The Corn Maze

Today we ventured out to the corn maze with friends! It was a bit chilly, but the sun did eventually come out shortly before we left. I've been dying to go to a corn maze for the past few years (I don't think we've actually hit one up since the first year we moved here) because they scream Fall to me. I love Autumn, the leaves, the pumpkins, the food etc. And a corn maze combines all of my favourite things (I even snuck into the farm store sans kids and grabbed some cute things). 

It had been a while since we'd been to a corn maze, I'm pretty sure Ollie was a baby the last time, so they didn't really remember or know what to expect. Some of them were complaining about how boring it would be and how they just wanted to stay home. But they were pleasantly surprised at all of the fun things, and had a blast hanging out with good friends for the day! 

I made them all pose for a quick picture at the gates since there was no guarantee we'd all be together in one spot once we got inside. 

They loved running around and trying all the things!

Lily and Cooper stuck with Mike and I, and I was able to get these sweet photos at one of the cute little backdrops set up in the yard. 

We also had to do a Daddy Daughter pic!

The Barnyard Twister was a favourite among the teens and tweens, and we spent a lot of time here watching them tumble around.

My husband is an angel for putting up with my excessive memory making and photo taking.

We did manage to wrangle everyone up for a family picture on this gorgeous swing before they went into the maze! I was so busy with diaper changing, toddler wrangling and keeping the littles warm that  I didn't make it into the maze this year.

The clouds cleared and the sun came out just as we were getting ready to leave. A diaper blowout warranted an outfit change and then he promptly fell asleep on my shoulder, tuckered out from all of the playing in the fresh air. I was able to get him into his seat without waking him. The drive home was so peaceful (since everyone fell asleep).

Dinner was BBQ wine sausages on homemade buns!! A perfect end to the day!

Wait for Me

When everybody leaves for the bus in the morning and you want to go too…

 

Cooper: Eight Months

Cooper is 8 months old, and such a tease already! It’s been so fun watching his personality develop this month. His favourite past times include spitting cookie chunks on his brothers in the car (on purpose) and then laughing hysterically about it. He also loves a good game of peek-a-boo and delights in grabbing or touching things he can’t have. It’s so fun to watch what he chooses to laugh and joke about at such a young age. Pushing a ball across the floor and chasing it keeps him pretty happy. He is crawling all over the place now and pulling himself up on everything! He loves learning and watching how things work and it won’t be too much longer before he’s pulling things out of my cupboards and drawers. He’s also recently learned how to wave when we say “good-bye” to the kids in the morning. He’s cutting four top teeth all at once right now and sleep has been far and few between. The combination of teething and hitting all of these fun milestones right after each other has made for many wakeful nights. The big kids are a huge help when they’re home offering to watch, feed a bottle or hold. They adore him! He sure brings us all a lot of joy! #cooperjames 

Oliver turns EIGHT

Happy EIGHTH birthday to Oliver! You are the perfect mix of thoughtful and light hearted. You have the best belly laugh. you are always the first one to ask me how my day was when you get home from school. You are careful and kind to your siblings and like to see other people happy. You have a great sense of humor and bring a lot of joy to our home. We are so glad to call you ours!

 

Grampa's Greenhouse

We went out to visit the greenhouse this morning! The cherry tomatoes are coming in hot and I've been craving a Greek Salad! I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of Cooper as he took it all in. We love Grampa's greenhouse!

Then we headed back inside for a snack and some "school". Lily has been loving this watercolor book and is quickly making her way through her alphabet!

 

First Day of School

Today was everyone's first day back to school! I hate to jinx it, but we really are in a sweet spot as far as independent children go. Everyone was awake on time this morning, and a few of them even showered before we gathered in the living room for scriptures & prayers. It felt good to get back into routine again! Tomorrow, early morning seminary starts and Camilla will be heading in around 7am with Mike. 

Camilla ~ Grade 10

Hyrum ~ Grade 8

Joseph ~ Grade 7

Finley ~ Grade 5

Oliver ~ Grade 3

Sawyer ~ Grade 1

It was fun to have them all together this morning for our first day back! And they were all willing to smile for a picture!

When everyone left to the bus, the house was sure quiet. It felt weird after being together all Summer! This was my view as I tidied the breakfast dishes.

Cooper is on the move! Over the last few days he has learned how to crawl and loves pulling himself up on everything he can get his hands on. He's a little bit more content now that he can move around!

Lily missed Sawyer TERRIBLY today. Her best bud was Sonny boy this morning!