Early October

These geoboards I bought as a quiet activity to do during Morning Time have been such a hit with all of the kids (even Jack, whose board is the last intricate board pictured, but he didn't want to be photographed.)

As a surprise, the girls made the most delicious cinnamon rolls for breakfast one morning.

And Abigail made a couple of loaves of this yummy bread- this was what was left.

Oh, Joel.

Because we don't have enough excitement in our lives right now ;-P, we got a new goat, named Willow. She's was a friend's goat, and she's a pure Alpine, so she won't get nearly as big as our giant Alpine Nubians (she's 6.5 months).

So far, she's acclimated very well and is super sweet. When we first brought her home, she followed the girls all over her new pasture.

I got to go into our Catholic Schoolhouse meeting and teach art (sand art mandalas) in person last week- it was so fun. I really miss being there every week, but so far, having Jack and Abigail Zoom into their meeting has been working well.

Here, they're doing a science experiment looking at different starches under a microscope.

Making some Native American bags

His sisters have too much fun with him.

Sweet sunuggler <3

After nearly eight months of living in temporary houses, we FINALLY get to move back home on Saturday! Understatement: We are excited. Eek!!!

Three months of Zeke!

(Adorable hat knit by Iris's godmother, Beth, for Toby way back when he was wee)

There went three of the fastest, sweetest months with this dear little hoo... We sure love him, this Zeker Squeaker. He has followed some of his big sisters in the sloppy latch/exclusively bottle fed camp (except for at night, when he still nurses). It's not so bad pumping for him, though. I have great helpers to keep an eye on him while I disappear to pump a couple of times a day, and it's become a pretty relaxing time for me to escape for a few minutes of quiet :-) His chunky thighs prove he's getting plenty to eat.

He is not at all stingy with smiles. I feel like most of his waking hours, he has an older sibling in his face, getting one out of him. The girls and I have so much fun imagining what he's saying. He already has such a sweet and fun disposition.

He likes to kick on his play mat, go for walks in the awesome bassinet stroller on loan from Ashley, and coo at anyone who will listen. He's reached 7.5 hours of sleep in one stretch a few days ago (after a particularly fussy evening) but hasn't really come close to repeating that. I can't complain about his nights, though. He'll usually nurse and go right back to sleep.

It's been a joy being this little fell's mom. I can't wait to see how he changes in this next month, in which we will FINALLY get to bring him home, to his real home- poor guy has lived in three temporary houses since his birth!

We love you, Zeke!

The end of September

Sand art

This photo doesn't capture how huge and hot pink the sun was

This package from Poland came for Iris and Opal for winning a coloring contest! They also won a (digital) coloring book with 50 beautiful saint renderings! You can see their and other winning entries here.

We went to Scheidegger Forest Park with the Pleasant-Ryans for a picnic dinner, frisbee play, and short hike last week.

Spectators

A vibrant double rainbow on our way home from cross country yesterday...

Babies are better'n politics.