Bushue's Pumpkin Patch

These last couple of years we have started a tradition of going to Bushue's Pumpkin Patch with the McNutt's. We happily continued that tradition this year. We had beautiful weather. It was dry and warm. We started the fun in the parking lot when the boys were racing with wagons.

Then we took a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins. The kids were so excited, they were having a hard time holding still for our pictures.

After very little searching, this is what we ended up with. Blayne picked out a bigger pumpkin. I picked out a cool dark green pumpkin. the girls were taken by the red squash, I had to convince them to pick out an actual pumpkin. It got easier after I explained that they couldn't actually carve the squash.

We waited to carve our pumpkins until family night. So with Grandma and Grandpa Yates help we successfully carved three of the four. Blayne's is still on the kitchen table, cleaned but uncarved. Victoria chose to do a vampire, Gavin did two ghosts, and Maddy and I did a single ghost. The kids went and gathered some fun fall leaves to make our display more colorful.

I would definitely say it was a successful pumpkin patching trip this year. Now I just have to finish Halloween and trick-or-treating preparations.
Here's to a safe and Happy Halloween fron the Yates!!!

Fall, Fall, Fall!

Last weekend Blayne and the kids and I did a fun activity. We made cake pops, of course we cheated and used donut holes. They turned out great and we had fun doing it together.

Later that evening Victoria and Gavin decided to have a teeth pulling party. Victoria pulled out a molar (with help from Shannon) and Gavin pulled out his two front teeth.

With it being General Conference weekend we stayed at home and enjoyed our time together. In between sessions on Sunday we went for a nice walk and went geo caching. I enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and took a cute picture of the girls' rain boots. I love the Fall season!!!

Fishing with Dad

In July we went camping with the McNamee's to Trillium Lake. I managed to not take one photo on this trip except the photos on my phone. I came across them today and definitely think they needed to be posted. We got completely flooded the first night, we stuck it out and ended up having some beautiful weather for the rest of our trip.

Blayne has been looking for one of the kids to start fishing so he can have a fishing buddy. We bought the kids all poles last year and they were excited to use them this year. I can't say we were successful but we enjoyed the time together.

We came home from camping in the middle of the week, so Blayne still had the rest of the week off. We tried to stay busy and enjoy the beautiful weather that had finally arrived. We took the kids to Bonneville Dam to look at the sturgeon. Those are amazing (and giant)!!

School Picture Day

I successfully got all the kids ready and out the door on time this morning for pictures. It was easier than I thought it would be, I have pretty great kids!!!

Hanging out in Prineville

Early in the month we went out to Prineville to visit Aunt Ashley and Uncle Jake. The Dad's went to scout some hunting areas so it was just us Mom's and the kids.
Ashley and Jake have a thriving garden growing, we took the kids down to pick some veggies. The kids, especially Maddy and Emily, had a blast digging in the dirt for potatoes.

We haven't visited Prineville since June so the kids were very excited to see each other and visit.

First Day of School

The kids are attending the Oregon Trail Primary Academy charter school again this year. Victoria is in 4th grade and Gavin is in 1st grade. Maddalyn also started pre-chool this year also. So far so good, they are loving school, no arguing or complaining. I love to be able to say that, we will see how long it lasts.

Maddy actually started pre-school a day after the kids. She was a little teary once we got there, after being so excited. She informed me I needed to stay, I sat down and colored, gave her some time, then I was on my way.

Josie's visit from New York

Josephine was lucky enough to come from New York and spend the month of August in Oregon. She spent one of her last weekends here with our family.

Victoria is Josie's oldest girl cousin so even though they are seven years apart in age, they really enjoy each other.

Josie got her drivers permit when she first got to Oregon so Uncle Blayne was teaching her to drive a stick shift. She drove his VW Bug, his baby. Seeing I am the only other adult that has driven that car she was pretty lucky, Uncle Blayne sure does love her!!!

We enjoyed every day we spent with her, the kids had a lot of fun. Her next visit will not be soon enough! Love you Josie!!