November

We had a wonderful November...

We got the cousins at the beginning of the month. Mariah made a pinata in young womens and was so excited to use it. She filled it with all of her own candy and she and Anni planned out the whole activity. I went down to the shop to check in and decided it would be best if I just stayed, lots of kids gathered around one blindfolded child with a bat is the perfect scenario for stitches, or a tooth knocked out. But neither of those happened so I'll call it a success. 

We made rootbeer as well and even though it was a little flat this year and mainly tasted like sugar water, all the kids seemed to enjoy it. 

Speaking of flat...I went to take Mariah to basketball practice only to see that we had a flat tire. Luckily our contractor Barry was just leaving our house and was able to drop her off at practice. Then I got to show the boys how cool I was by changing the tire. Maybe they'll respect me more now...

Vivi likes to get "fancy". She usually wears at least three outfits a day. 

We went down to the cousins' house to celebrate Caleb's birthday and "help" decorate their house for Christmas. We only broke one of Brittany's decorations... 

Kidsymphony was great! They had everyone dress up and the music was so fun. 

It is really hard to not spoil the baby...just saying. 

We had a fun lesson on tectonic plates using frosting and graham crackers. Did we learn anything, probably not, but at least they'll have a positive association with science. Or maybe just graham crackers and frosting. 

Austin and Eliza got to go to an art class. 

We went to lots of basketball games this month. I thought Asa looked so cute the way he was sitting. Eliza is such a gem and keeps a good eye on Asa so I can watch Mariah play. 

Mariah has made lots of improvements and has really enjoyed playing this year. 

There was a Relief Society activity where the theme was Christmas trees. It was fun to have Mariah there. 

These kitties are very loved...

Eliza has really enjoyed gymnastics. Tanner and I got to watch her showcase and it was fun to do something just for her. 

Mariah and I attempted a sewing project...and it went the way it usually goes, we started out strong, and then the sewing machine started acting up. Basically, I'm just not meant to sew. 

Heather brought some fun blocks and got some really cute pictures of Asa's reactions to his stacks. 

We went on a Sunday walk and our cats decided to follow us. Tanner got this shot of our "cat ladies". 

Austin decided he was going to drive home from church...

We set up Christmas before Thanksgiving this year. The kids had been begging to do it since they helped the cousins decorate and Tanner jumped on the bandwagon so I caved. The bottom half of our tree looks pretty bare thanks to Asa but there is something magical about a Christmas tree. 

A picture of the girls one morning. 

The night before Thanksgiving Eve we had Heather and Bethany at our house and we all baked pies together. 

The big kids got to ride down earlier in the day with Bets and Heather while I waited for Tanner to get done with work. And then remembered how hard it is to get anything done with a three and one year old around. Mariah, Chet, Austin, and Eliza are such good helpers. 

We went to Brittany's for Thanksgiving and almost all of Baydon's family was there as well. It was a party the whole time. The weather wasn't the best, but that didn't stop everyone from getting outside multiple days to play some games. There was also some pool, ping pong and hallmark movies watched. We broke in Brittany and Baydon's newly remodeled upstairs and have decided that their house is perfect for big crowds. 

Our pie game was strong this year, and the set up was so purty.

Mariah and Anni made the place cards for dinner and Heather decorated the tables so beautifully. 

After dinner there was a service project picking up trash in a needed area. 

Asa thought Elsie's binkie was so funny and really wanted to keep taking it in and out of her mouth 

There was lots of wrestling going on with all the fun uncles around. 

The big kids took Josie on a walk and had fun at the pond. 

Grandma Hilton had so many fun activities for the kids. They made Thanksgiving turkeys, there was a talent show, and Reindeer Games. 

This was all about getting the reindeers in shape for Christmas. The kids were divided into three teams and the dads were divided on each of the teams. 

Kari and Earl were the perfect Masters of Ceremony. 

Mariah had fun decorating signs for the different events. 

Tanner and Lowell led their team to victory, but it was real close. Tanner ate a lot of cookies and drank a lot of almond milk for the win. 

Every child got to pick out a festive headband. Vivi really loved the ring toss on the antlers. She was so thrilled when she landed a couple rings.  

Heather gave the girls a makeup tutorial and they tried out their knowledge on Eliza. Maybe they can wear makeup like this when they're 21, maybe. 

We ended our Thanksgiving break with Elsie's blessing day. She is such a ray of sunshine! And we are now Crossleys, Youngs, and Hiltons. They feel like family too. 

Also, our children slept amazing this trip...it felt very healing to have a well-rested, healthy Thanksgiving week after last year...

Fifteen Months

This boy has made some big changes in the last three months. He has finally realized that walking is so much better to crawling and has the cutest little walk: belly shoved out with high stepping, turned out feet. 

He loves his Mama often calling, "Mom!", until Dad is around, then he doesn't want anything to do with me. He gets so excited on Sunday when he gets to be with Dad and it about breaks his heart when I have to take him. 

He loves my phone and sometimes even manages to take selfies with it. 

He loves to be tickled or have raspberries blown on his neck or belly. 

He tolerates Vivi most of the time but he is learning how to fight back and isn't afraid to give a good yank on her hair or a smack on the face. 

Asa "loves" animals he just doesn't know how to show that love. Josie is really good at avoiding him. He loves to growl at everyone and thinks it's so funny when Josie barks. 

He is getting good at emptying out drawers and cupboards which keeps him entertained but makes a big mess. I always forget how cluttered our house gets with a toddler. 

He always wants to be outside and gets so sad if his siblings go out without him. 

Balls are his favorite and he loves throwing them to us over and over again. 

Shoes are also a favorite and he wants to put them all on, even Tanner's that are more than half his size. I found him with this doll shoe on the other day; he was so happy to have it on. 

His older siblings are so good to him and help him to feel so special and included. This boy is so adored and loved. 

October

October, I'm ready for you to be over, but happy about all we were able to do this month. 

We started out the month riding at the Snakenbergs. That is always a highlight for us. 

Eliza was so excited to ride all by herself. 

Mariah is getting more and more confident with her riding and I'm proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone. Vivi and I even went for a ride. 

The first Friday of the month we went to the temple. I was running late on the way to our session but after a lot of prayers we were able to make it in time! I love how the Lord sees our righteous desires and makes miracles happen. 

I loved having JK along for the trip. We talked the whole time and it was so fun. I'm so grateful for her faith and friendship. 

And Bethany watched all the kids and made everyone dinner. I made all the kids get dressed up for some family pictures and they were pretty good sports. Bethany looks like she fits right in...we'll take her. 

Bethany came home with us to watch General Conference. We watched the Saturday sessions at the church because Chet and Austin had soccer games in Ottumwa. After the session we went to the Snakenbergs to ride horses yet again. 

Clay gave Chet some more roping lessons. 

And Vivi looked like quite the princess on Rocket with her fancy breast collar. Larry walked her all around the arena. They are too good to us. 

Asa thought the horses were so funny. Even Bets got on a horse and was a natural. 

This picture accurately captures how Sunday conference went...very relaxing. But we are so grateful to be able to hear the words of the prophets and the guidance they provide. 

Vivi finally decided it might be cool to ditch the diapers. After lots of persuasion and "big marshmallows", she earned her unicorn. She has done pretty well and I'm so happy she finally decided to give it a try. 

We've had lots of wooly bear homes made around here. 

We were able to go on a field trip to an Amish farm and it was so cool. They showed us their goat dairy and bakery and then took the kids on bareback rides and a ride in one of their carriages. They gave everyone cookies and lemonade and just were so kind. It was the highlight of the month for me. 

Mariah is still a goat whisperer. 

The kids decided they wanted to sleep on the tramp one night. We read scriptures out there and enjoyed the stars. 

Vivi lasted about fifteen minutes after we had left, which was longer than I thought she'd last. 

But she was thrilled about sleeping in Eliza's bed. Just look at that angel baby! 

The other kids slept the whole night out there, but realized I maybe wasn't so crazy about trying to get them to wear sweatshirts and socks. It got a little chilly. 

Mariah finished up Volleyball. She learned a lot and had fun with her team. They are such a nice group of girls. The games were usually before Tanner got off work so I got to keep Asa from falling down the bleachers and try to watch Mariah...not the easiest task. 

The kids are always begging to have fires and I caved one night. Chet lit the fire with his flint and steel and we all ate way too many hot dogs and marshmallows. 

Chet's soccer team was in desperate need of more players so Mariah got to finish out the soccer season. It was fun to watch her and Chet play together again. 

There was a night where the parents played against the kids. Tanner was on call so I sat out with his phone and watched the littles...I wasn't too sad about that arrangement. 

Asa has perfected his crawl/dribbling technique with the soccer ball. 

And Vivi had fun throwing dirt in the air. We all have our talents. 

The big kids carved pumpkins and they did it all themselves. I think this is the first year Tanner or I weren't helping. I could get used to this. 

Eliza carved a bat and moon

Austin had a bat, jack o' lantern, and mummy on his pumpkin. 

Mariah got to carve pumpkins at a birthday party and at home, so she had some practice. 

Chet was really good at keeping on eye on his younger siblings and giving them advice. 

Vivs made sure she completely coated her pumpkin in paint, and then proceeded to try to wipe it all off. Whatever kept her entertained. 

And Asa loved playing in the pumpkin guts. He had an epic meltdown when I finally took him to take a bath, which he usually loves, just not as much as pumpkins apparently. 

We had our last soccer games. Mariah and Chet's team had a tough season. They didn't have enough for a 12u team so they had some older players and played against 14u teams. They never had more than one or two subs so they had to work really hard. I was proud of them for never giving up. 

Austin loved his season and it was fun to watch his team improve. They did great in the end of year tournament and he's excited for next year. 

Tanner took the big kids to their soccer tournament all day Saturday and I stayed home with the younger three and tried to get some housework done. Eliza wanted a picture of everyone in "all black, even Josie!". 

We got kittens! Mittens and Moppet, Mariah named them, obviously. They sure are sweet and we're hoping they will catch lots of mice. Our friend Hannah did a great job picking out her best cats for us. 

Mariah had her first choir performance and has really enjoyed choir.

We dressed up for our church trunk or treat. Vivi and Asa made a cute Mickey and Minnie. After I had already got Vivi's costume she decided she wanted to be the "princess who makes ice with her hands". Luckily we were able to convince her that Minnie was just as cool and she could be Elsa next year.

Asa started walking this month! He still prefers crawling, but he is starting to walk more and more. I love the big ol' smile he gets on his face as he walks. 

Mariah wanted to be a "pretty witch" 

Eliza made a great Rey from Star Wars. 

Before Vivi decided she wanted to rub off her face paint.

Chet was happy with being a knight again. I think he's at the stage where he is just dressing up so he can get candy. 

Austin has been talking about being a ninja for months. Mariah wanted to do a group costume but he wouldn't budge...and I was happy for another year of minimal effort from me in the costume department. We all decided we had enough candy from the trunk or treat so we spent Halloween night at home watching a movie.