Pumpkin Patch

Wow, this blog has been so neglected.  It's not because we haven't been doing anything fun.  Just life has been way too busy.  But we have had a chance to do some fun things together as a family.  Here are pictures from our trip to the pumpkin patch.

In the past we have gone to a pumpkin patch closer to home.  The place is fun with animals, rides, a train and a TON of people.  But to enjoy all of that you have to pay for every little thing and you are basically picking up your pumpkins out of a pile.  So this year we decided we wanted to take the quieter, more natural, go to the farm approach to pumpkin picking.  

A friend of my from the twins club married into a family that has a pumpkin patch ~ Powell Pumpkin Patch.  The weather around here has been unseasonably cold.  But before the really cold stuff moved into the area we had a chance to head out on a little road trip to Louisburg, Kansas.  

The great thing about going to a family farm that keeps things fun and simple is the kids really have a chance to go pick their own pumpkins and to just run free where they wanted to go.  It was just so relaxing for us all.

During our "picking" each of the kids tried to pick up pumpkins that probably weighed as much as they do.  Thankfully we had Dad here to help out!

I think in this one Claire is giving Garrett and ear full about the pumpkins. She must have picked up 10 pumpkins to put in our wheel barrow.

But then you have something special like this between them...

Our collection of pumpkins - we came home with 2 LARGE ones and 4 smaller and 6 tiny pumpkins.  

One of the things the farm did have was hay-rides and we got lucky enough to ride with the Uncle that stops along the way to let the kids all have a turn at driving.  Garrett was the second child to jump up and ask to drive.  He probably would have done it all day if he had been allowed.
Then on our way back Avary had her chance to drive.  She had fun.Claire and Matt stayed back and did not join us on the hay-ride.  Matt because of his allergies and Claire because she just wasn't sure about the whole tractor thing.A few sights from the farm....

First day of Kindergarten

Well we all made it through day 1 of Kindergarten.  The day started out great with her jumping out of bed and getting ready very quickly and very excitedly.  Then it was outside for the normal pictures of the first day of school.  She was a good sport and seemed to enjoy it as well.

A few more...

After pictures we rushed off to daycare so she could enjoy breakfast with her friends and ride the KinderCare bus to school. We felt like this was the best way for us to know that she knew her way and to give us peace of mind on normal work days. 

Garrett and Claire said their good-byes and gave her hugs before heading off to school.  Matt and I went ahead of the bus so we could meet her in her class.  She was happy to see us, but showed us the way.  She knew her teacher's name, remembered where to sit and was very confident through the whole thing.

While on our way to daycare I asked Avary what she was most excited about for school and she said she was excited to make new friends.  I have all of the faith in the world that that will happen for her and then some.  Here's to a great year and many, many, many more to come.

We are okay

Before my family and friends start to wonder about us I thought I would add a quick post to say let you know we are all doing great.  Things have been very busy for the family and especially me.  

This spring I decided to try and take my photography to the next level and turn it into a business.  With the help of many friends things have gotten under way.  And July was a very busy month. I had 3 newborn sessions, including twins; a family of 13 session and at the start of the month I took 1 year pictures of twins and their family.  You can see the results of what I have been doing over at my other blog for ClearLight Photography by Melissa Boumstein.

With all of this work the camera has been doing pictures of the kids have fallen to almost none.  I think they are enjoying the break.  But I definitely need to find the balance so I don't miss out on documenting them as well.  

August has not gotten any quieter in the busy category.  Our main family focus this month is getting Avary ready for Kindergarten.  WOW, can you believe it's that time already.  More of her first day of school and all of the excitement will be posted next week.

Since I can't post without a picture, here is something I took quickly during my family of 13 session.  Take care everyone ~ stay tuned.

Independence Day

I hope everyone had a fun, safe and relaxing 4th of July. For the most part my family did - as much as you can with twins that are going through the terrible threes and a five year old. We did have fun and the weather couldn't have been better. A little rain in the morning with temps falling into I'm guessing the low 70's. We actually got a little chilly at times while watching the fireworks.
The day was spent with Matt's folks who came down from Omaha and my parents. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the kids with Grandparents as they had not napped (the kids) and were not very cooperative and only half tolerated me taking these few pictures. But the kids enjoyed see the Grandparents giving lots of hugs and kisses to all.
Can you believe how grown up these two have gotten? I am so proud of them ~ even on days when they try all of the few nerves I have left. We recently took Garrett to have his speech checked. He talks up a storm, has a little trouble with pronunciation and does a thing with his tongue that we were concerned about. Turns out his language skills are at the 4 1/2 year old level - WOW. But his does have a very slight tongue issue in how he holds it for certain words. Thankfully the speech therapist said get rid of the binkie (which we did a little over 2 weeks ago) and he should be okay. We'll have him rechecked, if necessary, in the fall. Claire is right up there in the speech and language department.


This year the city of Blue Springs did not have a fireworks show. Opting out due to too much construction going on at the two schools where the fireworks are shot off from and where people watch them from. But our neighbors did not disappoint. They blew off fireworks starting at around 6:30 until a little after midnight.

The kids were outside when the neighbor teenagers started shooting off firecrackers. Which of course sent my kids running for the hills. They are not fans of the loud noises. Garrett and Claire actually went to bed about 6:30 and thankfully slept through it all. Avary actually went out and watch a few go off before deciding that it would be more fun to watch from the comfort of home. I'll have to post some of those pictures at another time and leave with these last two.

Thanks to all of the men and women who serve and protect this country to allow us the freedoms we have today. I come from several generations that have served in the armed forces and am proud of all that they do. But I want to especially thank my brother for his current service to our country. Please be safe, keep your gun close, your boots handy and your head down ~ we miss you!!!

Dress Up

What happens when my kids have a Sunday afternoon when their Mom is sick and Daddy was working on the phone downstairs?  They play dress-up.  Interestingly they decided to use their snow boots, gloves, hats and mittens.