Back to School, fall activities. . . .

I've been grateful for a great back to school transiton this fall!  The first week was especially great as the kids all like their teachers and everyone was healthy!

 And it's continued to be great, but sprinkled in there were sicknesses, which we hadn't had in 18 months or so, broken bones and the heaviest thing this fall was the death of our friend Jessical Wilson, which still feels heavy, unbelieveable and sad (see below for more).    

Some of the highlights this fall have been Saturday morning soccer, Sunday softball/baseball games,  listening to Harry Potter, the kids playing soccer downstairs, or playing whiffle ball outside, and the fact that they are enjoying school! I was also grateful that Will adapted so well to having his cast, and missing most of his football season.  He still went to practices and games, and I appreciated his great attitude about it.    

Pizza night with Pat gone hunting. . . .

Enjoying the last warm days of summer! 

Bill always has an amazing garden and his pumpkins are the grand finale! So fun, especially this year when we didn't get to pumpkin patches as often! 

Matt and Branda's pumpkin carving party! It was so fun to be out around people! It was all super fun until Leo fell of the hay bales and fractured his wrist😬! Fortunatley, he healed fast from it, but it was still kind of scary! 

We were the first ones there, and the kids didnt' know to many other people, so were kind of shy at first, thus us roaming around and taking pictures:), but then they had fun hanging out and playing tag with some of the other kids.  

Pic of the yard with the fall colors! 

Friday night lights! 

One of Leo's creations! 

Last days of warmth and sunshine:)! 

Pat and I were able to go to Jessica's funeral in Seattle.  It was a beautiful tribute to her life, but also so sad!

I am so glad I was able to get to know her.  I remember being so grateful that Tom had met someone so great when Pat and I first met her.  And every birthday party or get together after that, I would always say to Pat after how much I enjoyed being around her! It feels really heavy, and I'm grateful for prayer and the reminder that God has her family in his hands and will help them get through this.