SERIOUS conversation

Canyon is only 3 1/2, but is down right SERIOUS about school. The school he doesn't yet attend. But today, to be just like his dad, he needed to do homework. I set up a little work station for him on his junior computer. He went right to work. Afterwords we had a SERIOUS conversation about what his home work entailed...

Me: So what kind of home work did you do?
Canyon: Letters.
Me: What kind of letters?
Canyon: ABCs.
Me: Cool, did you do anything else?
Canyon: Shapes.
Me: Ooooo, what kind of shapes?
Canyon: Like, circles and squares.
Me: Wow.
Canyon: When I get big and go to school, I will have hair all over like Dad, huh?
Me: (trying to be serious) Well, maybe not right away.

(During our conversation he had very SERIOUS expressions)

(This one is my favorite 6 He makes it whenever he is talking about something he thinks is big & important)

My lame attempt at a fall photo

We left after church in search of beautiful red and golden trees. We headed down hill instead of up hoping for more diversity. All we found was a fall rainstorm and some slightly turned leaves. Maybe next week will be better. (I wont give up).

Uncle Paho came for a visit...

... and we loved every second of it. Come back soon! We miss you.

Just so I don't forget...

Usually these "just so I don't forget" posts are filled with sweetness and random adorable milestones that my precious boys have reached--but lately I have been bombarded by their naughtiness. So in all fairness, so you do not get the impression that they are perfectly behaved angels, this is what they have been up to:

1. Smashing cereal in to the carpet.
2. Coloring on the walls.
3. Coloring on each other.
4. Eating crayons, markers, pencils.
5. Throwing potatoes (yes, throwing potatoes).
6. Punching each other.
7. Climbing the furniture.
8. Eating in my bed then attempting to ride a skate board down a heap of blankets.
9. Escaping to the neighbors without asking.
10. Making chocolate milk (by the gallon).
11. Dumping out every toy bin & dresser drawer for a "fort."
12. Emptying my purse and wallet and sampling my lotion, chap stick, or hand sanitizer.

P.S. Even though, at times, I am overwhelmed by their naughtiness I find it sweet that they are partners in crime.

Apples, Apples, Apples

My mom came up for a visit & we were also joined by our good friend Elena. We canned applesauce from apples that we got from the Kothrade's orchard, we made candy apples, & ate my mama's homemade apple pie. It was a wonderful fall day with good company & beautiful weather.

(P.S. my mom makes the best pie crust ever--it's beautiful & tasty)

~bAlLoOn FiEsTa 2010~

As usual we absolutely enjoyed our visit to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta. Here are some pictures from our visit:

The Balloon Glow (that never happened due to wind), but the fireworks were great & the company was even better.

Sunday morning watching from the ditch outside my Dad's house. Trek would point and say "Whooo, Ahhhhh." And Canyon could pick out the special shape balloons and loved identifying the different colors.

We watch the Balloons while eating breakfast outside at my Dad's house. It's lovely.

Football with the Holly's

He came dressed in uniform...

And waited anxiously to play...

He watched the coach as he orchestrated game winning plays...

He dreamed of playing as good as #52...

He became discouraged as his time never came...

But took a knee at the end of the game to hear what the coach had to say...

And knew his chance would come soon.

(Canyon was thrilled to come watch Matthew play and Mark coach. It has been a pleasure for our family to watch Mark coach and Jesse & Matt play football. Skye & Mark give their life to their boys and their interests and our boys can see that. Canyon & Trek love their Auntie & Uncle--Trek was devastated that Mark wasn't paying attention to him during the game & was so happy when Mark came to get him as soon as he could. And Canyon was not as dramatically disappointed as my story tells because he got love and attention he wanted from his Auntie & Uncle. Thank-you Holly family for being as wonderful & sweet & loving as you are. The Kirkman's love you so much!)

A great shot

Usually I am the one shooting pictures, but Gary had the camera and captured this fantastic picture of Trek playing in the mosquito net that covers my Dad's bed.

Me: Cleaning the house. Listening to the boys playing perfectly in the living room.

Canyon: "Mom, check this out. I built a ramp."

Me: "Ok. I am coming..." Looking at the ramp. "Oh, cool! Are you going to slide your monster truck down that?"

Canyon: "No, it's for my skate board. I'm going ride it."