Fall Fun

A few weeks before Halloween we went to pumpkin farm, called Devine Acres, about 45 minutes away. They had a huge variety of activities for the kids. We actually never got around to picking a pumpkin because we had so much fun doing everything else.

The girls loved running around the maze. It ended up being a pretty warm day, so I felt bad that I had dressed the girls in long sleeves. They were quite hot after running through the maze. They didn't even cheat and climb over the bales until we were on the way out. Mostly, Brandon and I were tired of going back and forth and figured the kids wouldn't mind if we lifted them over a few bales of hay.

They made it to the mountain in the middle! The kids are so lucky to have such a fun dad.

They had a little catch and release fishing pond with lots of tiny little fish. We didn't catch anything with our bits of corn, but the girls loved their first fishing trip with dad. And they could see the fish attack the bait.

The girls favorite part, by far, was petting the goats, pig, and llama. We actually went there first and they didn't want to leave. They both threw little fits, but we were able to distract them. I used to LOVE pettng zoos too, so I know where they get the fascination with animals. Wait, who am I kidding, I STILL love petting zoos.
Kiersten especially liked this pig. She would scoop up dirt and try to feed it to him. He didn't seem too interested.

Kaitlin may look a little standoffish here, but she was running from goat to goat petting and hugging them. She begged us to bring one home for her, and I think Brandon would have if our rental agreement allowed. Seriously.
Kaitlin asks us for a new animal several times a week. Just last week she asked for a kitten, puppy, duck, and a goat. I think we may end up living on a farm.

The last thing we did was play on a big playground they had under some old oak trees. We really needed the shade and the girls loved playing in the sand.

Kiersten also experimented climbing up the rope ladder. She kept on getting stuck, but as soon as she got down, up she'd go again.

It was so much fun spending time together as a family and enjoying the fall spirit. We're excited to go again next year. We didn't have time to go on the hayride, make little crafts, and do all of the other activities.

Catching Up

I know that it's been forever since I last posted pics, so I thought that I'd do a little catch up. (Ok, it's really a lot of catch up).

We loved having Uncle Michael stay with us during the ADA Conference. Dallin sure loves his uncle.

I tried taking a picture with all of the kids about a week after Dallin was born, and this was the best one I could get. Admittedly, I didn't try very long, but I could tell that things weren't going to get any better(:

This is Dallin at 1 week. The shorts were WAY to big on him, but it's a cute outfit that says "My Daddy Loves Me." Very true. Our neighbor gave us this super-soft and cuddly blue bear. The girls love cuddling with it almost as much as I do.

Dallin Creg Kofford

For all of you who were wondering what we named our little boy, we decided on:

Dallin Creg Kofford

Dallin: from the Dale (dweller of the valley); Brandon's Dad's name is Dale
Creg: rugged rock; Marian's Dad's name is Creg
Kofford: Seems like a good way to end a good name (:

Dallin is a wonderful little boy who just learned last night that nightime is for sleeping. So, now I am very happy and well rested. The girls adore him and love to talk to him and share their toys. We've quickly learned that we can't leave him alone within reach of the girls even for a few seconds because they love to put blankets on him, take off his little hat, or even pick him up. Luckily, they are always as gentle as they know how to be(:

Grandma Ostler was here for the week and we had soooo much fun together. The girls loved playing games, reading stories, getting surprises, and going shopping with her. I really enjoyed having my mom here since we don't live close enough to see each other very often. We also had a blast just spending time together talking. We were sad to see her go today.

Here are Kaitlin and Kiersten with their "Catcher Buggies" from Grandma. They loved to run around the backyard looking for bugs to catch. The funny thing is that they came in and out of the house so much that I think most of the flies ended up inside.

Baby Boy!!

Well for all those who doubted I had any evidence of Y chromosomes, I present to you "Exhibit A". Born today, October 6, 2008 at 1442 an 8 lbs, 21 inch baby boy has finally come to our family. In instances such as this, it is definitely "better late than never!" Enjoy these pictures. Marian is going to be so mad that I post pictures of her, but I do it to show you all how incredible she is to be smiling and laughing and cheerful even during and after labor and delivery. So enjoy the pictures before Marian makes me take them down.

Before delivery, but well into labor, she's all smiles! I love my beautiful, happy wife.

After Delivery!! She didn't even break a sweat! She's amazing!

He sure was upset to come out of Mommy's comortable womb. Hope to make it worth his while.

What wonderful sisters. A lucky boy to have such good sisters.

A full head of hair!

Daddy couldn't be more proud of his son. A welcome addition to our growing family.

White Dogs Can JUMP!

Whoever let this dog out of their family is crazy! He's so cool. He's got hops--check it out!

It's About Time

Now that we're in a house that will allow pets, there wasn't any resisting. Marian started looking at dogs online at some of the local shelters, and this one looked perfect. We went out to look at him just for fun, but couldn't resist! He is perfect. Two years old and already potty-trained, doesn't bark, sleeps in the pantry all night without accident and without a sound. He is so well-mannered around the girls and loves to play. He doesn't jump on anyone or the couches. When I say a perfect dog, I mean a perfect dog. He was sent from the pound to a no-kill shelter and thank goodness, because he really belongs in our family. His name is Dreamer, how appropriate for our family!

First Hula-Hoop Lessons

So, we have some really great neighbors--JD and Jo Anne. They love spoiling all of us. JD is a great RC Airplane pilot and is teaching me. Here you see him teaching Kaitlin another one of his favorite past times.

Earlier this past week our friends Jake, Sabrina, Gage, and Molly arrived in town. They live so close, we can walk to their home in just a few minutes. Jake and Sabrina were hard at work moving their furniture into their home and Marian and I played with the kids. We walked to their house and played with their dogs, but when it was time to walk back, Kaitlin and Gage were too tired. Thank goodness our double stroller has a four child capacity!

We let the girls decorate our family room, hence the huge climber toy in the middle of the room. How's that for interior decorating?!