Pumpkin Patch Tradition

We love our annual trip to the Priebe Pumpkin Patch. This year we got to go with our friends the Stimpsons. It was their first time at the patch. It's always funny to watch people pick their pumpkins. Some go for size, our girls decided to go BIG this year, except for Macie she wanted in her words "a teenie tiny one." Some go for character, and others go for shape or color. They had such a beautiful variety. We braved the rugged corn maze and Briley was our tour guide for the nature trail. We always have fun w/the pumpkin wagons too. Macie was so proud to sit in the wagon and hold baby Mady. I realized once I got home that I didn't get a pic of the Stimpsons. Sorry guys. Thanks for going with us we had a great time. After the pumpkin patch we took a trip over to Jamestown to the Haunted Hay ride. Josh, Kirk, and Briley also tackled the haunted barn. Briley has been waiting to turn 10 so that she could do the barn. She loved it!! She loves all things scary, movies, monsters, aliens, the whole bit. For Halloween she wants to be the scary little girl from the Ring. She came speeding out of the haunted barn screaming and covering her mouth in fear. She said it was the best. Jason, Stacy, and Carter met us for the haunted hayride too. Carter loves Halloween and all things scary as well. Macie, Mady, and I enjoyed the bon-fire while everyone else braved the hay ride. It was a great way to prepare for Halloween. It's always fun to see how fresh blood will react to the frightful evening. I have to say that the Stimpsons definitely held their own. Way to go guys. You did not disappoint!! Happy Halloween Everybody!!

Fun Fall Break

Today for some fun we went to Lafayette and took on Monster Golf.

It's all black lights and monsters and creepy things in the form of mini golf.

It was a lot of fun. Briley and Macie are really into scary things. Hadyn not so much. It's not too scary for small kids though.

Of course Kirk had to get his pic w/the creepy car. Instead of an engine it has a brain.

Briley and I both scored a hole in one. Kirk beat us all of course. Macie is quite the little golfer. She's left handed so it's a little trickier to help her. Tomorrow we are taking on the Pumpkin Patch and the Haunted Hay Ride. We love fall and Halloween.

Please don't leave me

For all of my blogger buddies don't give up on my blog. I am back. I have neglected my blog for a month but I'm trying to get back on track. For a quick recap. Kirk and I had a super fun date to Kinsey Priebe's wedding at the Indianapolis Zoo botanical gardens. Gorgeous bride and gorgeous wedding. It's always fun to go on wedding dates and slow dance w/ my sexy man. Briley had great slogans for her student council campaign and was voted to be in student council again this year. She is also enjoying being a conflict manager for her school during recesses. They receive training on problem solving and being a good friend. They had a mini job interview to see if they could do the job. She loves it and has already solved some recess issues. Hadyn is developing a new love for reading. Briley has always loved to read so Hadyn decided to be different and dislike reading. Through Briley's example though Hadyn has found a new love. Hadyn is still taking piano lessons and is doing very well. She still loves being artsy and creative. She always has some sort of project in progress. Briley is also doing spell bowl again this year and to brag a little she is ranked 2nd for her school. She also tried out and made the circle the state choir again this year. She just signed up for 5th grade basketball too. She loves being involved and staying busy. Hadyn on the other hand gets overwhelmed if there are too many activities. They are each great in their own way. Macie is still our little doll. Everybody loves Macie. What's not to love. Her cute little face, she's always smiling and happy. One of the new funny things she will say is "Mommy why are you mad you aren't smiling" I guess that is a good thing. She notices I smile a lot. I want my girls to know that I'm a happy person and I love our family. I know it seems like I'm bragging a lot, however, I use this as my journal and I want to remember all of the great things about our family. One night last week as we were saying our family prayer I noticed my wedding ring scratched my arm and seemed sharp. When I looked down my diamond was gone. I was so sad. Kirk and I had always talked about upgrading my stone so we decided now was the time. I got a gorgeous new diamond engagement ring that I can wear in between my two original bands. I'm sad that I lost my original stone, but I'm glad that I can still wear my original rings. Kirk recently started his new promotion as Corporate Distribution Supervisor for Rea Magnet Wire. It's been a great change of pace for him. He gets home closer to 6pm and his job is less stressful. We love you Kirk and your willingness to work so hard for our family. It's such a blessing that I can stay home and be mommy. My calling has been such a fulfilling experience. I have already learned so many new things. I feel so close to my Heavenly Father as I serve the beautiful and talented sisters in our area. I am grateful for a great compassionate service leader, enrichment leader, good teachers, and excellent counselors. Thanks guys. I loved General Conference. It's really really hard for me to sit still for so many hours of conference. However, I have been trying so hard to get the most out of conference. I found that taking notes helps me retain so much more of what I am hearing. I loved the talk on angels in the Saturday afternoon session. Well I've rambled more than enough so for those of you who didn't get bored and quit reading along the way you made it to the end and I pledge to work harder at maintaining a fun blog!