New Pictures and Thanksgiving

We have enjoyed spending time outside playing. The kids love to be outside and would play out there rain or shine/cold or hot. I feel differently. :) We had a nice week off for Thanksgiving and were able to spend the day with my parents and aunt. I didn't take many pictures but that is my goal for our Christmas celebration. 

Playing in Grandma's backyard.....

I am so thankful for our family and friends.  I know I don't say it enough.  From the day Austin was diagnosed until now so many people have stepped up and helped our family.  We are truly thankful for all God has provided and for the people he has put in our lives.

Luke's Trip to the Zoo.

Today Chad and I took Luke to the zoo. Austin and Summer's break does not start until Wednesday. We got there right when it opened so the weather was great and it was not crowded.

  Luke is finally at the age to figure out what he is looking at.  In the Africa exhibit he got to see the chimps up close and only jumped one time.  He loved the giraffe statue and was super serious on the carousel.   

We had a great time and it was nice to just spend time with Luke. 

She did it!

Summer scored her first goal!!!!  We were so excited for her.  It took ten weeks of games and lots of bribes.  Our neighbor had just said I have a good feeling Summer is going to get a goal-I kindly replied with there is only ten minutes left in the game and then she did it! 

They won the game and finished the season undefeated and in first place.  I believe soccer was more fun for Chad and me but it is back to gymnastics in January.  

Scooby and The Gang

This year Summer found a Velma costume she had to have.  The boys joined her in the Scooby Doo theme.  I tried to get some pictures but did not have much luck.  They were ready to go even if that made them the first kids on the street. 

 The Gang

 Velma with one sock down.

 Scooby with one leg up.

 We turned the princess SUV into The Mystery Machine!

 Summer and her best friend from school.

 Best of friends!

And that is Shaggy's goatee on Austin's chin-it's not what you think it is.

 We had a great time and all three kids did fantastic! 

Random Pictures and a Funny Video

Is it really almost November? 

 Here are some recent pictures of the kids. 

Luke is such a mess these days. He has become obsessed with Barney and looking at books. He still loves to follow me around crying until I pick him up.

 

Summer is loving school-soccer not so much. She finally kicked the ball last week for the first time. And her team is going to the playoffs. They are undefeated!

Austin lost his front tooth and is about to loose the other front tooth.

  His two bottom teeth grew in crooked.

Poor guy looks like he might have my messed up teeth. 

He has also been staying up most of the night playing and then wants to sleep all day.

This is how I found him on Sunday.

And here is a clip of Luke being a boy!

Summer's New Adventure

Last week Summer had her first soccer practice and game which they won.  She and her best friend Paige are on the same team and they were both so cute to watch.  She did really well during practice but once the game started that was a different story.  She got upset and wanted to go home but she made it through the game. The coach is very patient and just wants the kids to have a good time.  He even let Chad go in as coach to see if it would help her.  This week Summer told me she can't wait for her next game so I guess it worked. 

Austin's New Bed

Well after six years we finally had to kiss the baby bed good bye.  We are so glad it lasted as long as it did. We spent many hours trying to come up with an idea for a bed for Austin.  We knew it had to be safe and had to be enclosed.  But there was not much out there.  The ones that are used in hospitals were just plain scary looking.  Chad and I decided to look for a set of bunk beds and modify them to work for Austin.  Thanks to Grandma and Paw-paw they were able to get this awesome bed.  Chad added the boards to the front and right now we are using the ladder as a door with a latch.  Eventually we will put a door on it.  It also has two huge drawers underneath for all his clothes. 

 He loves sleeping and playing in it!  

The new theme in his room is-STAR WARS



One crazy dog !

Adding a puppy to our family was a crazy idea but now I am so thankful we did.  Rudy has now become our fourth spoiled child and I am pretty sure he knows that.   Rudy has done great with all three kids but he has a special bond with Austin.  They play so well together and will lay on the couch or floor for hours-which if you know Austin that is pretty special!  If Austin is crying, sick, or wakes up in the middle of the night Rudy is right there by his side making sure he is OK. 

 And now for the proof he is spoiled! 

Yes he takes a paci-and it's the only thing he can't chew up

Yes he stands on a stool to drink out of the sink-we can't leave water out for him because well you know why.

Yes he thinks the couch in the office is his bed

 Yes these three spend more time in his crate then he does!!!!!!

Such a cutie pie!