Fall in the South

Fall is in full swing here in the south.  Our hot humid days have been replaced by cooler dryer days most of the time.  The leaves are starting to turn now too.  I can't wait to see how beautiful it is when all the trees are in full color.  The kids are just finishing up their first term at school and can I say proudly that this has been our best school year yet.  The kids grades are better than they have ever been.  Maybe we are just in a honeymoon stage, but I'm pleased, none the less, with how well they have done at their new schools.

Katya is absolutely loving softball.  She has improved dramatically over the past month.  She went from struggling to hit the ball, to hitting to first and getting out, to getting on base and now she can hit it into the outfield and has 2 homeruns.  You should see the smile on her face when she scores.  Softball has kept us very busy to say the least, but the smile on her face makes every hour worth it.  She even was awarded the game ball for 3 hits (1 being a homerun) great fielding and almost catching a fly ball.

Kyler is preparing for her Christmas concert with her choir.  She is learning a lot of songs to sing.  From what I have heard so far they are very sweet Christmas songs based only on the Savior's birth.  She was awarded the Respect the Mill award at school.

Gammon is working hard at learning his ABC's.  He knows how to spell his name and can now recognize half of the alphabet.  His writing skills are improving too.  He loves his little playgroup that we go to once a week.  We pack up a lunch (like the big kids) and he just can't wait to eat so he always eats early on those days.  (As soon as we get to the park 10:30.)

We took a walk and collected these leaves to make this fall picture.

Only when you have sisters.

Hodson is at a very funny stage right now.  He likes to be the entertainer and everyone obliges.  He has all the neighborhood kids wrapped around his little finger.  He is happy to have the swing set installed and has mastered climbing up the slide.

It's safe to say we like chocolate pudding.

Daniel has an awesome scout leader and is working hard toward his Arrow of Light.  He loves scouts and has some really good friends there.  He will go to middle school with many of the them.  He is working hard in school and as he says, "Going above and Beyond."

Brigham also is enjoying scouts.  He loves going on camp outs and stays up way to late, comes home completely exhausted and is useless to us the rest of the day.  Both he, Daniel and Kyler have been great sports during this softball season by babysitting while Joseph and I both got to Katya's games.

All of the kids are working toward good grades to earn a night out to dinner with mom and dad.  Each child has different goals based on their strengths and abilities.  Unfortunately only one of them appears to be making it so far, but the challenge has made them give more effort in their school work.

Life around here got busier earlier this month when I was released as RS pianist and called as the RS 1st counselor.  I am over Additional meetings.  I look forward to the challenge of bringing more sisters out to these meetings.  In the past they have average around 12 sisters.  We have 23 signed up for this Thursday's activity and so I am hopeful to see some changes.

Joseph will end his Early Morning seminary assignment this week.  We are looking forward to a little extra sleep, and he is looking forward to serving in just one calling.  He has enjoyed it though and I know he will miss it.

This past month we had a ward activity at Stone Mountain.  A very popular tourist place.  IF any of you ever come and visit we will be sure to take you there.  It will help you with your claustrophobia from all the trees.