Jon-
Jon has been busy staining our deck the last few weeks! We decided we wanted it done before winter and had a company come and give us a quote on how much to get it done. The quote was $1500 and we decided we just couldn't stomach it and Jon convinced himself it wouldn't be too bad to just do it himself. Well, I think he definitely changed his mind about how bad it was going to be because it took a LOT of time in the freezing weather and wind and seemed endless! He was finally able to finish it last weekend though and it looks great! In total, I think we spent like $150 on paint and supplies so we definitely saved a lot! Jon has also been busy with work and travel and planning audits. He spent 2 weeks in Brazil back in October. I think he would say it was pretty enjoyable overall. He was happy because it was a 3 week trip last year, but after talking to his boss and telling her that he felt like 3 weeks was just too long to be away from his family, they were super nice about cutting his time there down to 2 weeks. On his weekend there they drove and took a ferry to Ilhabela- an island there that looks really pretty from the pictures! It was fun but he got lots of bug bites! Jon's mom was able to come and stay with us for a few days while he was gone. The kids always love that and it helps distract them from missing dad so much! This week Jon is back in the Quad Cities working.
Me:
I've been running kids around and trying to keep everything together. We were convinced by several ward and neighborhood friends that we needed to get season passes to the local Orchard/Pumpkin patch. It definitely was the best deal if we thought we'd go more than once so we got them! We went several times, sometimes all, sometimes just me and the kids, and sometimes just me and the two youngest while the others were at school and work. The kids all had fun enjoying all the fall activities there!
I've been working and practicing a lot to get comfortable teaching my step classes! I've taught 2 classes and been super nervous for both but both seemed to go ok. After the last one, I was convinced that I messed up too many times, but ended up getting really good feedback so that was encouraging. For now it looks like I'll be teaching a couple Saturdays a month and the Fitness Director just asked if I'd split her Thursday class with her and teach every other Thursday. I really enjoy choreographing the routines and putting the music together! Hopefully the nerves go away soon!
It's been nice that when Jon isn't traveling, he is able to work from home once in awhile and so that let's me be able to go help with things at the kids' school. In September I was able to volunteer to run with the 2nd graders for their Jag Jog fundraiser. It was a 2 mile run- which I figured would be easy- until I got there and the gym teacher tells me I need to stay in front of all the kids the whole time. Ummmm....they sprinted like the whole time. I can run, not sprint. Needless to say I did NOT stay in front the whole time, and was out of breath by the end. Oh well!
October was busy getting ready for and going to two trunk or treats and then trick or treating, as well as a few Halloween parties, and Zach's birthday! We went to the Omaha Zoo over Zach's birthday weekend! It's definitely an awesome zoo just like I remember from that time driving out to Missouri! It was a little tricky with four young kids because their legs all got tired from walking and there are only 2 stroller seats. The indoor jungle was, once again, a favorite but we went during bat feeding time and there were bats swooping all over NOT IN CAGES, right next to our heads. It was 
. Overall, pretty good time though :)
Colton: Colton is doing pretty well with school this year. I just had his first PTC and it sounds like he still definitely needs reminders to focus and not get off task every now and then but he is overall doing pretty well! He is very smart and does very well in Math and loves Science and Art. He got a Grow Your Own Crystals kit from a friend when we moved last year and he reads and re-reads the book all the time, making plans for the experiments and then begging me to do them with him. I'll be honest, it's not my thing and I do not love it, but I love him and he gets really excited by them :) He has made a couple of good friends in the neighborhood that he plays with pretty often.
Katie: Katie is also doing really well in school. She loves everything about it and cries when doctor's appointments make her miss any of it. She loves to write and is always writing letters, books, and cards for people. Her collar bone is healing nicely, although at her check-up today the doctor said it would still be another month before she could go back to gymnastics. She wasn't too happy about that. She also has lots of friends and loves to play outside.
Zach: Zach turned FOUR and is getting to be such a big boy! He is super sweet and also a sneaky little devil at times. He is not so patiently waiting for the time he can go to school like Katie and Colton but we are trying to have fun here until then. We go to a toddler music class on Monday mornings with some mom's from both wards here. Every single time he complains about going but he always has fun once we get there. Silly kid. He is also a pretty good boy about going to the childwatch at the gym when I go and helping madi to be happy there too :)
Madi: Madi has a fiery little attitude most of the time. She wants what she wants and she likes to scream if she doesn't get it or if someone gets in her way. It's both obnoxious and adorable. She loves to be outside and is always bringing me her coat to ask me to take her out. She is obsessed with shoes and loves to wear them all the time, change pairs, and bring everyone in the family their shoes. She loves all her siblings but she LOVES Zach. She is so excited to see him every morning and is always hugging and kissing him and sitting and bouncing on him. Zach is a great sport with her and they just sit and giggle together quite a bit. I love it :)
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