Caroline's New Do

Here's Caroline sporting her new haircut! She loves it!

A couple of weeks ago, she got a second haircut from a non-professional (read: a little girl). We debated whether we should layer it to mask the pieces that were missing, or if we should just cut it to mostly one length. We let Caroline decide, and she went with this short bob. She had a little buyer's remorse when she realized that she couldn't wear her hair in pigtails or a ponytail for a while. However, she quickly cheered up when we played hair salon tonight, trying a few new styles.

It was a big day for her...she was finally Fabulous Friend in her Kindergarten class. For all of you non-Kindergarteners, that means that she was able to share with her class something special to her (her pink dragon Webkin, pictured, that she got from her sweet friend, Claudia). She was also able to tell the class about some favorite things (book, colors, animals), share some pictures of her family, and she was also the teacher's helper for the day. This was a day that she has been anticipating for all year, so she was even more excited to go to school than she normally is! :)

We have been thrilled with her progress in school. It is an amazing thing to watch her learn how to read and write, and to see her excitement and pride in her accomplishments. Here's an example of her handiwork that she just brought home today...If you are having trouble reading it, you can click on the picture to make it bigger.

What Dave and I do on our nights out...

That man can dance!

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One down, two to go...

While my baby boy lay sleeping, all cuddled up under his blankets on this cold, blustery night...


...I was busy doing this to his closet. I took out all of the clothes that don't fit him anymore and hung up all of his fall clothes in the next size up. This is always a monumental, emotional task for me because as I'm packing away these clothes to be handed down to his younger cousin, I'm hit by how quickly Evan is growing. Sigh. And then when I hung up all of the fall clothes, I was flooded with memories of the older boys when they were this age.
And to think I have two more closets to tackle...I'm exhausted just thinking about it! This one's tomorrow. I think I'll go to bed now. I am going to need my rest. :)

Sage advice from a six year old

When bowling, one should "throw the ball. You should not kick it." I would tend to agree with her on that one.
Caroline went to a birthday party for her friend Chloe today. Honestly, I don't think they could have been any cuter. What a party weekend they all have had!

While Caroline and I were at the party, Evan napped, and the big boys were building with legos. Yes, that would be Henry, Seth, AND their dad. They played all afternoon! I am always so amazed by what they are able to make.

13 Giggly Girls...

...and one fun birthday party for Caroline! We celebrated at our favorite park,


had a yummy lunch together,
painted some pumpkins,
played a crazy game of Pass the Parcel,

pulverized a pinata, partook in some pumpkin cupcakes,

and thanked God that it didn't rain so that we could spend a fun afternoon with wonderful friends!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

...at least between the hours of 12 and 2 tomorrow. Come to think of it, we really need it to stay at bay from about 8:00 AM on. I actually am saying some prayers.

Caroline's soccer pictures and game start at 8:00, and Henry is planting trees at a local park tomorrow morning with cub scouts.

We're having Caroline's friend party from 12 to 2. Because I was trying to be all economical :), I planned for it to be in our favorite park. We invited all of the girls in Caroline's kindergarten class, plus a few other friends, and I really would prefer to not have them all in our house. We scheduled a rain date, but Caroline would be so dissappointed if we couldn't have the party tomorrow. (The pumpkins shown above are the craft we are doing at the party...they each get to decorate a big and little pumpkin.)

I am not asking for much, just no rain tomorrow between 8 and 2. At 2:30, the skies can open up. I am fine with that.

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Eight years ago at this time, Seth was just about to be born. We've had almost eight years of being blessed with our son, Seth. We are so proud and happy to be his parents.

As we've already had his family party, today we celebrate with his favorite foods...cinnamon rolls and sausage for breakfast, and pizza for dinner. Then, we'll top it all off with some swimming lessons. (That's festive, huh?!) I think that we've finally picked a date for his "friend party." He wants to take his friends to the movies again this year. He was pushing for a big sleepover, but I'm not quite ready to go there with him yet. :) Maybe for his ninth birthday...

Some more water for you

Apparently we Noseks are all about water, all the time. Or so you would think based on my last posts.

I had to post this picture of Evan and his swimming coach, Jeremy. Evan has never been afraid of the water, but he does have some separation anxiety issues. Looking at this picture shows how very far he's come from his first class, where he cried THE WHOLE TIME. He still is a bit anxious at the beginning of the lesson, but soon settles in with Jeremy. This big boy can blow bubbles, go under water, back float, and jump in the water. He is almost ready to be promoted to the next level! Go Evan!

We're expecting...baby platys any day now. :) One of the new fish we got today is pregnant, and the kids are so excited. We'll see how this goes.