More fall fun, and introducing Nowayjose.

Fall carries on with warm weather and mellow weekends. It is a nice break to have minimal agendas around here on the weekends as we are able to spend lots of time as a family, something Sully requests daily. Dave's schedule continues to be demanding, but with each day that passes, I find that managing the kids on my own is getting better. I have the occasional melt down, but overall, we are finding our groove, it has nearly taken me 12 months ;). I can't for one minute imagine going back to life one year ago. I was days from delivering a baby, had a massive construction project in full swing, and was trying to manage two toddlers.

We have had fun watching Isaac play football and many of the Connelly cousins play soccer. It is a great way to enjoy the mild temperatures as well as connect with family in a very informal setting. Sully and Greta have a great time with all of their cousins and Piper is so antsy to be one of the big kids. If it wasn't for the distraction of those tasty leaves and wood chips, we would let her be on her way.

Our big project this last weekend was constructing our own scarecrow. The kids love driving around looking at 'pooky' halloween decorations and we felt like we were lacking around here. Don't get me wrong, we have gone overboard with pumpkins, picking up pumpkin craft kits here and there which has been loads of fun, be we wanted a 'wow' factor. Dave did the youtube homework and on Saturday after Isaac's game we went on the hunt to Home Depot for lumber, Savers for clothes, and Landscape Garden Centers for the hay bail. We got home and Dave went to work while I managed the kids (with the help of our neighbor boys). Fortunately, he turned out almost perfect. We will make a few tweaks for next year, but we are happy with our first go. The pumpkin head even has a light bulb in it, so at night we are able to illuminate him, which takes him over the top. When we were constructing him, the neighbors kept teasing Sully and Greta and their response was usually 'no way Jose,' so that became his name. We love him. The kids run out multiple times a day to see if he is awake or asleep (wether or night his light is on), and every time we drive up the house, we say hello to Nowayjose.

An afternoon walk. Sully beams with happiness, Dave too. 

Maggie snuggles Greta. Mutual admiration. 

Birthday party fun- a green robot. 

Hello Kitty. 

Football game fun. Greta dressed as a princess :).

Date night with Maggie and Anna- this ended poorly.
Thirty minutes into the movie following dinner, Greta tossed her cookies,
too much chocolate :/.

Posing with the pumpkins.

A rare quiet morning with only Piper. 

Owen, Greta, Sully, and Capri watching Isaac play ball.

Sweet Piper. 

Sully, Aidan, Nowayjose, Piper, Greta, and Landon. 

Nowayjose.