School's Out!

There was no school today for the High School, so the kids enjoyed a fun day at Old Town in Fort Collins.  Tea went along with Chiggie, but they only brought me back one picture.  It's a good one though.  Chiggie and her friend Josh under the black lights. 

Halloween Cookie Decorating

The kids had a sleepover tonight to work on Halloween costumes, they are working with their friends and making their own, and decorate some Halloween cookies.  They are very crafty, they didn't get it from me!  I took some pictures of the cookies, but the costumes are a surprise!

 

Family Pumpkin Picking

Last Sunday, after I got home from Canon City, we went to the local pumpkin patch to get the rest of our pumpkins.  It probably was not the greatest idea because we were all exhausted.  I was not very happy with the kids lack of cooperation in picture taking, but again, everyone was exhausted.  We ended up having a good time, and got some great pumpkins!

Sweet 16!

Last weekend, Camie celebrated her sweet 16, so I took the two older girls for a short, but fun weekend away.  I am so glad we went.  I would not have wanted to miss out on this special moment, and we really had a blast!  I took pictures and made a special slide show afterwards.  These kids really are growing up too fast!

 

Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Today was Buster's Kindergarten field trip to a local farm/pumpkin patch.  It was a beautiful day, and we had so much fun. We met at the school where a bee keeper gave a really interesting presentation on bees, which the kindergarten class has been learning all about.  Afterwards we all had a picnic at the park next door to the farm.  The kids had time to eat and play.  Next we visited the farm where we went on a hayride along the Poudre River.  The fall foliage was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the ride.

 Buster said his favorite part was picking out a pumpkin.  The one he picked was very small, but he was certain it was the one he wanted.

 The girls looked so cute in their overalls, which they call their farmer outfits.  They were so glad they got to come along today.

 Everyone enjoyed the chance to feed some of the animals.  After spending time on Mema's farm the girls weren't scared at all, and knew exactly how to give them their food.

It really was a beautiful farm.  It's hard not to notice Chiggie's absence on days like today.  It has been so different to go places without her.  I am happy for her that she is branching out, and beginning the emancipation process that normally takes place in high school, but that certainly doesn't make it easy.  However, I do try to focus on the positive.  Tea is really stepping up and taking on many of the responsibilities that Chiggie used to have.  I am doing my best to relax and enjoy this precious time with my kids.

October Happenings

It's only just begun, but October has been a busy month so far for the Dauk family.  I finished my first set of classes (3) and I am very thankful that they are just over.  I immediately started two additional courses, which I think I am going to like better, and either way 7 weeks from now I get a 7 week vacation.  I am very much looking forward to that after so much time preparing for and then working on school! 

In addition to me adjusting to school, Chiggie has been adjusting as well.  She is really enjoying herself and we are confident from all perspectives that we made the right decision sending her this year.  Earlier this month she went to homecoming and had a blast.  It was actually pretty exciting for all of us.  The King and I walked around Old Town while her and her date had dinner and then we dropped them off at the dance.  It really does not feel possible most days that she is actually in high school. 

The younger kids are keeping busy too.  Tea is working two mornings a week as a mother's helper in addition to her school work and LEAP.  She really enjoys both the job and getting paid.  She has saved nearly all of her money, and is hoping to buy a computer of her own.  She loves to play Minecraft, so that has been a motivator. 

Midge and Boo are enjoying gymnastics and advancing quickly.  They are both very determined and take it very seriously.  It is fun to watch them enjoying themselves!  Buster has adjusted perfectly to LEAP Kindergarten and is beginning to read.  He really is not a baby anymore, but I will still pretend for just a bit longer....