October 2012

For Brennan's tenth birthday we bought a thirty gallon fish tank from our neighbor.  It was a great deal and she even came over and helped us set it up.  Brennan took some of his birthday money and bought the plants for inside (which actually cost more than the actual fish tank).  The tank looks great in the kids' room and so far we've been lucky with the fish. He has about fifteen fish and we've only lost two within hours of bringing them home.  Brennan's been wanting a big fish tank since he was about two years old.  We thought it was so sweet that he asked our neighbor if she wanted to sell hers and save us some money.  He acts cool on the outside but he really does think about these things and understands that we do need to watch our finances a little. 

I can't believe our baby is ten!  I love this age too!  He still snuggles with us but can also be so independent.  He's also grown so much as a brother to Kate.  It wasn't an easy transition for him but he's grown to love his little sister.  He will often tell me what a good sister she is because she doesn't mess with his things- and then he goes on to tell me about his friends' siblings.  He can get frustrated with her (we all do when she cries and screams) but he gives her such great advice.  She absolutely adores him and we tell him he needs to use his power for good.  When she starts getting fussy, we beg him to use his magic and cheer her up.  He truly is the only one that can change her mood from happy to sad within seconds.  When he gets grumpy at her (and it wasn't her fault), he'll often feel guilty and play with her for awhile to make up for it.  I always prayed that he'd end up being a brother like my brother was to me.  I truly think my prayers are being answered- he is such a special kid!

October 14th

Grandpa Ted visited us right after Brennan's birthday

  for the weekend.  It was so nice to have him here and we enjoyed visiting, going out for dinner, going to a Leesville High School football game, and going to church together.  We decided to have Kate  baptized while he was here.  Kate felt so special and the church gave her a beautiful necklace and a special candle and certificate.  Every time Kate sees Pastor Jay now she runs and gives him a hug.  She loved getting baptized and seems to understand a little bit about what that means.  Of course any chance she can be in front of and "audience' she's happy!



Kate's baptism dress

Baptism Day

After grandpa Ted left we needed to get ready for Halloween.  We carved two pumpkins and Brennan planted all the pumpkin seeds in my flower pots.  The crazy squirrels nibbled on our pumpkins though before I could take any good pictures.  They literally ate the faces off our pumpkins- they are CRAZY!  They've also eaten holes in our garbage can!

Our little helper



Kate five years old

Brennan 10 years old

Rapunzel

Our Bum!

The bum's sign

She only made it to four houses!

Brennan went trick or treating with some friends so Dave and I took a very tired Kate out trick or treating.  She only made it to four houses and wanted to go home.  She fell asleep in the car when we drove Brennan to his friend's house.  I think she had her princesses mixed up.  Wasn't it Sleeping Beauty that slept so much?!!!