The Pumpkin Patch

I suppose it technically wasn't a "patch", just rows upon rows of picked pumpkins, but the boys didn't care.  They each got to push a wheelbarrow and pick the pumpkin that spoke to their souls. 

Fall Festival

Here are the three stooges eating snow cones in 50 degree weather.  We went to a fall festival that was so crowded it was ridiculous.  They were only able to do the bounce house and rocket launching because of the long lines.  So, to make up for it, I told them they could have some hot chocolate.  They chose snow cones instead.  Silly boys.

Pinewood Demolition Derby

This was Hayden's first year for the Pinewood Derby and it was no ordinary derby, it was a demolition derby, where cars are pushed down a track toward each other and whichever car stays on the track wins. Jeremy and Hayden both worked hard on their cars and we all thought they looked pretty snazzy.

 This was his car's first run down the track.

 His car beat out everyone in his Wolf pack.  He then came up against the winner of the Bear pack. A boy named Beau with his car aptly named The Hornet because of a nail that was glued to the front.  Fierce competition, but The Hornet was no match for Hayden's car and he won that round as well. This smile was plastered on his face through it all.

 

You can tell by his expression that he is getting down to business.  This was the final race to determine the champion of the whole demolition derby.  It was such a close race!  After many crashes, Hayden came in second place.

 Hayden with his winning car.  Such a fun night!

Receiving his award.

I took the boys out this week to try and get a few pictures.  The word "ice cream" was strategically thrown about in hopes of enthusiastic cooperation from all parties involved.  Hayden and Gannon whole-heartedly participated, smiling when asked, standing where needed.  Bridger on the other hand, contemplated ice cream for a moment, and decided that being a total goofball for every picture would be way more full-filling.  And so...here are a few keepers and a lot of out-takes.

 Probably the ONLY picture where all 3 boys were looking nice.  Note, this is the very first picture that was taken.  It all went down hill from here.

 We are going down hill and picking up speed. :)

 "The Thinkers"

 Ready or not, here they come!

Visiting Family

In August, the boys and I took a trip to Ontario and Twin Falls to visit the family.  They always have the best time and no matter how long we stay, it never seems to be long enough for them.

Great Grandma Poulsen had a reunion at her house to celebrate the anniversary of Great Grandpa's birthday. If you couldn't guess by looking at Bridger's face, there was cake...

 and lots of fun playing on the slip and slide.

 

 How many little boys can fit in a tiny toddler pool?

 Looks like there's room to squeeze in a few more.

 Bedhead and breakfast.

 Four-wheeling and Grandpa Richard...just a few of their favorite things!

 Riding Dream Star.

 Grandpa Richard took us to Black Canyon to ride on the jet ski and swim.  So exciting!

They are still taking about it.  Of course, no trip would be complete without a duel...to the death.

 

 Clearly there are no hard feelings.

 

 Until next time!

To Kick or Not to Kick?

After being dragged along for 4 years to Hayden and Gannon's various sporting events, Bridger finally had his chance to play sports.  He chose soccer and was really pumped about playing on a team.  He was even more jazzed about getting to wear shin guards and cleats.  As everyone well knows, it's all out the outfit.

 

 However, more often than not, this was his idea of "attacking" the field.

 He'd also run alongside his teammates or the opposing team, cheering them on. His good sportsmanship knew no bounds.

The one thing he didn't do was actually kick the ball.  During the last game, while I was giving him a bit of encouragement, "Take that ball from the other team.  Get in there!", he confided, "I can't.  That would be mean."  Ah, it all made sense.  All that teaching about sharing and not taking things from others HAD sunk in. A little too well, perhaps. We told him the only time it's ok is when you're playing sports, but he didn't look like he was buying it. We'll let him mull that one over and try again next year.