Matthew's College Education at Work

We're going to have to start calling Matthew 'MacGuyver' -- because he has made a couple of things lately that are impressive -- at least to the boys and me!

A few weeks ago, Sam needed a doorbell for his fort -- obviously you can't knock on blankets. So Matthew made a doorbell out of a clothespin, some tinfoil and a battery. I wish I had a picture of it!

Sam was so interested in how it worked, Matthew decided they should make something together.

We have a book in our garage entitled, "Explosives and Homemade Bombs". It's from a class he took in college -- and yes, they made bombs! Instead of making a bomb, he adapted it to make a light that can turn off and on with a trigger -- so after a quick trip to Radio Shack for a few parts -- they were ready to start assembling.

Connecting the wires...

Checking out all the little pieces...

It works!

Zak can do it too!

Matthew has really impressed us with his "bomb" making abilities!

The Clean-Up Crew

Between all our rain and wind storms, we've had a few sunny days. On those sunny days, the boys head outside to clean up all the pine needles and pine cones from the yard. It is a never-ending battle!

Sam is the best helper!

Zak is happy to help too -- especially
if he can do it his own way!

Picking up pine cones in the dump truck.

Ready to scoop up all the pine needles.


Getting to use the leaf blower is always fun!

We're so glad the boys enjoy helping out -- because there is always something that needs doing!

Trick-or-Treat: Pirate Style

Two pirates ready for a little trick-or-treating!

"Give me your candy or walk the plank!"

Heading out into the night...

Home with their haul -- not bad for about 10 houses!

Zak picked M&M's for his treat.

Mouths bulging and ready for more!

They had so much fun -- and there's no doubt
the pirate paraphernalia will be used again and again!

Char-yee Comes For A Visit

Poppy and Grammie accompanied Charlie, the dog, on their visit to our house. Every time I would ask Zak who was coming this weekend, he would say, "Char-yee" and I couldn't get him to talk about anyone else!

Shortly after Poppy and Grammie walked in the door, the boys ran to get their piggy banks so they could split up the loot! They always bring the boys their spare change -- I'm ready to get a piggy bank so I can get in on it!

Plunking in the piggy banks!

It was a little misty out, but Sam needed to show off his
two-wheel bike riding skills, while Zak zipped along on his Strider

Once again, Charlie's pen proved to be a
great deal of fun. Zak wanted to sleep in it!

We worked on a puzzle together.

Out for Mexican food -- the boys loved the chips and salsa!

Sundaes were the after dinner treat!

The time always goes by too quickly -- it was a fun weekend hanging out at the house with Poppy and Grammie -- and Char-yee!

Conferences & Carvings

Only three days of school for Sam this week because of Parent-Teacher Conferences. We all headed off to school for our 9:00am conference. The boys were able to play in the gym with another family while we met with Sam's teacher and then we played in the gym while those parents had their conference. It worked out perfect!

It is no surprise that Sam is doing just great! He is always eager to help and often notices things that are out of place and need to be put away. Sequencing, identifying patterns and following directions are not a problem for Sam. We're so glad he is loving school!

We celebrated with sprinkle doughnuts at Krispy Kreme -- a favorite spot for a treat.

This afternoon it was time to carve all our pumpkins. We all have our jobs...Sam designs the faces, Mom is the scooper, Dad is the carver and Zak -- well, he's just Zak!

Sam was not interested in putting his hand
in the pumpkin -- but he did want to try scooping.

Zak checked out the lights.

The team hard at work!

We turned off our lights and ate
dinner by the glow of the pumpkins.

Five little pumpkins!

Good times!

A Great Start!

Sharing and playing together before breakfast.

What a great way to start the day!

Happy Kids

Sam wanted me to take a picture of him with a few of his animals -- and it was so cute I was sure that the grandparents would want to see it!


Zak took a break from his camera aversion for a quick photo -- I love that he is looking so adoringly at Sam.


They are too cute!