Corn Maze

Saturday was a super fun day!  We went down to Colorado, first to a Lego Build at Toys-R-Us.  Emery was in heaven, and the girls were happy to check out every toy in the store!  Christmas lists were started and we didn't even buy anything.  Score!
 
Clint runs a race in the fall at a local-ish farm. It's a rehab farm where homeless people and addicts can recover and learn skills before returning to society.  Their big fundraiser is the fall festival. They have a nice corn maze (the early snow was really hard on it this year), pumpkin smash, corn cannons, petting zoo, barrel tractor rides, and awesome kettle corn.

We braved the mud Saturday and took the kids. Emery and Chani had a fantastic time getting lost in the maze.  Saya wanted popcorn from the second we walked in the gate. She was happy to sit with me watching the goats and eating popcorn while I fed Asher.  The kids got to help chase pigs in the pig race. Their pig, "Hamlet" took second.  We took a few pictures in the giant rocking chair and headed home. Chani said it was the best day ever.

Chasing pigs (Chani in pink, Emery in black)

Cheering for the big kids while they chased the pigs....also eating kettle corn

Asher, Emery, Saya, and Chani

Cute little veggies!

Asher's Blessing

We had  a really nice weekend for Asher's blessing.  It was nice to have family here to share in Asher's special day.  Our visitors included: Grandma, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Michelle, Josh, Ali, Nate, Grammy, Papa, Aunt Shelly, Uncle Jim, Lexi, Kamri, Aunt Cathrynn, Uncle Jake, Thing 1, Thing 2, Baby P, Aunt Leandra, Hannah, Maylee, and Olivia.  Clint gave Asher a beautiful blessing.  The one thing that really stood out to both Clint and I was that Asher was told he'll be happy and make people happy.

We had a delicious lunch of roasted chicken, salads, beans, and lots of tasty desserts.  We're grateful for everyone who was with us both in person and in spirit.  Cathrynn and Jake had a rough travel experience, but it was so nice to have them here.  Thing 1 and Thing 2 had their birthday while here, and we tried to make it special with cupcakes and singing and presents.
 

 It was a bit windy but such a nice fall day.  Our little family of six.

 This is the O face, Emery used to make it too. 

 Looking handsome in his cute blessing outfit.  I could not have finished it without lots of help from my mom!

A picture of Grandma with the grand kids that were here.  I love shots like this.  Sure it's not perfectly posed and not everyone has the best eye contact and smile, but that's what makes it real.

Chani turns six!

On Wednesday (back at the end of August), Chani turned 6!  Clint had night class, so we talked Chani into postponing most of the birthday celebration until the weekend when we knew we had a lot of family coming in for Asher's blessing.  She was fine with that.  On Wednesday, she opened the presents from Asher, Saya, and Emery.  She got barrettes, headbands, and some necklaces, bracelets, and rings.  She was thrilled. 

 

On Saturday, she couldn't wait until her cousins arrived.  There were some hiccups in travel, so everyone arrived later than originally planned.  We had lunch and then did presents, cake, and ice cream.  Chani decided months ago that she really wanted an American Girl doll.  We made a deal.  If she saved half the money, we'd pay the rest for her birthday to get her doll.  She did it!  So, she got a doll that has blue eyes, bangs, short blonde hair, and earrings, just like her.  She is loving "Sarah"!  She also got a new dress from Grammy and Papa, Barbie Lego's from Grandma, AG clothes from Aunt Shelly and Uncle Jim, and a cool pink unicorn from Aunt Cathrynn and Uncle Jake. 

Chani wanted a butterfly cake.  I had every intention of buying a butterfly cake pan, but we just ran out of time before Saturday.  I asked if she would agree to use a regular cake pan if she got to decorate it with candy and frosting.  She loved the idea and the cake turned out just how she wanted it.  It was loaded with skittles and jelly beans.  

After presents, we all (and I mean 20+ of us) went mini golfing.  It was fun, and the kids had a blast!  Except at the beginning when Emery dropped his ball in the grate of the last hole.  We got a new ball and all the fun was restored.

All in all, Chani had a fantastic 6th birthday.  Thanks to everyone who was able to travel to be here for her special day!