"Nail"-ed It!

My children do NOT sleep in - like, NEVER!  Most mornings at least one of them (if not both) are up by 5:30 and absolutely no later than 6:00 a.m.  In fact it can be quite painful and I often times ask myself why I don't go to bed immediately after tucking them in; Lord knows I could use the sleep.  But, I digressed, because really it doesn't matter what time they get up ..... 

The other morning, around 5:45 a.m., I was busily applying eye cream (Hello, puffy-eyed, lack of sleep mama - #thankyoueyecream) and then eye liner when I smelled something that wasn't quite right.  I actually even took my eyeliner, smelled it and said out-loud, "Hmm, something smells different."  I wasn't sure what I was smelling until I turned around and saw these cute 10 toes!!  Yes, Miss Aylah decided to give herself a pedicure before we left for preschool that morning.  The floor only took a few drops that thankfully came up easily with nail polish remover.  I do have to say, she didn't do to bad of a job for her first attempt!

 

Pumpkin Painting!

 

Bozeman Deaconess Hospital and Kohl's hosted pumpkin painting.

 

Very precise work

Aylah "perfecting" her pumpkin

All done!  Enjoying some roasted seeds and a banana post-painting!

Last Hike?

Last weekend the kids and I had a fun-filled weekend (while daddy had to return stolen property to victims....a whole big event in itself... Read more here:
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/crime/article_c1dc7e12-44ce-11e4-9b7b-ebab0e6393ff.html)

I don't know that we have any more nice days coming our way, but last weekend was perfect for a hike; quite possibly our last hike of the year!  We loaded up, with the dog, and away we went!

Ready to roll; with a very insistent Aylah and her upside down tiara!

We hiked up to the "M" and then Kailer played on the M itself.

Stunning view.

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho....up the trail we go!

My hikers...well, one hiker and one HITCH hiker!
(Yes, I packed her on my back and No I'm not bionic - as I was asked by a friend!) :)

He's Reading!

My heart exploded with pride earlier this month when Kailer started reading!  It's a milestone that I knew he would reach quickly, but I wasn't prepared with how it would make me feel. Emotions of pride and sadness at the same time; sadness that, yet, another marker of 'growing up' has been reached in our house!

In addition to Kailer reading, we also have our little Miss potty-trained!  No more diapers, wipes, creams, powder .... just a cute little toddler in her big girl undies.  My, oh my!!

Prepping For Winter

As much as I hate to admit it, Winter will be rearing its ugly face soon -- much to my dismay. (Yes, once again, why do I live where there is winter weather?!)  A few weeks ago we loaded up the munchkins and headed for the canyon to cut firewood. While it's not the most glamorous task, it's a necessity and I LOVE the heat that the fireplace emits on those cold winter nights! The kids held up pretty well together.  It's always interesting to watch them interact with one another when they have no one else (or anything else) to play with!

Random

Sometimes it's just as much fun to just see pictures and not have to read my narrative.

:)

The skinny-mini is still skinny!!

She really does love books AND that purple blanket!

Yellowstone National Park

Headed towards Big Sky

Fall Festival

It's a Belgrade tradition, during the Fall Festival/Homecoming Parade, to have the Kindergartners lead the parade.  Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the street for Kailer's class, but we captured a few pictures.  It was a beautiful day in Big Sky Country and we thoroughly enjoyed the parade and the festivities after.

The man on the far right is the principal of Kailer's school - a very cool guy and the kids love him!

A side view of Kailer and Mrs. Suit - have I told you that he adores her?!  I think he might have a little crush on her. :)

Aylah and Daddy enjoying the parade!

Kailer holding his hat out for candy.

A replica of our town's water tower.

Happy Birthday To Me!!

I can't believe that I'm this far behind.  I knew I was crazy when I decided to start blogging, again, right before the start of the school year.  I knew it would continue to be busy, but sometimes I'm simply amazed at how much time I spend doing things for Kindergarten - I feel as if I've gained another "job."  Phew! 

So on my birthday weekend we attempted an enjoyable weekend in Billings.  I say attempt because there was a lot of not-so-pleasant events (think flu bug in all forms of the flu) that occurred while we were there.  But in an attempt to make the best of the time there, we took turns doing fun things in between being sick.  I'm hoping for a better 35th birthday, but I do really appreciate the effort and planning that was put forth in making the weekend possible!!

Riding around the Farmer's Market - Poor Kailer, feeling awful, but hanging in there!

Part of the new Scheels - Grand Opening Day!  Oh and they have a full sized ferris wheel!!

Feeding time.

I've been wanting to take  Kailer to this Lego exhibit since I first read about it early this summer.  While it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was pretty cool to see what this man created with Legos.

Kailer was NOT thrilled to sleep with Aylah, she thought it was GREAT!

Happy 34th Birthday to ME!!