First of all, I apologize to my (few) readers for the random posting about Clara way back in 2017. I am not sure how that got reposted six years later! I should do a new updated post about Clara. Perhaps soon.
Back to 2023, though. These pics are all out of order, but oh well.
We have had an absolutely gorgeous fall! It has been very dry, which perhaps is why the leaves have been so vibrant, but I do feel sad for the farmers. The pumpkin patch where we normally go to get pumpkins apparently had to purchase pumpkins from a different area to provide something for their expecting customers because there was such a drastic decrease in rainfall this growing season.
Speaking of growing, I tried growing a fall garden. I thought I planted the seedlings at the right time (in August), but the plants didn't grow as much as I anticipated in time before frost. We did have a late first frost, and we got two little broccoli heads. Yay!
The Brussels sprouts are still the size of peas, however, and the cauliflower is a little smaller than the broccoli heads. I think I might as well try to harvest them. Oh well--next year I'll have to starter sooner I guess. Live and learn!
The leaves are nearly all fallen now, and the boys were excited to have a big leaf pile. Note Benjy's eye patch, which he is supposed to wear two hours each day, to strengthen his weak eye. Tough!
For Halloween, Henry and neighbor buddy, Luke Zopp, both dressed up as Link from the video game, Zelda.
We got some family photos taken at the Arboretum, and I snagged a pic or two with my cell phone that turned out pretty well.
We dressed up for the ward Halloween party (er, fall festival): Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi, Link, a grim reaper, Sonic, and a fallen angel. I normally haven't wanted to dress up, but the past two years we've done it and I've actually enjoyed it.
We hosted the activity boys and girls and their families at our home on a Wednesday for dinner and Halloween games. It was pretty chaotic but I think everyone had fun.
Clayton cracked us up with his mustache and kept it on longer than I thought he would.
Check out Sonic's sweet headpiece! It was inflated.
Michael gave a spiritual thought to the kids at the activity about letting our light shine like their flashlights.
Somebody got glasses! I keep forgetting to have him wear them. He hated them at first but is doing better. His prescription is very mild, so we're realllly hoping he won't have to wear them for long. His eyes are different from each other, like Benjy's, which is why the pediatric ophthalmologist wanted him to get them.
Pumpkin patch time! This year it has been so dry that the pumpkin patch we normally go to had to actually buy pumpkins from another farm in a different area. Sad!
Carving pumpkins--a giant mess but one we look forward to every year.
Clayton insisted on getting in on the action. Surprise surprise, little Mr. Independent.
We surprised the kids with the purchase of a lake house, which they were thrilled about, surprisingly even Clara. I'm still wrapping my head around it and the additional stress that comes with another property, but we bought it for connection with each other, friends, and family, and we're hoping it is a blessing to many.
Taking the kayak out for the first time. They owners left a lot of stuff, including a couple of wet suits, which Henry is using here.
Pumpkin patch field trip for Benjy. Clayton was able to come along.
Cuties! I've really enjoyed my time with these two when the big kids are at school.
We took the kids up to DC for a day trip on a day we all had off--it was fun going to the Natural History Museum.
Super overpriced soft serve ice cream from a food truck. Yum!
Robbie made this awesome fort in his room and invited Benjy and Henry to have a sleepover one night.
I have a section in my journal for "Golden Moments:" times when I want to just remember something special and I try really hard to take it in, treasure it, and remember that moment. And sometimes I get an actual photo, too, like this one. I am so grateful for Michael and how much these beautiful boys love him.
