Brvroom, brvroom

This is the sound that Nathan makes whenever he wants to do one of his favorite things: a Rhino ride, the quad or standing in the van and playing like he's driving.  He makes this sound a lot.  Whenever we are outside he goes, "Brvroom, brvroom," and points to the garage.  The kid doesn't do a lot of sitting still.  He's got lots of opinions about what he thinks he should be doing.  As you can see from the above smile, when he gets to do something he wants, he's not shy about letting you know how happy he is.  Nathan is a ton of fun to have around and I sure do love that smile.

Molly

Matthew

Matthew turned 8-years-old this weekend.  He got his ceremonial jack knife like his brothers did at 8.  When I went into his room that night this is what I found.

His wolf t-shirt, cutoff shorts, his Swiss Army, and his new camo hat, all ready to roll for the next morning.  It was quintessential Matthew.  He is a wonderful person who I grow to love more every day.  Put him outside in this outfit and he's like a pig in slop.  You might not see him for hours, even days.  I have loved watching how God has knit him to be just exactly . . . Matthew.

Fall Camping Fun

Even with some rain, we had a great time camping with friends last weekend.  I love to camp in the fall.  Waking up in the morning with a nip in the air is wonderful.  The rain got in the way of us hanging out by the fire in the morning though.  Having to be stretched in our creative pursuits was fun though too.  We've put away the pop-up for the season.  We will look forward to an early spring trip soon.

11

Benjamin turns 11 today.  It is amazing to think that 11 years ago Amanda and I went to the hospital early in the morning to get our new little boy.  That little boy is now growing to be a young man.  I thoroughly enjoy watching him change, advance, struggle and work to find out and become who God wants him to be.  We love you Benny and are so excited to see what God will do in your life in the next 11 years should he grant them.

Lucy's New Haircut

Lucy is turning into such a big girl.  I sure love her new haircut!

Molly Goes To School

Molly has begun school with an exciting seriousness and gusto.  She is very different from the boys in her approach to her education.  Amanda said today that every time she looks at her profile she is so glad that she gets to homeschool her.  It has been a pretty challenging couple of weeks as we seek to find balance among our six little charges.  I am so thankful for Amanda and the tremendous work that she does for our family and especially the kids.

Matthew's New Grill

Matthew is on the way to a new grill.  He's gotten a spacer in his mouth that gets cranked every night to give his teeth more room to come in.  It's working already.

First Day of School 2013

Today the kids start their first day of school.  Here are some pictures from the day.

Benjamin, 6th grade

Caleb, 4th grade

Matthew, 2nd grade

Molly, 1st grade

Lucy, preschool