Big news!

Many of you know that my parents have been serving a mission for the LDS church in San Diego for over a year now. They will be coming home after Jan. 21st of next year. We've really missed them and have enjoyed the blessing of housesitting for them.

Saturday, my parents called to say that Dad has been called to serve as the first counsellor in the Langley Temple due to open in May 2010. What does this mean for them and us? Well, it looks like their return home will be brief and we will have a chance to continue to dig ourselves out of school debt.

We are so excited for them. It will be so nice to have them only 4 hours away.

Congratulations Dad and Mom!!!

Trick or Treat

This afternoon we headed out downtown to do a little trick or treating.

Joseph has really gotten into "homemade costumes". Yesterday at school he went as Arthur from "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Last night at the ward party he was a medieval messenger using a sushi roller as the parchment. This afternoon he was a farmer knight!?! I remember doing the same thing as a child... grabbing random dress ups and heading out to trick or treat in a costume no one could recognize.

Edwin was Superman. Before we left he thought it would be a good idea if Superman had a ninja sword because "sometimes superpowers just aren't enough."

Then he forgot the sword at home. Thankfully no one had cryptonite.

I found Greta's costume at Zellars this year on clearance and I think it's the most adorable thing ever. Probably just because I think she is the most adorable thing ever (along with her two brothers).

Our little garden gnome was a huge hit. It's amazing how quickly a child can catch on to a concept when candy is the reward. In no time she was wedging her way through kids, knocking on doors say trick or treat and thank you.
Our good camera was out of batteries so we had to use the old model! :)

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Thanksgiving

We are thankful for popcorn.

Enormous mouthfuls of popcorn.

We are thankful for sunny, crisp autumn days.

And the awesome new playground at Creekside Park.

We are thankful for strong bodies that can reach great heights.

And knee high black baby boots. :)

Catch up

This post is being reposted because now that we have two cameras that are downloaded on to separate computers it takes a little more work to put it all together.

My sister has crocheted some adorable stuffies. Greta was lucky enough to get one thanks to the reunion auction and her loving cousin Rachel.

Look how adorable this little guy is. I think Maria should go into business selling these babies. Any buyers? Think how much this would help her pay her way through her master's degree. :)

I couldn't resist posting this expression on Greta's face.

More evidence of the influence of having two brothers. Greta brought me this costume and insisted that I dress her up.

We went for a hike up at the Star on one of the two cold days in September. It's so gorgeous up there.

Greta and Edwin were playing with the hose. Greta obviously won.

On Labour day we hiked around Ellison.

It's official. Ryan is a dentist working in Vernon. It's never official until it's on the sign, right?!

We had a visit with Spencer, Ashely and Van last month. Lunch was at the Crab Pot in Bellevue. SO DELICIOUS!!! I've never had a crab boil before but I can't wait to go again.

Greta walks part of the stake 1/2. I love the number pinned to her shirt.

Two big boys headed off to school. Edwin LOVES kindergarten. Everyday after school I ask him how it went and his reply is always... "AWESOME".

Friday I received a call from his teacher saying he had been kicked in the head when he accidently walked in front of an older child that had been on the swings.

I rushed off to the school. His teacher was worried because he had gone quite pale and his ear was rather red. As I began packing up his things to take him to see the doctor, at the teachers request, he started crying. He didn't want to leave. I promised him that if the doctor said it was ok he could come back after lunch. He was cleared by the doctor and I was ready to take Edwin home to relax, I even said we could rent a movie to watch. Edwin was adamant... he wanted to go back to school!

Rock Climbing

My sister Sarah came home this weekend for her birthday. Happy Birthday, Sarah! While she was here we decided to do a little rock climbing with the boys. Ardie had taken me for the FIRST TIME just this past week. It's really fun! I don't know why I haven't done it before. 

The only problem was I had all three kids, it was a difficult climb carrying Greta  just to get to where the ropes were and nowhere to put Greta down. 

Saturday we left Greta with Ryan (thank you, honey) and set out to Cougar Canyon.

There is nothing better than spending time with my sisters, my boys and nature.

The boys had a good time on the hike in.

Joseph gives me a pose as he gets his harness on.

Good thing Ardie is a safety nut. 

Edwin had tried climbing earlier in the week.... the more difficult climb... and decided he just wanted to do some free climbing.

Joseph did so well!  

Here he is rappelling back down. 

Then it was my turn.... like the crazed look in my eyes!?!

It looks like I'm totally relying on the rope here but I promise I wasn't. I'll show you the nasty sore on my knee to prove it.

I love this picture. (but not the size of my butt)
Thank you Ardie and Sarah for teaching us to climb!

Armstrong Fair

I remember going to the IPE as a young child with all my siblings. Mom would tow us around the fairgrounds to look at the prize winning zucchini and blue ribbon heifer.  I looked longingly at the other children enjoying the rides and playing all the games.  I promised myself that when I was a mother, my children would get to know what it was like to really enjoy the fair. 

Thursday I hauled Joseph, Edwin and Greta to the fair. I took them to the petting zoo. Then dragged them through all the exhibits to see the animals, poultry and baked goods. I just couldn't understand all the whining.  We still hadn't found the produce and my kids just wanted to play the games and go on the rides. I learned that fairs are good for throwing money away. I caved under the pressure (incessant whining) and let the boys play one game and go on TWO rides. I know, the extravagance! See, I didn't turn out like my mother :)

Edwin and Greta enjoying the Wallaby.  

These bunnies were frisky and I just barely took this photo before it jumped off Edwin's lap.

Greta was in good humour although she spent most of her time in the stroller. The only way to stay sane with 3 children by myself in a crowd.

Ride #1
Ride #2

We spent a bit of time and "Kids World" enjoying the live entertainment. Edwin was so excited to participate in every song.   He wasn't so sure after they dressed him up in what they said was an African warrior.

Then they gave him a tambourine and it was all good.

Thank you IPE for all the memories... zucchini, Esmerelda, cotton candy, getting lost in the crowd, animal droppings  and the good ole fairway.