October

While Rooke was meeting with his peer group from youth group, we went for an evening walk around the capitol with the girls.  As we walked, the girls asked Ryan what exactly a lawyer does.  It was sweet to hear him explaining his profession on the steps of the Senate building!

Bridgette and one of her best buddies, Ruth, decided it would be fun to have a Fall Feast for our families.  They planned out the menu, decorated the table, and made sure everything was in order for a perfect morning brunch feast. 

After brunch, the older sisters took the stage with the first reading of their much anticipated novel.  They read all 12 chapters with enthusiasm and great character voices.  

The photos I find on my phone!

Happy Birthday, Ryan!  

Angela took off for a couple nights of girl time in Charleston.  The weather was perfect!  The fellowship was even better.

Ryan and Rooke joined men from our church for one night of camping.  The next day, the girls and I drove out to meet our guys and camp together for one night as a family.    

She loves writing stories!

Bridgette loves getting in the mix with the football

Aunt Vallerie and Uncle Steve have been leading Art Class on Friday afternoons.  The kids are having a blast, and creating some amazing things!

At the end of the month, we received a special visit from the Swisher family.  We've known the Swishers since living in China, and they have been loyal friends to visit us in the many different places we've lived.  

Bridgette and Jacob had fun scarmbling around on the playground  

The Swishers helped make Halloween much more fun this year since our normal plans were canceled.  They brought fun costumes and game ideas, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed

I made my traditional tomato cheese soup and bread to keep everyone warm

Gretchen dressed up as a Starbucks Frappacino

Bridgette really wanted to be a cheerleader

And Rooke played the role of middle school boy perfectly, not wanting to dress up, participating in some of the games, and gladly eating the candy!

September

September started with a much anticipated camping trip to West Virginia.  We planned to go for three nights, and made the trip despite forecast of rain.  We can't wait to return to this beautifully remote campground.  Tent camping continues to be a family favorite.

Heavy fog settled in both days we'd planned to drive up to the highest point in W. Virginia.  Thankfully, while hiking around, the clouds parted and we caught glimpses of the gorgeous views.

Packed up and heading home, with a stop at the Dolly Sods to catch more views of West Virginia's beauty

Happy Birthday Uncle Steve!  We celebrated this special guy with BBQ and german chocolate cake on the deck he built for us

Apple picking!

Neighborhood walks with friends

This is why I continue to make family photo books

After months of waiting, Gretchen finally switched out her earrings for the first time, trying out a pair her brother gave her on her birthday

Our first taste of a local favorite: Rita's did not disappoint

We held another family reading challenge this summer.  We upped the number of collective pages we hoped to read, and decided our prize would be a day spent at The Museum of the Bible, including a meal in the restaurant.  

Back to school!  How did we make it to seventh, fifth, and third grades?!  We're thankful for our homeschool co-op that meets two days a week, and the parents on the board who worked tirelessly to make it possible for us to meet in person.  I took on the role of the second grade tutor this year, which means I get to be with my kids at co-op, experiencing the learning in community.

Ending the month with a donut date with Dad