Happy Halloween!

Madison as Tinkerbell, Breanne as Irdessa (the orange fairy) & Aliya as the cutest little ladybug I've ever seen! Notice the girls' hair in (as Breanne's says) a "bundle," or bun...whatever.

..on a jet plane..

"I'm leavin' on a jet plane," was Derrick's tune this morning. Except we think we know when he'll be back again. Things seemed to go smoothly as the Ethiopia Work Team left this morning. They arrived in Chicago without an problems and we won't have phone contact with Derrick again until they get back to the states. They do have a blog, if you'd like to follow:

http://www.ehworkteam.blogspot.com/

Madison & Breanne had their own tunes to sing this morning. They were excited about the Halloween parties in their classes. Madison's school wasn't allowing kids to dress up, but she did get to dress in her favorite team apparel. Isn't she an awesome Viking? She even has the blonde braids! She's wearing Derrick's old jersey.

Last weekend we carved our jack-o-lanterns. This is a super exciting endeavor for a 4 & 5-year old. And it may be less than thrilling for a 1-year old. We made them clean out SOME of their own "guts" and they got to draw their own faces. Breanne's ended up with a face and legs. Madison's has a mustache and a beard ("may I help you?")

Birthday Boy

"Mom, is the birthday boy at home?" Breanne asked as I picked her up from preschool today. Unfortunately, the birthday boy had to go to work today, but we're planning a party tonight. Here's what other nonsense is coming out of the mouth of our five-year old. "Daddy, mommy is WAAAAY older than you!" Of course, Derrick just eats that up....

Last weekend was fall break from school and we had Minnesota cousins come visit us! It was really a fun time. On Friday, we went to the REEF (indoor water park) and the kids had a blast. They also had a blast playing the Wii. Although, I'm not really sure who had more fun-the kids or Kelly? We made popcorn, played games, watched movies, made homeade icecream and also went to the Corn Maize that was full of fun adventures. We took in the pig races, the hay slides, Lucas and Carter liked the pedal karts, lots of fun mind games, duck racing and the corn pile. Madison was the biggest trooper during the maze itself. She never complained and was determined to finish. We've also started a new family tradition. After the corn maize, we head to the Funky Monkey for smoothies. We roped the Krachts into this tradition with us. Aliya was especially fond of those smoothies. I've never seen a baby suck through a straw so fast in my life. She polished off mine and anything the big girls didn't want to finish.

Aliya was also become a little traveler. She's now taking first steps. My, what a big girl she is. We're so proud of her.

Derrick is getting prepared for his trip to Africa. Please be in prayer for him (October 30-November 7). Pray specifically for:

1. That he wouldn't get sick (flu/cold) before leaving

2. That he'd be able to meet our sponsored Compassion International Child, Andinet, while he is there

3. For effective mission work

4. The girls and I as we stay home

Sunny, Sunny

As Breanne puts it, "I just want it to be warm outside!" After a week and a half of cold weather, the warm front is headed our way. It was so wonderful to experience 50 degrees again yesterday! And Breanne got to visit the Fire Station with her preschool class. She kept going back and forth on whether or not Aliya and I could accompany her. It all hinged on whether or not she'd get to ride with her friends. She definitely ditched me for Trinity and Natalie. Literally, she didn't want to ride with me. She rode with Trinity in her car which is "WAY faster than our van." Breanne was her typical shy self infront of the firefighters and wouldn't sit at the driver's wheel or answer questions I knew she knew (like stop, drop & roll.) Instead, she quietly watches and listens, processing it all and talking about it later. It was a great morning to be out and about.

Madison is excited to have some time off from school (MEA) and is wondering where is the homework she's suppose to work on over the weekend. (I guess she likes school.) The Kracht cousins are enroute to our house for a visit and Madi & Bre are sooo excited!

Aliya continues to be a sweet, busy baby. She loves the tub and now tries to climb in herself (fully clothed) when I start running the bath water. Her two top teeth are really starting to come in. Here's what Derrick & I gave her for her birthday, now hanging in her room.

The first snow

We woke up Monday morning to a light dusting of snow over everything. Ironically, Derrick decided to hire Madi & Bre to help him clean out the garage on Saturday, making room for the truck in the garage again (after a summer of bikes and toys parked in that side of the garage.)Lucky guy - no scraping windows for him. I am amazed at how long it takes to get ready for school when you have to set up the camper to dig out the snow pants (which weren't there, but hanging neatly in the closet in the house), find everyone's snow boots, Aliya's winter coat, find gloves and mittens (which were in the camper), and then bundle them all up. Then 15 minutes later, check into the pediatrian's office for Aliya's 1-year well-child visit.
Aliya is growing well and measures in at nearly 30" long and 19 lbs and 6 oz. She got two shots but it didn't slow her down even a little. Above is the picture of her digging into her birthday cupcake. We picked Breanne up from preschool as usually and she was more determined than ever to make a snowman. "Mom, my teacher (the little one) asked, 'who's going to go home to make a snowman?' and I raised my hand. So, I have to go out as soon as we get home." Didn't she do a great job?
Later that afternoon, she was emptying the dishwasher, being a great helper, and talking on the phone. Look so closely as this picture, because she tucked her cell phone in her pocket when she finished her call. I don't know where she learns this stuff.
Derrick has done another wonderful job on our bathroom. Or should I say, Derrick and Aliya? (I peeked in on her and I saw Derrick working and Aliya pulled up next to him. Unfortunately, when she saw the camera she started crawling toward me.) We love it. I finally got the paint color right and Derrick actually picked out the shower curtain. It ties everything together. The one element we are missing is a mirror. We're having a problem finding the right one. Let's hope Hobby Lobby has one, because the 11x14 setting on the counter isn't cuttin' it!