Lots of pictures from a busy weekend

Halloween weekend was filled with lots of events, so I thought I would post them all together while I had time. Hannah has been begging to go camping, so we took the opportunity with the beautiful weather. I can't believe how nice it has been outside, but I am afraid it is just a reminder of how long the winter is going to be. The camping experience was ok, but not necessarily something I want to do too often until the kids are older. The girls just fight way too much right now and can't seem to find things to do in common. We loved camping when we were kids and always could find things to do without having to be entertained. We camped in a place called Yarrow, not too far outside of the city limits, by the Chariton River. The girls liked going down by the river and throwing rocks. I am probably way more protective then I need to be, but I was worried about the swift current and the soft sand shore ledge. We tried to do smores by the campfire, but the girls were scared of the dark and it just wasn't working out as planned. We wound up calling it a night pretty early.

I don't recall ever having the luxury of a DVD player when camping. We used to take long walks and do a lot of exploring. I am hoping we can start doing more family things where all electronics are put away, but it has become such a lifestyle for our kids that it is not an easy thing to do.

We have friends who have a cabin where we were camping. Lake chilled out while Josh set up the camper (and shop vac'd thousands of Asian beetles). I was worried about taking him, but he was all smiles the entire time. It was so nice to have one child not whining :)

Josh with the shop vac. These beetles have taken over Northeast Missouri. They stink when you step on them and they bite. I swear they just come out of nowhere. We are constantly telling Meredith that they are not ladybugs and not to play with them.

Lake is just the happiest little baby. He smiles all of the time and is starting to show his personality. He gets really excited when someone talks to him and starts waving his hands and legs up and down.

My sisters came to Kirksville this week also. This was Aunt Jodi's first time seeing Lake. They were so good with their nieces and nephew. Aunt Julie (on the right) came to see us before she enters the monastery in November. I am really proud of her that she is following her life calling, although I am sad that we won't see her as often. I grew up going to Catholic schools with nuns as teachers, so sometimes it is difficult for me to see her as a nun, but I know she has prayed about this decision for a long time and feels it is God's will. My brother Jeff had a bonfire and we just sat around and talked. It was nice to visit with family and recall childhood memories.

Lake with Grandma Lysle. Unbelievable that we were able to sit outside without coats on Halloween. Halloween is really busy at our house. Everyone who doesn't live in a neighborhood comes to our house to get ready, have a quick dinner and then head out for trick or treating.

Foster, Hannah, Lake and Meredith

This is sort of a random picture, but let me tell you how awesome the BUMBO is. I read a friend's blog who had their child in one of these and had my sister-in-law buy one when she was in Columbia. This is the greatest invention! I only wish it were around when Hannah and Meredith were little. Lake is ten weeks old and it allows him to sit up already. He likes to sit at the table with everyone and it has become useful when I am trying to cook. I think he likes to be able to see everything around him. It has really helped with his head control too. (note: the warning on the BUMBO is not to put it on an elevated surface, however, it appears to be very stable and I am always near by)

Remember the blog entry about Sammy "running away" and Toby being an indoor dog? Look how good he is doing. This would have never occurred when we had both dogs. He even got to go camping with us.

Just chillin in the BUMBO.
Ok, so that's it for the weekend. Now it's time for laundry and grocery shopping. Although it was very busy, I am so thankful for good weather, great friends and quality family time.