October 22 - October 28

   We are getting closer to the end of October and I am still writing about mowing the lawn and outside today it is 10 degree's and we have about 3 inches of snow on the ground. I love looking back at the pictures from this fall but man what a difference 4 months can make!
   Monday October 22 I took the kids to school then ran to Walmart and Hobby Lobby. After picking up Alec I came home and mowed and worked in the yard. We then went to school and picked up the girls and Elly and went to Rachel's dentist appointment. We then stopped by the pharmacy and got flu shots for the kids. Becca did the best and was surprised that it really didn't hurt. Alec was scared from the moment we walked in and tried to tell me all the reason's he didn't need to get a shot today. Rachel was actually the worst and tried to get away and then realized I am still stronger than her and that it really was not that bad. Needless to say we were kind of a site in the pharmacy and I'm sure it sounded a little like leading cattle to slaughter. We all survived and went for ice cream before heading home!

Pre-K school picture turned out so cute!

    Tuesday I took the kids to school then went to visit Grandma Priest until Alec got done with school. Alec and I came home after school and did some house work before heading back to town to sign papers at the bank on the section of land we bought south of town. That evening Maci came over to watch the kids while Mike and I went to town and had dinner with Stacy and Colten. Wednesday I took the kids to school and Mike had actually taken the day off and was able to go to school and have lunch with each of the girls. They were both so excited! Wednesday night I went to a meeting for Rachel's volleyball team. Some of the coaches decided to ask half of the girls to play in another league in North Platte but not all the girls so some parents were very upset and wanted to ask the coaches why they did it this way. I was upset that they didn't host a tryout and actually asked the all the girls if they wanted to play and then sent home a letter saying that some girls were not at the same level and they were not going to let them play. Rachel didn't get asked to play or a letter at all so I had no clue what was going on until I got a text earlier in the week about it. Overall the meeting was a mess and we ended up getting someone to coach the other girls so they will all be going to a couple more tournaments. After the meeting I meet up with Kasia, Cassie, Stephanie, Michelle, Lisa, and Kristen for drinks at Pals and then came home to fill Mike in on the meeting!

Love our view for the sunrise!

Carving Pumpkins at CCD
Kale, Cole, Ella T., Jensyn, Rachel, and Grace

     Thursday the kids had school and Mike and I went to Menard's. Mike took the last couple days off to study and get some personal work done. He never takes days off to just spend at home so it was a nice surprise and the kids loved having him home after school. After picking up Alec we came home and I worked on laundry and then Mike and I cleaned out the workshop (Cat Barn as Mike calls it). He moved most of his car stuff up to the big shop and I was able to sweep and organize my garden stuff better. Thursday after school Rachel and I finished her pumpkin project for school. She was asked to decorate a pumpkin to resemble a character out of a book!

Pippi Longstocking

   Friday we took the girls to school then came home to do housework. We went to town for lunch and to run some errands before going to school and picking up Becca and Bree. Alec and Becca then went to Bree's house to play while I helped with Rachel's volleyball practice. That evening I brought the kids home and Rachel watched them while I went to Trisha's to a painting party and Mike was on call. I had a great time painting a Thanksgiving truck and having some drinks with friends.

   Saturday we got up early and picked up Trisha and Elly and headed to Sumner for Rachel's volleyball tournament. The girls ended up getting third place and played with all their hearts. It is fun to watch them play and finally start to really get the game. The tournament was over by 1 so we got home at a decent time. Elly spent the night with us and the kids had a great time playing outside while I transplanted all my potted mums around the shop! That night we watched a movie before bed.

Alec loves to ride Bikes!

   Sunday we went to church and then to lunch with Grandma Priest and Auntie J. Mike was able to go to church and lunch but then had to go back to work so the kids and I went to Dusty Trial's pumpkin patch for the afternoon. The kids had a great time riding horses, watching a duck race, going down the big slide, and playing yard games. Rachel had volleyball practice that evening and the we all played outside until bedtime.

   Love the weather and this time of year. We are always super busy but I love looking back at the pictures and all the adventures I was able to take the kids on. We wish that Mike did not work so hard but he truly loves his job and hearing the stories from the kids when he gets home!