Denver Zoo

 Every November we go to the Free Day at the Denver Zoo.  This year it was on a friday.  Totally better since Olivia has a half day of school.  We took her girlfriend Claire she has known for 3 years now.

 Can you see the turtles in this picture?

My favorite things about the Zoo's in Colorado are the hands on learning.  

The animals that pass away they keep and teach the public.  

Any one felt a tiger before, a black leopard, cheetah?

 The girls were so giggly, jumping and playing they forgot they were at a zoo sometimes.

We had a wonderful afternoon and evening as well.

I am so thankful that her friends are able to come with us on these outings.

Feathers

Every year our hunter friends save there Pheasant tale feathers for Olivia's old first grade teacher.  Mrs. Brown uses them each year for several hands on projects.  Each year Olivia gets more curious with them.  This year she wants to be the pheasant!

sleepover 3

Right before the girls left, they sat down, enjoyed a snack while writing to Santa.  Yes, 9 years old and strongly believes.  Not just Olivia but the twins too.  This is a special time watching them all sit there so quiet, busy writing cutting and hearing Olivia tell them to send them coupons to help guaranty the gift.

Sleepover part 2

the girls made up a magic trick.  Must watch.

Sleepover

Olivia wanted a sleep over with the twins before we moved. Her other request was that they get to sleep in the basement.

 3 plus hours on the trampoline

Of course TV time before bed

 Today's weather was a little iffy so we picked the Zoo.

 Jon playing with the bird.

 Aubrie's first time touching a snake

Of course we even played pranks on the girls!

Sad Day

The month of October got all screwed up with the custody over Olivia.   

It turned out that her mother 

got her the first two weeks of October and we got her the last 3 weeks of october. 

 It was really hard 

not having her here the first two weeks but we were able to knock 

out the basement and the house.  

The last three weeks have been a blast.  Full time parents for everything.  

She stopped sucking her 

thumb for the last week and a half.  Her grades came up.  

We all did fun and exciting things together, 

even on school nights.  I shared Jack Quinn's tuesday night runs 

with her (she road her bike).  She 

came to church with me for three sundays and everyone loved her.  

Jon even won a radio contest for 

Olivia last wednesday.  But this morning was bitter sweat.  I had to 

drop her off at her mothers house. 

 She was sad in the car and said I will miss you Amy.  I really enjoyed 

the last three weeks.  That was 

heart breaking as we pulled up.  i told her we will see her on Wednesday 

and we could not wait to hear

her adventures she had while she was gone.  O course like always when

the door opens she squeals 

like  a little girl of excitement to see her sister and brothers.  

That is the good news that always cheers 

me up.  She is happy at either house.  That is what matters!

Snake

 Story continues, this is the snake that snow ball (the mouse) was going to get feed to after the cats did not show interest in her.  Of course, we still have snow ball but Olivia wants to feed the snake. 

 Olivia went today to feed the snake but still no luck.  The snake was not hungry. 

 As you can see she got to hold the Boa constrictor.  Her first Boa she has handled.

Pumpkin Carving

 This is our second year going to Falcon Fire station to have a chili cook off and a pumpkin carving.

 Normally the kids play while adults socialize.  Then we eat and start to carve.

 Olivia got right down there next to the trash can and carved away.

 Then we went Trick or Treating with another family at Falcon High School

 Jon was scaring the kids through out the night.

 Jon lost his girl head that night.  lol

 O and sitting in the middle of the hallway was a toilet.  How crazy is that.  Jon had to test it out.

Annual Creepy Crawl 5k run

 I could not make the run, but Jon and Olivia ran the 5k in about 33 minutes.  That is awesome time for Olivia.  I met them at the race and watched Olivia run the 1 mile kid run with the dog.

 We went as a family theme this year of Wizard of OZ.  Dorothy, scarecrow, Toto, and the Wicked Witch.  Jon and Olivia got the BEST Father Daughter costumes.  This is are third year we won.

Olivia ran 4 miles total in 2 hour time frame.  She still likes to bike and not run.  LOL

First round Trick or Treat

 Our local grocery store today had a parade and tick or treating around the store for 2 hours.  

 Olivia scored some candy before halloween.

What a fun day so far.

Pumpkin Pie

 Olivia asked last year if we could teach her how to make pumpkin pie.  I search the internet for homemade pumpkin pie and we found a easy from scratch.  She did great at measuring, reading the recipe and pouring.

 She did it all on her own.  Jon and I stood by to answer questions.  

 We will find out tonight how it tasted. (Jon and I are not a fan of pumpkin pie but we promised to eat a piece).

Way to go Olivia!

Art work

 Olivia did these in school.  I love the flower one, which she did last year in second grade.  It just finally came home.   The fish she did in third grade.