I took many pictures for Halloween but this is by far my favorite. 

She was a gnome. We had the plan for a while but never got around to putting anything together.

I gave Scott the task of putting it together. I gave him the parts and told him to make it work.

He did! She was the most adorable yard ornament I've ever had!

Alaska

6:00pm

Her Aunt Amber gave her this darling outfit for her birthday. 

She loves it and I thought she looked pretty darn cute!

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9:00am

Cassi and her very best friend, Caleigh at our annual trip to the Hay Maze.

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5:00pm

Scott accidentally threw something he needed into the dumpster so he had to go in and get it.

It cracked me up and at the same time reminded me of my Grandpa Noel.

He used to get things out of the dumpsters and give them to the poor people in the area he lived in. 

Scott didn't think it was as funny as I did when I snapped his picture!

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11:00am

The last game of Cori's voleyball season.
They all dressed up- shirts made by Scott and I- it was Senior Day.
This was the gangsta pose!
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2:00pm

Cori found these two pictures and showed Cali. 

Cali thinks they look identical!
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12:00

Woot, Woot! Cassi made the "A" team!

It's her first time ever trying out for basketball.

So proud of her and happy for her!

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7:30am

Still sick.:(

Snuggled up in all those blankets, she looks so tiny!

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9:30am

A little friend gave her a fort making kit for her birthday. 

We kept her home from school with a horrid cough so we set up the fort over the kitchen table.

It was a fun distraction and a great place to catch a mid morning nap.

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11:00am

All them Holmes girls, what are we gonna do with 'em!

So stinkin' cute I say!

They make my heart sing!

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3:00pm

Cali had a surprise birthday party at the pool. 

There weren't a ton of kids there but she had a great time just the same. 

In fact, I'd tell you I thought it was the most relaxing party we'd ever had with the kids.

I'm glad we pulled it off and she finally got to have a party this year. 

It was a great group of kids and was really fun!

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5:00pm

That's my girl, 

so excited to be 8 years old and getting her own little laptop for her birthday!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

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7:15am

This picture reminds me of a painting. 

It's the most beautiful picture I've taken in weeks. 

I didn't have my good camera with me so I snapped this with the iPhone.

What an amazing fall sunset!

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7:00PM

Cali had a sharing night at school.

She was really proud of all the Eric Carle work they did!

She is certainly following in the footsteps of her sisters

 and seems to be doing exceptionally well in school!

Alaska 

7:00PM

The freezer died and everything in it was a stinky wet mess.

There was just enough snow on the ground to use a sled to slide it around to the dumpster 

in the front yard which we still have due to the flood in the crawl space.

It's been a challenging month! Ugh!

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2:00pm

Cori received a ticket to see Shrek for her birthday. 

It also happens to be what we gave Gigi for her birthday.

The rest of us had other obligations and couldn't go.

I hear it was a fantastic show!

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2:00pm

This my friends, is called a scorpion. It's what cheerleaders do, wherever they go.

Even outside the target on your way to the car. :)

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1:30pm

I love the way the house looks in the late hours with the soft glow 

from the windows while the moon dances over head.

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11:00pm

It was Cassi's night to sing!

She had a solo and sang so beautifully it brought tears to my eyes!

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7:00pm

Kinley's first trip to the veterinarian. 

She got her shots and we scheduled her to be s-p-a-y-e-d..

Shhh, I don't think she understands yet!

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11:00am

Cori's first choir concert as a Freshman.

She made the borough Honor Choir- She looks beautiful in Red!

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6:00pm

Cali decided yesterday that she would like to be a tattoo artist when she grows up.

I'm her first customer. She drew it out on paper first then went to work. 

You can see her drawing in front of her. She is taking this fairly serious;

if you see her coming at you with sharpies, you better run. You've been warned.

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2:00pm

 An absolutely beautiful drive home from Anchorage today!

We really needed it considering the drive up was ridiculously turbulent 

with all the rain that caused never-ending hydroplaning and jerking from side to side. 

I couldn't have been more grateful for clear blue skies!

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2:30pm

Seriously great Mom moment. 

We were on our way to Anchorage 

when we passed the convenience store we always stop at for ice cream.

 It was early and the girls cried, "Can we get ice cream?".

I jerked in and said "Yes!"  They were shocked and amazed. :)

I told them when they decided (in the near future- I'm sure) that I was a mean mom, 

they had to remember I GAVE THEM ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST! 

And one day, when their kids asked them for the same thing, 

they had to promise me they would say yes! :)

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9:00am

I can only recall one time Cassi missed going to the airport to see her Daddy off.

Even though today was an early morning departure she wasn't missing this one.
 I think being tired made her extra weepy.

She had a hard time with him leaving this time. :(

PS- Don't tell her I posted this picture, she'd be mad right now. 

I took the chance knowing someday she will treasure looking back on these days. 

That girl sure loves her Daddy!

I'm a very lucky Mom. 

When Cori goes away on sports trips and what-not, 

she checks in often and most of the time, I end up getting really silly pictures like these!

These are two of her volleyball friends. It's comforting knowing she is having a great time!

Love my girls!

Scott's last day home and he is judging lines for Cori's volleyball game.

Go Kenai!

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3:30pm

I went up to bed late and found the Boogie Man sleeping on my pillow...again. 

He is SO rotten!

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11:45pm