Umm, Where's October? Part 2

We arrived back in Phoenix on Thursday afternoon. The kids had to be over to my friends house that evening so that I could catch the early am flight to Minnesota to take care of some business there.
I admit it was crazy.
The family that the girls stayed with is absolutely wonderful!

Mini Chip did pretty good on the flight.

He was rewarded with some pretty special time with Daddy :-)

Peanut Butter turned 17 while we were here!
WOW!!
That boy amazes me!
So happy to be able to see him and spend some time with him!

We got the shed moved and the house cleaned out but best of all...

we were able to see some of our favorite people!

We weren't able to see everyone since it was a working trip but we are very grateful to have seen the ones did!

 LOVED the weather!!!

The airport had this little toddler play area that Mini Chip and I were so happy to come across!

The girls had a good time too.
Oreo made this new recipe up with tuna, kalamata olives, northern beans, italian dressing, onions, and stuff, mixed with lettuce... numm-o!

ADORABLE!!

 Melon lovin' boy!

We made homemade oreo cookies for Chocolate Chip's soccer team.

Oreo made Super Nummy Soup!
Can you tell we are really happy to not be eating out?

Homeschool Park Day friends!

AND THEN...

WE WENT TO THE...

TAYLOR SWIFT CONCERT!!!

YUP!!
It was pretty great!

Chocolate Chip finished up the soccer season.

With her best buddies!

And Daddy...

 and Uncle Nate made it to the game!

 The boy REALLY loves balls!

Later, Mr. Cookie and I went out for our Happy Anniversary!
And it really is Happy! I love that man!!!

Oreo Cookie is into all things Amish. She decided to make an Amish outfit.

She worked hard and it really turned out well!

Pumpkin carving is so much fun!

 But let's face it...

 We do it for the seeds!
Mmm, Mmm, Numm-o!!!

We had a last minute Fall Celebration at our house...

Umm, Where's October? Part 1

I'm pretty sure every year comes standard with one, but this year it seems to have disappeared!

So, I am going through my pictures to see if I can find it...

Turns out it was a very good month!

It started out fast... Nate's new Corvette...

SWEET!!!

It was fun to drive!

We traveled to Albuquerque, New Mexico with some friends...

Played games, acted silly in the mirror...

and went to the Balloon Fiesta and saw the special shapes balloons take shape!

WOW!!!

It was SOOO good to be chilly too!

This balloon owner asked us if we wanted to climb into his basket... ummm, YUP!

You REALLY have to see this in real life...

the pictures do nothing for the massive size of these balloons!

Off to Killeen, Texas... VERY long drive.

 But TOTALLY worth it!

 We really do love traveling, especially when at the end is someone so amazing and wonderful!

 Spending some time with Dad.

One of the greatest things about homeschool...

 It doesn't matter where you are.

 We LOVE homeschool!

This boy LOVES his Daddy's watch!

 It fits him well... well someday! :-)

 Snack time.

 LOVE THE KISSES!!!!

 It is a great adventure God has led us to...

Sweet!

 Aren't they just so awesome!

 Little man so proud in his little boots and overalls.

Such a happy boy! He is just such a joy!

Drove back to Albuquerque, New Mexico...

 Starbucks sword fighting...

 We stayed with friends in Albuquerque. While we were there we were able to visited Old Town... very fun!

 Oreo and her best buddy.
This family is simply wonderful!

We learned that we REALLY love New Mexico food...

Sopapillas with honey and Green Chili...

Mmmm, MMmm, MMMmmm!

Even Miss Chocolate Chip loved the sopapillas with honey!

Back in the car for the trip back to Phoenix we were blessed to see...

 Snow capped mountains!

Breathtakingly beautiful!!

 SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS!!

 We had only heard about them and saw pictures in books.

I think I need to make this a two part finding October post...

See you in Part 2!

Hugs,

Mrs. Cookie

Sweet, sweet girl!

This is such a sweet girl!

This girl is truly exceptional!

Just so you know, it is just after 12 noon as I am writing this post!

She has been very busy!!

She first cleaned both bathrooms, by herself without my asking her to, while I was working with Mini Chip. She then proceeded to pick up Mini Chips toys, dust, and vacuum the family room while I read her read-aloud to her, more chores that I did not ask her to do. She finished school before she made lunch as she usually does on Wednesday. This time though, she wrote a sweet little note to each of us and hid it in our water glass!

She has blessed each one of her sisters, her family, and especially her mama today in her own special and wonderful way!

And she reminded me to be grateful for my wonderful, thoughtful, sweet daughter.

Thank you Chocolate Chip Cookie!!