Pumpkin carving and Patch

I am really sad to think that this may be the last year that I have a child go on a Pumpkin Patch/Orchard field trip. Although, I will admit, that after going to the patch at LEAST 20 times over the past 15 years, I am quite knowledgeable of all things pumpkins!! I was actually teaching on the day that Nolan went, so Tim stepped up and went! YAY for Daddy!! I was a little worried, because of all the pictures I take all year, the orchard pics are one of my FAVS!! I wasn't sure if Tim would be able to catch the memories the way that I would! But as usual, he didn't let me down!! His pictures turned out AWESOME and I have to admit that the above picture is BETTER than anything I have ever taken!! I mean seriously??!! No editing or lighting for it and it is simply AMAZING!! Maybe I will turn the camera over to Tim from here on out.

The HUGE slide that is a must for all creatures big or small!

In the hay maze!

King(and Queen) of the Hay!!

Cool play ground!

Climbing the wall!

Another big slide!

How cool to masquerade this gas tank as an ear of corn!! Not sure if Nolan needs to go potty or if he is posing and being studly??

Which one to choose!? Tim said that Nolan was very disappointed that all the "big" pumpkins were gone!

Nolan and buddy Chandler drinking apple cider and eating cinnamon/pumpkin spice doughnut!

Always the highlight of the trip for me!!

Nolan, Chandler, and Caleb on the hayride!

His class! I thought it was really cute how the little girls are surrounding my little handsome guy!!

Unfortunately, my older kids weren't home for the carving of the pumpkins. I think it bothered me more so than them. :(

She always likes to pretend she is eating the goop inside!

So intense!!

Trying very hard to clean it all out!

GOT IT!!

I LOVE FALL and my family!!

Smart Kiddos

Every year the kids take state tests in different subjects. The KCCT(Kentucky Core Contents Test) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by each grade by the state of KY. The scores are ranked in 4 levels, novice, apprentice, proficient, and distinguished. Proficient is what the state wants every student to achieve. Distinguished is the highest level that students can achieve. Last year Kami was tested in reading and math, she earned proficient in math, and distinguished in reading!! YAY! Coltin was also tested in math and reading, and scored distinguished in BOTH!! Tim and I are so blessed to have such smart children! The schools have a nice awards ceremony and recognize the kids who earned the top two scores! Since Coltin earned Distinguished in both areas, he not only was recognized but we was also given a basket of goodies AND an ID card with his picture on it that gets him into ANY high school or middle school function/sporting events FREE!!

Kami's school also provided the students and parents a nice breakfast after the ceremony.
The awards day also happened to be "my school is a class act school" day and all the children were given the opportunity to dress "classy". Nolan took this VERY serious and was quick to put on his Sunday best!!

Kami and her BF Peyton! Peyton also scored proficient and was recognized!!

Coltin had been saving his money to purchase a PS 3 system, and Tim and I decided to contribute the last $50 he needed to buy it as a reward from us!

Coltin, Maci, and Valerie scored distinguished in all areas! These guys are also BFF!