Family Time

 We've had some great times this fall.

Halloween with the Kesners

Linda was excited that she got to see Mariah and the rest of the Kesners. Mariah used to call her Grandma when we all lived in California. She's grown a bit since then, but Linda still thinks she is an awesome girl.

Trevor exploring the City Museum

He fit into all the tiny places. He is very flexible too. I couldn't follow him if I tried. (and the City Museum is hard on the knees!)

Anna and I watched turtles for an awfully long time.

Alec tells me that Maren (his exploring partner) did the same thing. 

My girls love the animals.

The big ball pit

The Giant Hamster Wheel

I watched Mitchell while the Kesners went to Branson.

 He was very good and so excited about our pile of leaves.

Everything amazes this cute guy. He walks around continually astonished.

"Wow!!" "Look!!" "Scary!" "Whoa!!"  

 

 

 

   

The family spent a long Saturday collecting leaves from the back and front yards. 

The big beautiful trees sure do make a mess. 

It was fun to work together as a family though. :)

When we finished the kids helped the neighbors.

Jumping in the rain

This rainstorm soon turned into a big storm that nearly blew the trampoline into the neighbors yard. The tumble bent some of the poles that hold up the net. Bummer. (sorry Tyler and April) It still works though. What would we do without that trampoline? They are on it every day.

   Aubree wanted to try on the Russian costume. 

What a great costume. A great girl too!

Purina Farms

I stayed home to make cinnamon rolls for the baptism, but Linda got a few pictures.

The fall colors were gorgeous while the California family was in town. 

They picked a good week to come to Missouri.

Watching the dog show

Dave and Mack picked the winner early.

One of the best things about the City Museum- throwing pumpkins out a 10-story window!

/

Dave and Rebecca kissing in the tunnel

They are so cute together. 

We are so happy to have Rebecca in the family! She is amazing.

Alec's Baptism

Alec's baptism day was very special. We are so glad to have Alec in our family! He is quirky and fun and sometimes on the crazy side, but he does have a great sense of right and wrong and tries to choose right and be a good boy. He brings excitement and energy into our home. We love Alec! 

We were so blessed to have family from California come to town for the Alec's baptism, Grandma and Grandpa Barney and Uncle Dave and Aunt Rebecca. We have wonderful memories of the week we spent together playing games, eating, exploring St. Louis, and enjoying each other's company. (pictures to come) Thank you so much for coming you guys!! It meant a lot of all of us. 

The primary president presented this cute towel to Alec at the baptism. She mentioned that Alec said that Choosing the Right meant always going to church and being kind to his little sister Annalisa. 

CTR- Choose the Right!

Uncle Dave (a very beloved uncle) baptized Alec and Geoff confirmed him.

Maren and Alec are good buddies. 

It wouldn't be Alec if he weren't striking funny poses.

Funny story-

During Alec's baptismal interview with the bishop (Geoff went with him) Alec asked the Bishop "what is that thing that you're doing with your eyebrow." Bishop responded that his eyebrow has just always gone up like that. Alec replied, "... uhh...cause it's kinda freakin' me out." Aahh!!! forehead slap) 

Alec says what he thinks. 

We have done some coaching and role playing practice since I heard this story. For example, we practiced how he would stand up in sacrament meeting when the bishop announced his name without making silly faces or silly poses. A treat was involved. I was taking no chances. Unfortunately I didn't remember to coach him on how he shouldn't play with his tie or one of my stray hairs during the Holy Ghost talk at his baptism. Jabs in his back did little to stop him, and I finally just reached over and snatched his clip-on tie and the long blonde hair. I hope (and pray) that a few years will bring some maturity and an awareness of what is appropriate... 

But as I said, he is a very good boy, so innocent and cute. 

The silly things he does are mostly endearing and funny. It's what makes Alec... Alec!

With the family pictures taken, the rest of us went inside to clean the church.

Geoff is newly responsible for this task, and the job was not assigned to anyone else. 

It was not too bad, and we finished quickly with everyone pitching in.

Alec and Chase stayed outside to do the important work of piling leaves in the parking lot.

They took this job very seriously.

New scriptures from Grandpa and Grandma

With his name on them...