Veteran's Day at School

Tuck was honored at the Veteran's Day program that was held at the kids' school last Friday. This is a picture of Tuck, Lainey, and Walker that was taken in Colorado two summers ago. ;)

The first graders had a performance to honor our veterans. Walker wasn't all that thrilled about singing - in his words, "I don't even know how the songs go. I'm just going to move my mouth like this." (And then he opened and closed his mouth multiple times without saying anything.) 

He seemed content at times.

And a little less-than-content at other times.

Ha! I absolutely caught him smiling.

 The first graders did great. Walker was glad that I attended the performance, and I'm glad that he participated and even smiled a little bit. :) We're proud of you, Walker! :)

Adrenaline Convention / Competition

Lainey, dancing onstage in "America" 

(That is her in front!)

Probably my most favorite picture of ALL time.

Lainey, dancing onstage during "Boy Bye"

(She's in front, on our right; her sweatshirt says "PETTY.")

All-in and full-out.

Lainey later reported that she got a cramp when performing this piece. :) Ha!

Such sass. I'm so grateful that this attitude stays onstage. For the most part. :)

"Hero"

(front left)

Zander and Lainey

 Lainey's on the left.  :)

Lainey with her "trusted companion"...her sock monkey unicorn, who was given to her as a gift last year at this convention. Her big sis Maggie (from last year) made it! And it is still one of Lainey's most treasured possessions.

Friends hanging out during the break between classes.

This is a great group of girls!

(Elle, Allyson, Lainey, Anna, Asena, and Mia)

being silly before taking the stage

Lainey won a partial scholarship for next year's convention and earned an invitation to compete at their National Convention this summer. (We will not be doing that but we're excited to have a break on next year's registration fee to this convention!)

While Lainey danced, Walker spent some time at Emmy's. :)

The bubbles devoured him. :)

Just proof that Reagan is still alive and well. :) She misses Ben when he's not home!

A close-up of the cute, sleepy doggy. It's hard work protecting our family.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween party with the Cox family :)

(Walker was a skeleton...he's now been a "skeleton" for four of the past seven Halloweens!)

Lainey the bride, just finishing her dinner before going trick-or-treating

Walker's shadow gives him some "depth"! :)

Nicco is on Walker's right...I'm so sad because I had a cute picture of Walker and all of his neighborhood buddies and I cannot find it anywhere. I must have deleted it by accident! :( Anyway, Walker loves his neighborhood friends - Nicco and Dominic, and Daniel, David, and Tim.

Walker refused to let Lainey put her arm around him (even though she tried, repeatedly).

our sweet bride :)

I can't wait to show her this picture in 20 years. :) 

I realized that Lainey and Morgan have been trick-or-treating together since Lainey was 4 and Morgan was 5 (they are now 8 and 9). It's become a tradition! 

at Morgan's house...examining the candy

So pretty! :) 

*****

I hope everyone had a fun, safe, and successful Halloween!