Getting Ready for Halloween

It is hard to believe it is October already and time to get ready for Halloween again!  For the first few years, we took the kids to a pumpkin farm to pick out their own pumpkins.  Now we have resorted to Sam's or Walmart due to the busyness of other activities.  Here is a picture of carving pumpkins our first Halloween together in October 2011 and then this year.  The kids have grown up and have changed so much!

October 2011

                                              October 2015

                                                                      

Ingrid Goes To CA

All of the kids have had the opportunity to go on a class trip with their school each year.  Their school feels strongly about teaching the kids beyond what is just in the classroom.  It has been a great experience for them all! Earlier this Fall, Juan had the chance to go to Catalina Island in CA.  Ingrid has now had the opportunity to go to Astro Camp in CA.  She learned all about space and had a great time.  We are very thankful that they are having these opportunities, and they do so well away from home.

A Field Trip to CA!

One of the things we love about the kids' school is their emphasis on learning outside of the classroom.  Juan had the opportunity to go to the Grand Canyon last year and traveled to Catalina Island this Fall.  The kids spent time at the marina learning about biology.  One of many activities they had the opportunity to do was to go snorkeling.  He had a great time!

The Girls Play Volleyball

The girls played volleyball for the first time this Fall with their school's team.  They had practice every week and then had the opportunity to play in one big game called a Jamboree.  They had a great time and learned a lot.

Basketball Time for Ingrid

We have tried to give the kids different activities to try over the past four years.  It is hard to believe we have had the kids for four years now!  Ingrid has enjoyed ballet, soccer, swim team, and basketball.  Basketball is definitely her favorite so far.  We found a special league for her to play on through a local church, and we all love it!  She has practice once a week and a game on Saturday.  In the middle of each practice, they stop and do a small devotional with the kids.  Ingrid is the only girl on this team but doesn't mind it.  She is very fast and loves it. Like Juan's baseball team, the focus is on learning to work as a team and improving their skills rather than just winning or losing the game.