October

Here's what has been going on around here during the past month:

Nolan has worked hard on two Reflections contest entries. He loves to use the sewing machine so he decided to make a magic carpet. And he also practiced his picture-taking skills in the backyard. He captured some great up-close pictures of bees, bugs, and flowers. You might be wondering what happened to Nolan's head... we were at a friends' house and they had a neighbor boy visiting. This boy was going through some hard things and threw a heavy, wooden toy at Nolan's head. It was bloody and traumatic (as head wounds are), but he got over it quick. It only shows much when he's had a fresh haircut. 

We went to the rainy pumpkin walk but the boys still enjoyed the blow-up slide immensely and I didn't have to make lunch. 

Ezra had a field trip with his preschool class to the dentist. Ez almost volunteered to have his teeth x-rayed but then changed his mind. He was happy to just watch Sophia get checked. 

Nolan scored the most awesome goal at his soccer game a couple of weeks ago. That means that he has now scored more goals than his parents combined! Yeah, Justin and I are definitely not sporty so we were surprised and thrilled when Nolan made a goal. And the best part was that he was so proud of himself. He looked over at us with double thumbs up. Later, he walked over and said, "What do you think of me now?" Soccer is winding down, with only one game left, but he's really done so well. He may not be the most aggressive but we'll work on that. We were afraid he'd decide he didn't want to play, but it turns out that he might have some talent. 

The boys have been bringing home some fun projects. Ezra always runs out of preschool with a huge smile on his face, ready to show me what he's done that day. They love arts and crafts. Ezra is even starting to love drawing. He's really good at drawing circles! 

Ezra was invited to a Halloween party at our neighbor's house. He insisted on being a skeleton even though I prepared a different costume for him. It was a lively event with ten toddlers running around. It was fun to have an event just for Ezra while Nolan was at school. 

And this morning we woke to find the first snow of the season. I'm never ready for the snow to fly, but the boys were so excited! Nolan wouldn't get ready for school because he just wanted to sit in front of the window and watch the snow. Mind you, it wasn't snowing anymore, he just wanted to stare at the dusting of snow on the grass. They were disappointed to find that it had melted within an hour. 

Sometimes the boys like to fall asleep cuddling together in Nolan's bed. We move them later, but sometimes I can't help snapping a photo. I don't think I could sleep like that. Too many arms. Too little space. 

 Nolan has recently made a new friend. When we got back from our cruise, he was telling his grandmas that he's in love and that this girl has changed his life. Come to find out he was talking about Jadalyn, a girl in our ward. They had never met until kindergarten because she's in an older primary class. They've only played outside of school one time, but it turns out that their relationship has gotten more serious. I got a note from their teacher saying that there was a little too much hugging, hand-holding, and even kissing going on. I guess when asked to stop, Nolan would say, "But we love each other!" I had to have a little talk with him that he needs to cool it and keep his hands (and lips) to himself. But really, I think it's pretty funny. They're so young and innocent and I'm happy that Nolan has a good friend in his class. And can you blame Nolan? She's a lovely little lady!

  And last month (I forgot to ever post this before), Justin was part of the regional conference choir that was held at the Conference Center. He was really excited to be a part of the big event. We left Ezra with Aunt Lacey during the meeting, but it was fun for Nolan and I to watch Dad way up in the choir seats and see him on the huge screen. They sounded really good! Here's the group from our ward that participated.

 And last of all, we got Nolan's school pictures back. I was thinking that we wouldn't even bother buying them, but when I saw how important it was to Nolan I realized we should. He told us that he wanted to look his best. He made sure to put gel in his hair that day. We asked, "Are you sure you want to wear your church clothes?" He said, "Yes, I have to be handsome for picture day!" Well, he really he a handsome kid. I'm so glad we have record of that big kindergarten smile!