This fall has proved to be one for the ages. Kids are growing and getting bigger and because I am working in a town that only serves hamburgers, I seem to be getting bigger as well. For the first time at my annual physical it showed I had gained 10lbs. For years I have been maintaining the same weight no matter what I ate or how much of it. Gone are the days when I can eat a entire box of Oreo's, but I still manage to squeeze a few in. I hate working out more than I love food.
Sierra was planning to be a chicken for Halloween
James is getting into making things himself and being very creative. He found a styrofoam cooler in our garbage and thought it looked like a robot. Sure enough, knock out one side of the box and you have a square robot head. Add in some screws and golf tees and there he was sporting his new hat and leaving white balls all over the place.
Matthew and James really like little Sierra. She is loved and always has someone who wants to give her a kiss. She does not look like she is enjoying it all that much in this photo though.
Duck hunting this fall has proven to be very productive. Lots of shells were shot and lots of birds were killed.
Sierra is always walking around the coffee table. She has not yet decided to do any walking without holding on to something so that restricts her a little bit. She finally decided to start doing the stairs as well and even though she goes up and down all of the time, she has yet to take a tumble. A kid learning how to get around is kind of a mixed blessing.
Rub a dub dub, three DeJongs in a tub. These goofs are so much fun to be around it is amazing. I like a nice hot bath, but for some reason kids like the water to be barely lukewarm. Yuck.
Matthew made a indian costume for thanksgiving and he put on a small skit with the help of mom and James. They acted out the first thanksgiving and he played the part of Squanto. They made up most of the lines on the fly, but after they had practiced it a few times, I was pretty impressed with the final stage version.
We ran down to grandma and grandpas for Thanksgiving. I thought it would be a good idea to bring the motorcycle down so they could tear around the farm for one last time before the snow flies. After a little bit of hesitation and a couple of time close to the house, James had gained enough confidence and rode all over the fields and back 40.
They boys had one last ride in the speedster before it was brought up to Spokane. My in-laws have bought a house a mile away from ours and now have started the task of moving after 37 years in the same place. We are very excited to have them move closer and are looking forward to seeing them a lot more. Brenda grew up right by her grandparents while I was 2000 miles away from mine. I think closer is better and we think that having them nearby is going to be a lot of fun.
Once the older two boys are in bed, we can relax and hang out with Sierra. She does not need anyone to talk to or interact with and is always busy just crawling around and looking in things. So very cute.
Ninja Turtle knitted hats and hanging out outside. These are the things that all childhoods should be filled with. Come to think of it, all adult life should be filled with the same.
Wrestling time is no excuse for Sierra not to participate. She is one tough girl and loves to wrestle and rough house around with the boys.
This past week Brenda and I had a chance to go to the annual Christmas party in Seattle. We got to hang out with some of my co-workers I had not seen in a while and go for a night on the town as well. The grandparents graciously agreed to watch the kiddos, so we were able to get out and have a great time by ourselves.
We also were able to watch The Pretenders and Stevie Nicks from the box suites with unlimited food and drinks for all. That was a special treat and we are very thankful for the tickets.
The winter has finally come in full force. Sub freezing temps had made for pretty good sledding conditions for as long as one can stand to be outside. These boys love to go outside for a little bit anyway. They wear me out rather fast and I have not problem keeping warm with them asking to to drag them around in the sled.
