Looking Back....

Looking back at the month of October brings a wave of emotions...the highs - the lows, the laughter and the tears.  So much happened during that month that I think it will probably take me the entire month trying to recapture every moment.  The beginning of the month began with sorrow and tears as we grieved the loss of our dear Grandma who went to be with the Lord!

When you think of what a Grandma is and how you would define them that would probably sum up mine.  She was everything that I could have imagined a Grandma to be and even more.  I find peace in the fact that when she left this world, she left it living a full life and feeling incredibly loved...and at Heaven's gates, she was not only met by our Savior but by our friends and family who were waiting for her with open arms.

I wish more than anything that my kids would have been able to have the memories with her that I grew up with, but for now, until they see her again, their memories will be my memories...which will be with me forever until I can see her again!

The fun continues....

I feel like a broken record when I continually comment on our family time...but it really is a blessing.  It has been so nice having my hubby walk in the door at 11:30 in the morning (and no, that doesn't happen everyday but hey he has earned this time)!!!  It is even nicer when we are hitting the beach shortly after....Nate continues to do the surfing thing....

(This is Coop's new smile...the "I am in pain because my mom is constantly taking pictures")

 while the boyz continue with sport of jumping waves...but now they have their dad involved too..there is a definite skill involved...you have to wait for the perfect wave...

and if that takes too long... there is always the option of pushing your dad into the water!

Don't worry Nate got them back...

Being on the East Coast has also giving us the opportunity to be near family and friends.  Our friends Elaine and Caleb came for a couple of days...just long enough to get her hooked on Twilight!!

We were also able to go see our Superstar Sister-in Law/Sister/Aunt Julie play field hockey in Maryland...where I might add she scored the winning goal in overtime!!!

(No the foam thing is not a fashion statement, she was hit by a field hockey ball in a previous game -it did make her look even tougher though)

This may come as a shock but there are actual days we do not hit the beach!  Much to my hubby's dismay there is great shopping here..not just clothing but craft stores...which the boyz and I love doing together! Here is our latest project...

Even though we miss everyone and everything back home... I think I am going to continue to soak up the family time here!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game....(Tee-Ball to be Exact)

Take me out to the ball game

Take me out to the crowd

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks

(so more like Capri-Suns and crackers)

We don't care if we ever get back

Oh its root, root, root for the home team

If they don't win it's a shame

For it's 1.....

2....

3...

Strikes you're out

(not really - but for the record he hit the ball the first time each time he was up to bat)

At the old ball game!!!

Soccer..More Soccer and A little bit of Pig Picking!

I love fall..not only because it is the beginning of a new school year but it also signals the start of fall sports!  We were thrilled to find out that there was actually a league for Cooper - he even had his choice of tee-ball or soccer!  Connor chose tee-ball and Cooper was all about soccer!  Why wouldn't he though..he has been patiently standing on the side lines for two seasons cheering on his brother waiting for his turn!
Friday night we started the soccer season off right by going to watch my sister-in-law's boyfriend play! He plays for the defending NCAA champions, Messiah College!  With homemade shirts on we were ready to cheer our favorite player on!

And he did not let us down... he scored the goal to put the game into overtime (which they won)!

Our boyz are crazy about him!  I would say our family definitely gives him ......

The next day was Coop's turn..after getting some pointers after watching Geoff, he was ready to go!

Nate was drafted to coach on Cooper's field so he gave Coop some expert advice on what to do!

It worked because Coop was off with one thing on his mind...he wanted to SCORE!!

And he did, not just once but twice!!!  The only thing he needs to work on????  Not crying after someone else scores...on his team!!

I wonder where he gets that competitive edge to him...must be from his Dad!!!!

Later that day we went to a community Pig Picking!  It was great food,

great entertainment,

and even better memories...because we were together!

It's a New School Year for the Boyz!

This day couldn't have come soon enough...mom was ready and the boyz were too!!!  Each morning the past few weeks, Cooper would wake up and ask if he was going to school, and today I could finally say, YES!!!!

Connor was sooo excited about going to his new school today!  When he came out of his room all ready to go he told me with his cool guy kindergarten tone, "Mom, I look so good for my first day of Kindergarten!"  I mean seriously - how can you dispute that one????

Cooper quickly followed with, "Do I Mom????"  Of course you do buddy!!

The boyz were ready to go.. Star Wars backpacks and lunch-bags in hand....(thanks Nana and Papa)

Connor was the first to be dropped off....we walked him into the entry way of the school and one of the teachers asked him if he wanted her to walk him to his class.."That's okay," he said (with his cool guy tone again) "I know the way!"  And with a pound from each of us....he was on his way!

Cooper was next, and it went about the same way.....he couldn't get to the table fast enough with the puzzles!  I am sure they both had a good cry when we left!!!

For Nate and I we were both excited for the boyz and their new school year... I mean how could you not with smiles like this on the first day of school....

Baby Bentley!

Last week we finally were able to go and meet our new nephew / cousin Bentley!  I must say he is by far the most beautiful and definitely my favorite nephew on the Barton side!

The boyz were equally excited to meet him and brought along some of their favorite toys and books to give him!

Connor brought a book for Bentley and couldn't wait to read it to him...well more like show him the pictures!

Of course it was great to see Michel and Jess...

but the highlight was definitely this beautiful baby boy!!

At the end of the month, I am going to take care of him for the weekend...don't be surprised if I bring him back home with me!!!  SHHHH....don't tell Jess and Michel!

Different views of Kindergarten Orientation

Today we went and met Connor's Kindergarten teacher!  I loved everything about it... she was absolutely adorable and the room set up was just like I imagined it would be...perfect for our son's first elementary school experience. 
After being in the room for ten minutes, I turned to Nate and said, "Oh my gosh this is .."
"I know madness!" As he looked around the room.
"NO! SO MUCH FUN!"