Cadie is 8!

Cadie turned 8 on Wed., Oct. 5 and Grant and Peyton did an amazing job celebrating Cadie during the week. Cadie did a spend-the-night with Peyton on Tuesday evening complete with a cake breakfast on her birthday morning. Then, Grant took Cadie, Sutton, JR and Colton to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner. Cadie's request!

On Saturday we had Cadie's first ever slumber party! Grant helped Cadie do some great streamer decorations in our living room for the party. She invited 6 friends and ever single one came! Sutton, Taylor, Margot, Sophia, Avery and Elise. I loved getting to spend time with the girls and get to know Cadie's closest friends. The girls arrived at 5pm and we headed straight to a 5:30 nail appointment where all the girls got mani/pedi's and I indulged in a pedi for myself. After nails, we went to La Madeline for dinner. Then, we came home and did presents and cupcakes. After cupcakes the girls all put on Cadie's swimsuits and got in the hot tub. It was a full hot tub, but they had fun. They took showers afterwards and then got in their jammies for popcorn and The Princess Bride. They  fell asleep around 11pm after the movie. They pulled out the mattresses and slept all together in the playroom. They were up around 7am on Sunday for pancakes and cowboy toast.

I asked Cadie what her favorite part of the party was and she said, "All of it!"

Over the summer

What an amazing summer! Here are some headlines...

Cadie is growing her hair out and it is getting so long and golden. Her imagination continues to grow and she loves exploring her own capabilities. She still isn't too keen on team sports, but she loves to swim, rock climb and test her independence. Recently we had a Sat. morning park playdate get rained out so I decided to get the kids donuts for a special treat instead. I couldn't find anywhere to park around the donut shop so I gave Cadie $10, told her what to get and sent her in to buy the donuts while I circled the block. It took me a long time to circle and Cadie was standing on the sidewalk with the donuts when I can back around. She did an awesome job and was so proud of herself.

Jack Ranger accepted Jesus into his heart in Colorado! Grant, Cadie and Jack Ranger were on a hike and Grant was taking them through the daily Sky Ranch family devotion. Jack Ranger wanted to know more about asking Jesus into your heart and what that meant. Grant drew the valley of sin in the dirt with a stick and then drew the cross that bridges us over our sin to God. Then Grant knelt and prayed with Jack Ranger. I am so proud of Jack Ranger for answering the call and for Grant taking the time to instruct JR. Please pray that JR continues to grow in love, patience and kindness as Jesus works in his hear.

Colton is potty trained! I was able to throw away the changing table right before we left for Colorado in July. Swimming in the big pool was Colton's biggest motivator and he has been doing an amazing job. He hasn't had an accident in weeks and I don't generally carry a diaper bag anymore. I feel so light and free! Colton loves playing with Jack Ranger and he yells, "Ranger, come here!!" constantly. He still loves to snuggle Mom and Dad and he ends up at least half the time in our bed or on the floor on a blanket by our bed.

Sic Em Bears

It was special to celebrate my parents 43rd wedding anniversary going down to Waco for the first Baylor football game of the season. My Dad did a great job driving and we all saw friends at the game. Thanks Grant for getting us great seats!

Back to School

The kids have done great this week! I was happy that I got to take Jack Ranger and Colton to their meet-the-teacher on Friday morning and then I also took all the kids for their first day of school on Monday. Cadie has Miss Noonan, Jack Ranger has Miss Taylor, and Colton has Miss Lansch and Miss Smith. All their teachers are so sweet and Cadie was especially happy because Miss Noonan was the librarian last year and Cadie really liked her.

Cadie was nervous because she didn't know many kids in her class and I was so proud that she worked out to make friends and she came home with a positive attitude every day. Cadie even played with a little girl who was on the buddy bench.

A great start to a great year!

Colton wouldn't sit still for me to take a picture with his teacher. But he would sit still for a picture with the bear in the playroom.

Rugid Maniac Mud Run

It was so much muddier than I expected! But I made it and was so proud to get to the end. It was especially fun to spend Friday night with the Chapman family in Athens. The obstacles were pretty fun and we had a great time representing Grant's firm.

Colton is 3!

This big boy is sweet, funny, energetic and fully potty trained! You heard that right - fully potty trained! I threw away his changing table right before we went to Colorado in July and Colton is knocking it out of the park. I miss many of the aspects of having a baby - but there is not one thing about diapers that I miss.

We celebrating Colton's birthday with a pool party. We did a joint celebration of DD and Colton's birthday and it was great to have family and friends come celebrate including cousin Parker, cousin Kiyah, friend Collins Lynch and all the Riley kiddos.

Colton liked the snake that Grant and I caught for him in the backyard the night before his party, but he wanted to let it go in the garden. I am sure the snake was happy about that. The decor on the cakes left a bit to be desired, but they were delicious and every bit was eaten.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby!

Sky Ranch Launch Camp

Cadie and Ranger loved Sky Ranch launch camp at our church. The counselors are amazing and the activities so much fun! This was Jack Ranger's first time at Sky Ranch launch camp and he was so excited to go every day.