Leaf days of November

We are both blessed and cursed with many trees in our yard. On one hand I like that our yard feels like it has been there for a long time and has shade and character. On the other, I absolutely hate fighting with the leaves every year. Well this particular Sunday after church we decided to have some of the college kids over to "help" us. They played with the kids so that Allen and I could get it done but that works too! Anyway, one of them got my camera and made it her mission to capture the day. I am really glad she did because I feel like these shots are what childhood is all about. Playing outside and enjoying nature.

Kaylen was asleep when we started working. She came outside looking like she does in that picture. She is becoming a real Punky Bruster with her own style.

Tripp was all about the lawnmower. That really makes me nervous but as long as Allen was there, I felt okay with it. He was never happier than when he was pushing along with Allen.


Well, he also liked the leaves. Pretty much this kid is always happy. He has a big temper but he also has tons of fun. I cant imagine life without him. I think we would all take ourselves too seriously without him reminding us to have some fun.
His looks crack me up. If he knows you are taking his picture, this is what you get.
When daddy wouldn't let him push along with him, he got his own lawnmower out.
Kaylen loves this bike. She has a little bit bigger one but I think it scares her. This is just her size.
I really want to print and frame this shot. So stinking cute!
See the look in his eye? He really doesn't put up with much from anybody these days. He is TROUBLE! :)
Sweet darlings trying to help out with the yard work.
I know this shot is very candid but it depicts the essence of childhood to me. Running carefree having a blast on a nice fall day in the front yard. I know I will miss these moments.
I also love moments like these. Playing with my kids. Tripp loves to be tackled. And Kaylen loves to tickle! Fun times.
Tripp rolling on the ground playing with a ball. Such a boy!
I think it is good to enjoy yourself even in the small tasks. Being a family and working/playing together is what it is all about. We need more days like this. I hope you all remember to capture the ordinary days of life.

Actual Halloween and a drawing...

Kaylen has really gotten in to drawing these days and I dont want to forget them. I know the actual drawing will be lost among all the other things I wish I would have saved. That is why I am putting it here. I am hoping I will be able to come back and look at things from over the years here.


Now, Halloween is loooooong past but times have been crazy lately. Here are a few shots from the day. Kaylen's hair was so hard to fix and it really looked great this time. I had to get the kids dressed up 3 times this year. Once for their program at school. A second time for the church event on Saturday and then once again on Sunday night for trick-or-treating. This was actually on Saturday. Here we all are and it is the only shot that we are almost all smiling.
Kaylen was such a poser. I have countless pictures where she is striking some sort of pose. So super cute!
Here she is man-handling Tripp, as always. But they are both smiling and enjoying themselves so it is fine with me!
We had a blast on all three occasions but this was a jam-packed Halloween and I hope the days are more consolidated next year to fewer dress ups!