get what she wants, even if it involves a little racketeering.

weights and measures

We weighed and measured the kids yesterday, so for safe-keeping, the data is being posted here on the blog.  Jill had grown the most since last year.  She grew 3.25 inches.  No wonder her skirts are all looking a little mini.  And, no, Ron and I did not participate.

Anna
Height  31.5 inches
Weight 25 pounds

Jill
Height  39.5 inches
Weight  31 pounds

Casey
Height 48 inches
Weight  44 pounds

Maggie
Height  53.5 inches
Weight  59 pounds

Zach
Height 59.75 inches
Weight  86 pounds

Sam 
Height  65.75 inches
Weight  109 pounds

Hay baling

It's not everyday that you get to watch the local farmer bale hay . . .  in your  own backyard.  We all look forward to this fall tradition here in Missouri.  We watch the farmer cut on one day, sweep the grass into rows the next, and then bale it into hay.  We thought we would be able to take pictures on the round bales again this year, but the farmer was quick to wisk them away. 

Terrified

What's making this sweet baby Anna hide under the computer desk and scream with fright?  And, yes, that is marker on her leg.  Just her daily expression of personal toddler fashion.

Just one of Casey's Star Wars guys. 

Casey turns 7

Casey started celebrating early and then celebrated long this year.  He had four days of fun and loved every minute of it.  He loves his birthday more than anyone (except maybe Nana).  It was a Star Wars filled, large cookie eating, giggle-filled birthday.

Castoff

A week before school started, Sam was at a friend's house and broke his arm.  The story isn't so exciting and he wished many times that he was actually riding the four wheeler when it happened.  But, 5 weeks later, and no sports to keep him busy, he finally has his cast off.  He started with a cast above the elbow, then was given a little freedom in the black cast.  Now, he is completely free and happy to have access to itch and apply lotion to a very irritated arm.  The doctor made mention of the ASU shirt, wondering why in the world he would betray Missou on the day of the big game.  Well, Sam has always had a little team rebellion in him.  Go Devils!!  (And, they did win.)
P.S.  I love Jill peeking to see the action.  She wasn't quite sure about the noisy saw.