Half Days

The past few days we have pleasantly enjoyed "half days" with Austin coming home at 12:30 from school. We've made the most of our afternoons together and this morning when we dropped off Carson's older brother, he said "I'll see you in just a while Austin!" coupled with a high-five and smile that stretched from ear to ear. Austin's enthusiasm was equally matched. 

Mason getting ready to go get Austin--with Austin's boots on :)

 (Carson's last night of soccer!!)

All bundled and ready to play!

CJ scoring!! :)

Brothers--they were standing by this tree just chatting....

...and they're off!

 The boys have been wanting to make some fall cookies so we got down and dirty in the flour to make some cut out cookies--they are quite the little bakers! :)

working together

Madison joined in the fun!! :)

my handsome CJ

Pretty creative Austin! :)

Mason just watched...and snuck a few taste-tests

frosting!!!

the end result...can I get some coffee please?!

attacking Madison!

Leaves!!!!!!!!!

train time

  This morning we were treated to the delightful sight of brilliant white snow outside our walls. I'm not sure how, but the boys instinctively sensed something as they came running out of their bedroom and to our patio door....giggling as if it were Christmas morning. They sat, in awe, continuing the soft laughter and scheming about what we do on this particular half-day. I didn't have the heart to tell them the snow would probably be gone by the time 12:30 rolled around. 

Snow!!

Mason was his usual expressive self but with a bit more gusto when his eyes beheld the snow this morning. It was a gasp inward, followed by the pointing finger saying "WHOA"...another gasp....another "WHOA!". I really should have videoed him but a picture is all I got. 

"whoa!" "nnnooooo"! :)

 I'm not sure what it is about that first snowfall, even if it only lasts for a few short hours, but maybe it's the purity, the beautifying of everything that was once brown, the simplicity making everything white...it can easily put a smile on your face. To view it through the eyes of a child is contagious and heart warming--snow angels anyone?