Happy birthday, Kyle!

Kyle was on a business trip on his actual birthday so we celebrated a few days early.  The kids love their dad and wanted to make it special for him, they had him guess what their gifts were.  He came up with some pretty crazy ideas, maybe he'll get them for Christmas :)  Happy Birthday to a wonderful father, husband, and man.

Halloween

 Halloween was a fun adventure for the Flamm family. Kyle was away on business so we got dressed up and all 5 of the kids walked around the neighborhood.  Zachary soon found a group of older kids and their parents we knew and joined their group.  It was a successful night of "trick or treating" in nice warm weather.  We went to a few houses that went all out on Halloween decor and Eric loved them.  Zachary was a dementor, Eric was an alien, Wendy was a fairy, Hyrum was a fireman, and Sabrina was herself.
Earlier in the week we went to the ward trunk or treat and Wendy also dressed up for her ballet class. At both those events Wendy was the Chinese princess seen below.

Sabrina is on the move!!

This past weekend Sabrina started getting around.  She scoots by pushing with her toes and pulling with her arms.  She has tried to get her legs under her a few times, but has not been successful yet.   Now I have to keep the floor clean :)

Chemin-a-Haut State Park

The kids had October 13th off, so we decided to make the most of a long weekend and go camping.  However, after I checked the weather we decided to rent a cabin at the campground rather than rough it in our tent.  Each day the chance of rain increased.  We went to a State Park in Louisiana, that was along part of Bayou Bartholomew.  It was beautiful.  We had a great time visiting the Monroe Ward on Sunday.  We also enjoyed hiking, roasting marshmallows, playing games, and visiting Poverty Point Historical Site.

  

Big, Bright Caterpillar

Yesterday, I discovered the biggest, brightest caterpillar I have ever seen.  I had a lot of fun holding him and researching what he would become.  The kids had varied responses.  Sabrina wanted to pick it up, Wendy did not want to get close to it.  The boys were interested for in how it could hold onto things.  It is a Polyphemus Moth. 

The Zip Line

 With Uncle Rob's help Zachary tried the zip line at the Van Dyke's house.  At first he was hesitant and would not go off of the tree house, but after some experience and realizing that the harness would support him he loved it.  If it had not been getting dark he would have wanted to do it over and over and over again.  Way to get up the courage to try something new.  And thanks Rob for your patience.

Trip to Utah

My sister welcomed her little angel, Kaydrie Diane Elizabeth Jean Penelope Van Dyke, September 2nd and allowed her to return to Heavenly Father September 21st.  Such courage, faith, and love were shown and continue to be shown by her and her husband Rob.  I was blessed to be able to fly out to Utah and meet Kaydrie and be with the Van Dyke family.  It was a wonderful experience, although sobering at the same time.

The Sunday service where she was blessed was spirit filled.  The gospel plan truly brings hope and comfort that otherwise would be absent.  After the sacrament meeting we were able to say good-bye to Kaydrie in a garden area.  There was a light rain and it just felt right to be with family a such a time.  Zachary has a tender heart and loved his little cousin.  

There were bubbles, play-dough, and coloring for the kids.

This is the video that my brother Brett put together for the funeral.  The music was written by Tammie and Rob and their oldest daughter Abbie.  Beautiful!

While in Utah the kids and I had some good experiences.  While I was meeting Kaydrie, the kids met some superheros with Grandma and Grandpa who were visiting the hospital.

The rest of the week we visited a lot of people.  We visited with Brunette, Ben and Lizzy.  We played with the Flamm cousins for an afternoon.  We spent a lot of time at Tammie's in-laws, the Van Dykes.  We were also able to spend a morning at Temple Square and Tammie and I were also able to attend a session at the Provo temple, which was a special treat for me. 

  The grounds at Temple Square were beautiful.  Our family was also quite a hit with a tour bus from China.  Sabrina's red hair and the amount of children seemed particularly photo worthy :)

 FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

THE SAVIOR'S LOVE IS REAL