The Patch

Pumpkin Patch, that is.  We had only been home for about two weeks, but we headed to our beloved pumpkin patch on a nice day when J-man was out of school.  Eliana spent the whole time sleeping in the wrap.  The boys loved the pumpkin launcher and the giant jumping pillow.  We came home with an excessive number of pumpkins that we just finally put in the trash this weekend.  The squirrels were most appreciative of the easy meal.

Field Trips

It isn't often that I get to attend a school event for just one of the kids without the others in tow.  Eliana's first stay with the beloved Aunt Carla was the morning of Caleb's field trip to the farmstead.  I got to enjoy a sweet time with just Big C.  Talking, playing and having a good ol' time.   Eliana charmed Aunt Carla and the two boys at her house so a good time was had by all :+)

Dating

Big C and I had a date a couple of weeks after we returned home with Eliana.  Jonathan and Jamie had their date, too, but Jamie forgot to take photos.  Big C had a great time because we ate outside at the table right beside the fountain.  This seemed to be a big highlight for him.  After all of the crazy changes of travels and a new sister, it was fun to spend the night with just him.

Jamie and Jonathan had a great time eating BBQ because that's what Caleb did with Daddy.  Jonathan was thrilled because they got to eat outside, too.  Every time we drive by that restaurant, he reminds us that he and Daddy ate on that patio.

On another date related note... our social worker was at our house for a post placement visit before Eliana's adoption is finalized.  She asks questions about our family and such.  She was asking how Jamie and I were doing with three children.  The next question, "have you had a chance to go on any dates?" was excitedly answered, "yes" by Jonathan and Caleb.  They proceeded to tell her all about both of their dates with each of us.  Certainly wasn't exactly what she was meaning by "date" when she asked about our marriage, but a sweet glimpse into our little people's world.

Some Other Celebrations

It is official.  Fall is our season.  Eliana in September, Anniversary and Jonathan in October, Jamie in November, Caleb and me in December.  All that to say, things have been a little nutso around here.  I have fun photos from Jman's birthday and some fun things about him at SEVEN (gasp!), Halloween photos and some other random fun.

For now, I'll leave you with our family of five...

Visitors from the North

I didn't know if they would be able to come.  But I asked and they came.  So very thankful they could meet her when she was still just a peanut.

The older four were playing in the basement when they came up and Caleb was wearing this get-up.  He was wearing oxygen (made out of string), "just like Grampie".

Home.

After being gone for nine days and living in a hotel, this was a blissfully welcome sight.  So, so many folks were so kind to bring food, mow the lawn while we were gone and help out with the boys.  Jamie and the boys left a day and a half before Eliana and I were given clearance to travel, but when she and I arrived home these sweet signs and decorations for Eliana's room were waiting for us, thanks to Carla and her littles.  They are still up.  I did think the other day that likely we need to take them down so we can decorate for Christmas. :+)

Grandpa Maynard and Grandma Judy

These two made the trip with our whole family a possibility.  We are all most grateful!