Danny, Katie, and the Kids: October iMoments

Joey is finally getting the hang of Luke's bike and roller-horse that were his only mode of transportation. It makes us happy to see them being used again. :)

During Sophie's family birthday party, Aunt Millie caught this cute moment between Papa and Joey. My kids are so blessed to have such a loving Papa!

It was Sophie's turn to have her field trip to the Hill AFB Museum, so Danny was sure to meet her there. They had a great time together, and Sophie loved showing off her Daddy.

Johnny was recognized by the principle for being the Student of the Month!

Claire's turn for her Daddy-Daughter date to the game. Good thing Danny enjoys his dates so much...because the Cougars are REALLY struggling this season!

While Danny and Claire where at the game, I let Johnny stay up for the first half. Johnny turns to me and says, "Watching football and eating gummy bears just feels good." :)

I caught Joey struggled up in Luke's blanket. This is a really special time in that Joey is virtually the same age, at the same time of year, that Luke was when he was home and healthy with us. There is some ache to see Joey and cuddled up in Luke's blanket...but mostly it makes me happy.

I've been determined to learn how to make homemade tortillas, just like I grew up on. I think my Grandma would be proud of these!

Enjoyed a special birthday lunch with Sophie-kins at Blue Lemon! I love our birthday dates with the kids...it's great to get some one-on-one time with each of them...at least once a year ;)

Joey is by far the most independent child we've had. I guess he decided he wanted a cookie...so he got into the laundry room and found a paper plate, then climbed up onto the table, took the lid off the cookie jar, grabbed a cookie, and put it on his plate! I couldn't even be mad about him climbing on the table, I was just impressed!

#brownieperfection

This seems to be the month of Joey/Luke flashbacks. I decided I needed some slippers for Joey. They're so much easier than trying to put shoes and socks on him just to run the kids to the school in the morning. Naturally, they had to be monster feet. :)

#momlife isn't so bad. :)

Blessed Day! First day of Nursery for Joseph, and he loved it!

When we went to go visit Great Grandma, Joey showed her how to work a fidget spinner. Ah, the influence of the younger generation...

Joey wants nothing more in life than to be like the older kids and do what they do. He's watched Claire practice piano in the morning, and so as soon as she goes to school he climbs up on the piano and practices too.

Joey was LOVING his first time on that slides at the park...until he missed a step on the way up and bit through his lip. Those baby teeth are sharp!

Good thing Mama knew just what to do. Wipe the blood away and distract with camera!

The girls took our old cases when we switched phones. I caught them taking pretend selfies at the store!

Our good friends the Overs were here visiting from Lancaster. Her sister lives here in Syracuse, and they were having a Halloween party and invited us to come so we could visit with our friends. The kids had a blast becoming acquainted again, and I loved the chance to catch up with Andrea. We've been so blessed in our lives with great friends.

And to think...it wasn't that long ago these girls were having fairy/princess tea parties!

We had the wonderful experience of joining Natalia in the Salt Lake Temple when she received her endowment in preparation to serve her mission in the Salt Lake City South Mission. Jeff, Jami, Rose, and Tali even stayed with us, and we had such a wonderful time together! We're so proud of Tali, and even though we're going to miss her we can't wait for her to serve. And we promise we won't just happen to find ourselves in her mission ready to smother her in hugs. We promise! :)

Claire made it into the beginner chess club this year at school! She's so excited, and I'm so impressed with her courage to try new and hard things!

Sophie has such a cute group of friends, and I'm so grateful that their moms go to the school functions and take pictures. :)

Claire's Halloween recital went so well! At least, that's what I've been told. Unfortunately, Danny and I were in Vegas and missed it this time. It was a double bummer, because Claire and I were supposed to play a duet. But what do you do? She knew we were so sad to miss it, and she was sad too...but she understood. Sometimes you just have conflicts in the calendar. But Grandma Candy took her and the kids, and Papa and Grandma Call were there to video it so we could see it as soon as she finished. I'm so grateful for amazing grandparents and awesome technology!

This is the face Grandma Candy got when she wouldn't let Joey play in the broken portion of the fence. :)

These boys...they were both zombies for Halloween this year, just by chance! And what better place to be a zombie than in Grandma Candy's epic leaf pile?