Captain Underpants, aka Dallin & some Amber

Dallin saw a book at the library about Captain Underpants, and wanted to dress up, I mean, dress down like him. He even made up a song and dance. Goof ball.

Amber got her turn in the blessing dress made for the Spence girls. It's a beautiful dress made by Kay Bragg from Nate's mom's wedding dress.

Grandpa Spence's visit...and other stuff

Nate's dad came to visit last week. I felt a little bad for him because I had to babysit. We didn't get out to do too much. We did go bowling, like we usually do with him. 

I decided to add a few things to my fall decor collection. I made these pillowcases for the chair on our front porch, and this wreath.

 I love owls, and found this white one at Michael's and couldn't resist.

The kids want to do scary Halloween decorations, but I am not really into that. Maybe next year.

I have been working on getting my photography business up and going. Here are a few sessions I have done recently. It is a slow process.

Amber's blessing

Her blessing was also a month ago. I am a slacker. 

We were so happy to have all of Nate's brothers in town. We missed his dad, Steve, though. And Mickie, Matt's wife.

It had been a couple of years since these guys have taken a picture together. 

My Dad and brother, Paul, were also in the circle at the blessing.

 Not sure when another picture like this will be taken. Hopefully not long.

Ashlyn and Maylee were so sweet. Very affectionate. They were always holding hands or touching each other. Ashlyn needs a girl cousin close. Her only cousins are boys here in Medford.

 Phew. Caught up.

Tanner's 7th Birthday party

I forgot to post about Tanner's party. I didn't take the pictures, and forgot that they were put on my computer. So here is a late post. His party was a month ago, and it was Minecraft themed. 

My sister Tracie made the cake, which was actually a brownie. So yummy.

My kids love piñatas. Ashlyn is already talking about her party that she says will have a rainbow piñata.

 

We lucked out and had cousins at Tanner's party. They were all from out of town. We were so glad they could be there.

 And uncle Braden was there too. Nate's brothers had come for Amber's baby blessing. And Uncle Paul was there too, of course. 

Uncle Jordan scooping the ice cream, and then holding Amber while I helped with the piñata.

Amber 3 months

Another month gone...too quickly. Since she is probably last, I am trying to really savor my time with my last baby. She is a joy. So content and easy going. She sleeps through the night. Smiles. Blows bubbles. Drools. Giggles. 

Life lately

Dallin started school a week after Tanner did. He was so excited to ride the bus and go to school. I am so happy my boys love school so much. They have already got Ashlyn excited for it. She wants to do preschool, so we are joining a co-op preschool.

They were too excited to give me a good picture. 

Going to, and coming home.

With the new school year, I started babysitting 2 kindergarteners for a couple hours a day. 2 girls. They are very sweet. One of the moms (a neighbor) approached me before school started and asked if I was interested, and that her friend was also looking for someone. Some thought I was crazy to take them on since I have a little baby, but I felt ok about it. Plus, I really wanted to upgrade my camera, and this was a way for me to do it. The pictures below came from it. Very lovely, if I may say so myself. :) 

 We went to a park today. The girls LOVE Amber. Neither have younger siblings. I love the face I am getting from Amber in the top picture. We go to the park and they would rather play with my baby. :) By the end of the school year the girls will feel like family I am sure. Probably well before that actually.

 Paige and Ava are best friends. Dallin is in a different kindergarten class than them.

 Doesn't Tanner look like a big kid? He is so grown up...and handsome like his dad.

 My beautiful girls. Amber is a drooler like Dallin was. 

 So that is life these days. Busy, but fun.

We are taking a break from athletics right now, but we just got word that flag football is starting up. Maybe we will give that a try.

Tanner's first day of school

He is in the 2nd grade this year, and he is so independent! We offered to take him to school and help him find his class and everything, but he wanted to do it all alone. I am happy he is so confident, but it is sad at the same time that he doesn't need us as much. Boo hoo. Dallin starts school on Monday the 9th. I think I will be ok with that. He is ready and excited. We go to meet his teacher tomorrow morning.

Harris beach and Crescent City

We went to the coast this past weekend. It is becoming and annual thing we do. It was beautiful.

There were some cool kites flying on the beach the day we were there. 

 Paul and Paula's family was there with us. 

 And my brother Jesse. And this is the only picture of me we got. I am in his sunglasses, in case you missed it. :)

 The kids had me all nervous as they played in the waves. That is the crazy, paranoid mom in me. I was afraid someone would get knocked over and washed away. Luckily, that never happened.

 Drew and Joel.

 My big 7 year old. 

And my "big" 2 year old. She gets so upset if you call her little. 

 Buds.

 Jesse got in a wet sand fight with the kids.