This is All I've Got. .

 

We really did have more adventures than this one pumpkin carving event. But, on our camping trip, our camera was left outside and got steadily rained on all night long. . .that is until I awoke with a start at 3am and remembered it was out there. Alas, 'twas too late. I got it to turn on again and it took these pictures before its ultimate demise. But, at this point it was in its death throes and the screen had already bid farewell. So, I had to use the obscure little viewfinder. . not sure why they even have these anymore, and did my best to estimate where Daman's head would be in the shop.

Still, this was a very cool pumpkin and Daman rigged up (he is a superstar rigger) a hanging shelf for it to perch on. Of course it rotted long before Halloween, but it was worth it.

We had a really fun "Cul-De-Sac" carnival as well. We did face painting, popped balloons, and Daman rigged up (I told you) a cool cookie on a string activity. It was great fun. We are so grateful to have a fun neighborhood and are trying to actively build friendships and community. Those things get the shaft these days sometimes.

Camping Again.

Ahh. . it was good to go camping again. We used to go so often when we lived in Virginia. But, that was before Daman worked insane hours with troubled youth and I worked regular hours with crazy teenagers. But, we are determined to make camping a part of our family culture, so flawed as our camping trips might be, they are going to happen at least. For this adventure, we just camped out in the back acres of a friend who has 12 acres a few miles away. We threw everything together really fast, so we weren't as prepared as we usually are. But, the essentials were present: Parents, Children, Dog, and Smores.

 S'mores with Style.

 (Isaac wanted me to take a picture of him "falling" into the fire)

 I'm not sure why we choose to eat the messiest desert on earth at times when it is almost impossible to get clean.

 Isaac and his peace pipe.

 After the girls went to bed, Isaac stayed up nursing his own personal fire. It took him about an hour, but he finally got one going on his own! My heart is so happy when I see my kids enjoying nature.

My heart is also happy when I get to camp with this hot fella.

 

It started to rain shortly after we went to bed and our tent leaked. I never sleep well camping, but drips on the face don't help. My dream is to live on lots of acreage so that someday we can go camping on our own land, with a fire pit and all the trimmings, but then I get to hike back and sleep in my own bed. I love everything about camping. . except the sleeping.

BOBCAT!!

Isaac has started cub scounts and has earned his first level: Bobcat. He is doing great! I am thrilled to be a scout mom. I've got my eye on the eagle, I'm ready to sell popcorn, and on my honor will do my best to drive him to scout camp, hound/nag/encourage him for projects. . . and live by the scout law.

 Isaac: taking this seriously. Jack: posing for my picture.

 Rebecca Williams is a great, loving, enthusiastic Cub Scout Leader!

 Who is this young man and what has he done to my baby boy?!?!?!?

 This was an odd part. They had the tradition of turning the boys upside down while we pin on his new patch. And then, as Isaac was pinning me with his Bobcat pin, everyone was shouting, "Draw blood!" I had a little chat the leader after the meeting about the appropriateness of that chant. . . After all, I'm a scout mom now--I can handle that sort of confrontation. Do I get a badge for that?

Shy girls

I have got to figure out a way to get Lucy and Emma to get over this fear of getting their picture taken. . .

 

Look at these lovelies. I am a lucky mama.



Who needs a field?

We've discovered a much less stressful way to practice soccer. Poor minivan mothers, dragging kids to multiple fields/games/practices a week. Isaac has started a soccer training camp for his little sisters. Not sure how six weeks of soccer when he was six qualifies him as coach, but you'd think he was training a world cup team the way he gives tips and inspiring speeches. The girls love it.

 

Some action shots: