Amidst the chaos of autumn, it’s been awhile since we’ve had friends over.  Sunday presented a perfect opportunity for just that. I was having a day of mini sessions, and some friends that we haven’t seen in quite some time were making a bit of a drive to come to their mini.  Because the shooting location was so close to our house, we invited them over for dinner after, and we realized just how much we missed them after a couple of hours of catching up.  Our kiddos had a blast together, and of course as is the tradition, the gigantic costume bin made it’s way out of storage.  Everyone loves the costume bin!

This past weekend, Brayden also had a friend sleepover.  Luckily, they are both kind kids at heart, and they didn’t mind including Carter in the fun, which we are thankful for.  It’s hard for a little brother to not feel included–and Carter’s feelings get hurt pretty easily.  They stuffed their faces with pizza, chocolate chip pancakes and played chess, legos and Wii until they were blue in the face.  Of course, Carter is now asking when it’s his turn to have a friend sleep over. . . in a couple more years buddy!

Last night, after a long day, we took the kids to the Y to swim.  The two older boys were thankful that I tagged along, even if I didn’t actually get in the pool.  James never gets to go in with them when he takes the kids by himself because he has to be with Sawyer in the little splash area.  But having me there meant I got to take over that job–in addition to the hundred pictures I took (people probably thought I was nuts).  Who brings a camera into the pool at the Y?  And then the older kiddos got their daddy for awhile in the water, which they soaked right up.  And Sawyer?  What a character.  That boy was a maniac. . . walking right into the streams of water on purpose and sticking his face in them.  He was definitely cracking me up.

Busy, busy these days.  But always trying to fit in quality family time too 🙂