New Pets?!

Today while Elyse and a friend were outside two stray cats came right up to them and wanted nothing more than to be petted and taken care of.  The cats followed them into the backyard where they were joined by the boys.  We fed them some food, gave them some homemade toys to play with and a little box to rest in.  The kiddos couldn't get enough of these two cats.  We have had the discussion already that we aren't anticipating them to stay forever as we believe they belong to a family, but if not we may forever have two cats.  Although according to Dad (Nate) they will be forever outdoor cats.  

As you can see, lots of pictures of Elyse and Kallen.  That's because Caleb wasn't too eager to take pictures with the cats, and Ian was too busy doing things for or with the cats to stop to take a picture.

Ian loved playing with the cats on the swing-set.  Although he was not allowed to follow her onto the beam.

Awana

Tonight was the kick-off for another year of Awana for the kiddos.  This year was really fun for both them and us and that's because they all had a class to attend.  Elyse started her third and final year as a Spark, Caleb stepped up and started his first year as a Spark, Kallen began his final year as a Cubbie, and Ian is now a Puggle.  They all ran to the car in complete excitement for the night of new teachers, friends, rooms and adventures.  Thankfully they all got into the car with the same smiles and so many fun stories to tell or new songs to sing.  Love, love, love Awana!

Constance Family Palooza

Our church put on their first-ever Constance Family Palooza today and boy was it amazing! Unlimited inflatables, concession stands, music, pumpkin launcher, petting zoo, games, face painting all for FREE. Event ran from 10 to 6 and we pretty much were there the entire day and sadly took hardly any pictures to capture all our fun. So thankful for Constance for putting this event on to bring people from the community to our church as well as to serve our church family. We love our church family! 

Celebrating Elyse's 8th Birthday

Elyse celebrated turning 8 right!  
It started on Thursday which was her official birthday at school being the star of the day as well as having the boys and I eat lunch with her.  After school, Dad (Nate) and I decided to surprise her for her golden birthday by taking her to get her ear pierced as she has been asking for three years.  She was nervous but beyond excited.  She did great and looks even more grown up now.  Once arriving home she opened all her gifts from extended family members and ate her dinner of choice and an enormous cupcake. 

On Saturday Elyse had her friend birthday party at our local bowling alley, "Ham Lake Lanes".  The staff and service were fantastic and I wouldn't be surprised if we are back there next year or for one of the boys.  They provided shoes, lanes, balloons, cake, a take home pin and lots of freedom while there.  The girls had a blast bowling, playing in the arcade and dancing in the lanes.  According to Elyse, so far, Eight really is Great! :)