This week

I am so glad it is Friday, for several reasons. First we have another week of homeschool under our belt, but even more than that, today is when Todd comes home. He has been gone all week with Kanakuk Movie Tour. I really don't know how single mommies do it day in and day out all by themselves. Just a few more hours and he will be home. Yes!

The kids were really good overall and the week went smoothly, but I am so thankful when my husband is home! He is very helpful and his arrival at home either for lunch or at the end of work is such a highlight for the whole family. It breaks up the day and makes it feel not quite so long. You might think that when Todd is gone it would make me be extra social. But rather than scheduling activities or engaging with friends more, I tend put my head down and just press on.

In other news, we did a Halloween dress rehearsal this week. Why haven't I done this before? I had the boys put on every part of their costume, we practiced painting Carter's face to look like a chipmunk (not successful) and make sure that we had every part and accessory. This will surely save me time next Wednesday when we are trying to get ready for the Halloween party.

S'Mores & Stars

Last night we had the chance to join several other home school families out at Travis and Kari Brawner's for a night of S'Mores & Stars. Jim Brawner was the special guest. He presented some really cool facts about stars and helped the kids identify several different constellations. It was a great night.

First the s'mores!

Then time to learn about some stars. If the kids look shell shocked in some of these pictures, it is because the flash was so bright compared to the dark of the night.

Owen and Colton were discussing something.

Hunter and Hayden, with Owen in tow.

Cole and Connor star gazing.

Solo shots - Carter

Colton the Ninja - he was twirling a glow stick.

And Connor. I argued that it was too cold for shorts, but he insisted that he wouldn't be cold.

This weekend

On Thursday, KK and Boompah made a surprise visit to Branson. It was really fun to have them here even though it was just for a short time. They had to make a trip to Kansas City, so they took Alexis' old car and left the Krispy Kreme Cruiser at our house. So if you are around Branson and want to see the Cruiser, give me a call this week.

In other news, KK and Boompah gave each of the kids a little spending money. Collins wasn't quite sure if she should take the $10 or not.

We had soccer games on Saturday morning and Collins was a trooper. She is very busy these days so she spent a lot of time exploring the team's bench and brother's water bottle.

Little toes in the dry grass = cute!

Colton and Max on the soccer field.

I managed to get a picture of Colton in action at the game. He pulls his socks WAY UP and goes after it!

A New Chapter

The Rapps have entered the world of orthodontics. Yes, after kamp Hunter had four teeth pulled and just this week he has experienced spacers and his first retainer. The bottom retainer is glued in and the top is removable. He just has to wear it 6-8 hours a day (or through the night.) His teeth are sore, but he has been a great patient through the whole process.

Hunter checking out his retainers in the mirror. Bronwyn showing a baby bump in the picture background.

Connor, you are next. Don't be afraid!

Connor

Following my ultrasound this week, I was able to bring home a picture of the baby and show it to the boys. Connor took a long look at the picture and made up this very short song.

"I have a sibling, it looks like a jelly bean."

New due date!

We have an official due date! Baby Rapp is scheduled to arrive in April. After an ultrasound, my due date is now April 19th. I'm actually really thankful that it is not so close to the beginning of Kamp.

Colton

We were headed out the door last week when I told all the boys to go outside and check the weather to see if they needed a sweatshirt. Colton opened the door, barely poked his head out, then slammed it shut and declared, "I don't need a sweatshirt!" I said, "Colton, you barely checked the weather." He replied, "Yes I did, I checked it like a MAN! Girls stand outside until they get cold and that's why they need a sweatshirt." Alright, Colton can go without a sweatshirt.