Pumpkin Patch

This year we tried out a new pumpkin patch and loved it. It is perfect for a family with little kids and is priced appropriately (although everything is better free!). This will be the 6th year for carving pumpkins together for me and Kevin- a tradition started in the Singles Ward before we started dating and have kept up since being married. I love the fall!

The Rains Came Down and the Floods Came Up

It rained today- a LOT. It was fabulous! I LOVE the rain and am so happy that we are finally getting cold and wet weather. I hate the heat and love the fall and winter. It is about stinkin' time we got some cooler weather. After all, is is mid October!! I had to turn the girls loose today. They were dying to get in the rain. They played for almost an hour and got thoroughly drenched. I guess we will have to invest in some rain boots and some scotch guard. I should have just let them go out naked! I am so glad they enjoy the rain as much as I do.

Before

I should have known this is what they would do with their cups! Thirsty anyone?

They really just wandered around in the rain. It was so funny to watch them. I don't think they knew what to do with themselves.

Charlotte had the BEST faces today

Seriously, how cute is she?

Chloe was in heaven!

See what I mean... a LOT of rain ALL day. It was great!

And some hot cocoa to warm up before naps

Chantelle's Baby Blessing

This past weekend we blessed Chantelle. Instead of doing a family dinner after church on Sunday, we opted to do a family dinner on Saturday night. Between the obvious consequences of afternoon church and juggling three kids for 3 hours, we decided to de-stress the event by having our families (30+) over the night before. We are SO glad we did. We were able to come home and relax as a family on Sunday. I am becoming more and more in favor of family get togethers on days other than Sundays- probably becuase we have so much family around us. There is always something that needs to be celebrated!

So Saturday night, we got together and had soups and breads for dinner. YUM! The weather has finally turned cooler and it was the perfect dinner for a crowd on a cool evening. Unfortunately, before the evening really began, Chloe and her cousin, Luke, collided and she was out of commission for the entire evening. We thought she might have had a concussion because she was crying for so long followed by her dazed and "out of it" temperment. Right after the collision, I gave her some Motrin (I saw the accident from the window and she flipped right over him after butting heads. It was a loud crack, too!). Thankfully, no runs to the emergency room, but it did put a damper on the evening. Yet another reason I was grateful to do this on Saturday night instead of Sunday.

This was actually my dress. Chloe has some pics in it, too. She wore this Sat night. What a doll!

Cousin Bella loves to hold her

Charlie saw Bella holding Chantelle and wanted to hold her too
I think Chantelle has had enough of her sister

Getting consoled after her accident

Aunt Joc holding cousin Ella

Gma Wilma taking her turn- she had foot surgery and has been in a wheel chair for 6 weeks! What a trooper.

Sunday was a beautiful day. Chantelle looked like a doll swallowed up in lace. Kevin gave a beautiful blessing which she cried through the entire time. Of course. We took a few pictures before church and I am glad we did. After her blessing, Chantelle had a blow out on Gma Karen and totally soaked her dress. Thankfully, Renee had an extra outfit for Ella (4 wks younger), otherwise, Chantelle would have been my naked little babe for the rest of church.

Sunday- all our girls! That is a lot of lace!!!

Loves from the big sisters

Mommy and Chantelle

Daddy and his 3rd little princess

Family pic- total chaos of course

Spaulding Family Reunion

So, most of Kevin's maternal Gma's family is around the bay area. Every year they have a picnic at some park and catch up with one another. It is a great little get away for us- even if it is just for an afternoon.

The picnic was near Atherton, CA - one of the wealthiest towns in Cali. It is a gorgeous hilly area filled w/ redwoods. It was a beautiful park and terribly hot.

Bella is Chloe's 2nd cousin and the only girl cousin in Cali old enough to play with. Usually Luke and Jonah aren't too far behind, but this trip they were at home with their new baby sister, Ella.

Let's not forget the newest addition...

It has happened - "Charlie, go away. We don't want to play with you." Granted, it was Bella saying it, but Chloe followed along. It was so sad.

Instead of hanging by herself, she hung out with Gma Karen and ate croutons. Not a bad trade off.

Don, Aunt Joc, and Jenna

Uncle Ron

Peek a Boo w/ Pappa Bear

Charlotte got ABSOLUTELY filthy while we were there. I tried to capture it, but photos do not do her justice.