No School Thursday

It was a gray, rainy, no school day. Decided to take the kids out for lunch, a little shopping, and a trip to the donut shop. While at the Goodwill we found plenty of treasures to spend our money on, especially books. Cael somehow was attracted to a mop that folded and would use it as a grabbing device on his brothers and sister. I asked him to put it away several times, but with no luck. My frustration came to its boiling point when Brecon pushed Cael's mop into a shelf almost breaking several glasses on display. I could tell a worker was not pleased with the childish antics and we quickly made our exit from the store. Our next stop at the dollar tree proved to be a little more exciting. Nothing broken, just plenty of goodies that everyone wanted to buy. Brecon was being very kind and wanted to buy a treat for his brother Connor with his own money. We are having many discussions about earning and spending money, I find it interesting to see our conversations be put into action. It is easy to spend our money, but harder to earn more. I hope these lessons about our finances encourage my children to be wise stewards over their money throughout their lives.

I began reading HG Wells "The Time Machine". It is very interesting to begin these literary classics I was forced to read in high school. Hoping I can understand and appreciate them more than I did back then.

BRECONs 1st grade party

Brecon was walking out the door in his normal clothes when I suddenly remembered it was a cowboy dress-up day for his grade. Luckily, having cowboy clothes on hand is second nature to the Platt's. We grabbed a shirt, hat, bandana, and this guy was ready to go!

All the first graders were in the multi-purpose room in circles for the dance. After they did it, the parents were asked to join in on the fun. We had a fun time shouting "YEE-haw!" slapping our knees, and going circles. Favorite time was raising our arms in the middle- says Brecon.

Mrs. Smith's First Grade Class gets a little crazy in their cowboy outfits 

Brecon  looked especially good later that evening at the hospital. We were getting our flu shots as a family. Now that is one handsome looking cowboy!

Birthday boy CONNOR!

I brought in Mario cupcakes for Connor's birthday treat at school. The kids thought they were pretty cool, especially to find sprinkles inside that would help them grow bigger, just like on Super Mario Bros. Brielle ended up licking the frosting off of several cupcakes before the day was through. I know that Cael and Brecon appreciated having a little cupcake, just not one without the frosting.

As a treat, we brought in mustaches for the class to wear. These kids looked so great and especially grown up with the dark facial hair. It was hilarious!

Carson, Connor, and Braxton pose for a quick picture together and their awesome mustaches

When we opened presents, everyone was excited. More Legos and cool toys from the grandmas, cereal and books from friends and family. What a lucky- Happy Birthday BOY!

MONSTER DASH 5K

Trunk or Treat

We got all dressed up for our chili dinner and trunk or treat with members from our  branch- Cael looked really great dressed up as Jack frost, Brecon in his Ironman costume for the fourth year in a row, Connor as Spiderman going on two years, and Brielle as a West Point cheerleader. We had a white hairspray from six years ago and used that on Cael to give him the frosty appearance. I guess I sprayed a little too close to his scalp- it remained white for a bout a week. 

The dinner was delicious, plenty of tasty soups to try. It's always nice to enjoy dinner without having to cook. Good friends to talk to you and great support from dear friends from church.

Time Out for Women

We found this cute lion on our walk Saturday afternoon. It was hard to find a place without a really long line to eat some food. We finally got sandwiches at a bagel shop which was so delicious. And then I made everyone take a picture in front of this blue painted horse.

we are having so much fun!

I had such a great time going away for a Friday and Saturday trip to Saratoga Springs, New York. It was a good thing to look forward to, especially since Ben had just left on Monday. These women are incredible, The messages were very uplifting and inspiring. We even had a fun sleepover, restaurants, and a little road trip.

I was so grateful for my friends who could watch my kids while I went away. I sure have some great people in my life. Feeling very blessed.

THE BLAZE

Everyone told us we needed to go to the blaze. We bought the tickets and thought it would be a great activity to bring the whole family to, plus my mother after she had spent the whole week watching the kids for us. Little did we know that Ben would be gone! His flight left early in the morning. It was a strange day, but we kept our plans and just went without using one of our tickets.

We were quite shocked at how much an adult ticket cost, as well as a child's price to enter this historical event.

Walking through there were pumpkins everywhere, carved in so many different ways and many different faces. We got there at dusk and were able to see an overall view of the area, which was nice. As it continued to grow darker and darker it became easier to lose the children while walking around the property. We had the boys hold hands with either me or grandma. Briel thought it was funny to run off at different times.

this was a huge spiderweb made out of pumpkins, and hundreds of pumpkin spiders all over the ground. It was pretty creepy!

The boys were starting to get tired near the end. I couldn't get them to stand up straight or smile for the camera.

I guess it's different when grandma is in the picture with you. Cael and Connor were more cooperative.

I don't think we were super impressed – with the cost and what we saw. I can see why it is a fundraiser, but I wish I had known that before we had purchased our tickets. To all the people who say "you must go to the blaze", I'd say to them don't waste your time... Both my mother and I agreed.

At least we had something to do for our family home evening night that Ben left