William's 1st day of Preschool

William had his first day of preschool in September and he was EXCITED to go!  He has wanted to go to school the last few years with his sisters, so this was like a dream come true.  

 He wanted pictures with his sisters before they left for school.

 Daddy joined us at preschool to say, "Have a great first day!"

 In his classroom for the first day - he LOVED it!

His teacher and the aide are fabulous!  And, I really like that there are only 10 kids in his class which means he gets lots of attention and help with projects.

William had really grown in is first 3.5 months of preschool and I look forward to what is yet to come.  We are grateful for having found a preschool that we love and that William looks forward to going to each Tuesday and Thursday.

Fall fun!

We had a great fall, with gorgeous weather for playing outside.  William LOVED digging in the dirt.  This was a help (most of the time) when we needed to work in the garden.  When he was working outside he also liked to wear Papa's "headphones" to drown out the noise.

The kids even raked leaf piles to jump in, though most of the leaves had already 

been cleaned up, they were able to make a smile pile to play with.

Katelyn being her goofy self.  I LOVE these moments - these are the times we remember!

To the dentist he goes...

William had a dentist visit late summer/early fall and he did GREAT!  I wasn't quite sure how he would do, because he still had a bit of an aversion to people who had to go near him with "tools" after his hospital stay 2 years ago!  It took him 18 months to get a haircut without breaking down crying in fear.  

First, he was excited because he got to wear shades.  Second, he got to pick out a cartoon to watch.  Third, he got a "ride" in the chair.  It was a great check-up with no cavities!

 Full of smiles after the hygienist cleaned his teeth.

The first day of school...

In August the girls started another year of school.  This year Julianne is in 4th grade and Katelyn is in 1st grade.  They both have awesome teachers that encourage learning and challenge them.  Julianne also has a student teacher in her classroom all year and I have heard it is nice to have an extra set of hands in the classroom.  Besides their classroom teachers, they also have great "specials" teachers (art, gym, music, library and computer lab).  Finally, Julianne started orchestra this year and is playing the Cello.  She is enjoying it and and has earned her bow.  The Brandon elementary schools had their orchestra concert mid-December and it was fun to see Julianne perform.  Here are some pictures from the first day of school for the girls.

Vacation - Day 2: 1880's Train

On Sunday, Day 2 of vacation, we headed to Hill City to ride the 1880's train.  We were all super-excited, including the adults.  On our way to Hill City we stopped for a picture opportunity for the families and for Grammy and Papa.

Mason, Josh, Rachel and Murphy

Julianne, Becca, William, Brian and Katelyn

Mason, Grammy, William, Katelyn, Murphy, Papa and Julianne

When we pulled up to the train depot we saw some gentlemen dressed up in 1880's clothing, the kids were curious.  The adults already new we were in for a special treat on our train ride...a little "train robbery and shootout" along the way.  I think all the Dads would agree this was a great way to spend Father's Day.

We are loaded on the train, waiting for the Engine to

reconnect after getting water and turning around.

And, we are off...

One of the "sheriffs" on board the train protecting the payroll.

A bandit, waiting for the train.

Some of the guys involved...

The kids getting a look at the action.

Murhpy holding on for the ride.

The gorgeous view on the ride!

Julianne and Aunt Rachel

Mason and Josh

William super-excited to ride the train!

William and Mommy

A picture along the way...

A glorious day it was!

A picture opportunity while waiting for the train:

 Murphy, Mason, Katelyn, Julianne and William

 The ride home...

Julianne and Mason

 Daddy and William

 Yep, a sideways picture.  

Murphy wore out and took a nap on Papa's lap.

Filling the engine with water...

The view on the ride home, the day was more than I could imagine!

The time we spent in Hill City, on the 1880's train and Keystone was FABULOUS!!!  I am so glad we had the opportunity to spend this time with Grammy and Papa and my sister (Rachel) and her family (Josh, Mason and Murphy).  It was only a month a go we were doing this, but I can't wait to go back and do it again.