Taylor and Billy

We enjoyed a great Family Home Evening this week visiting with Taylor and Billy, and other family and friends. Five years ago Taylor was our foster daughter for about a year. She was then adopted by a terrific family along with her brother Billy and they now live in Georgia. We haven't seen them in several years, so needless to say it was wonderful to see them and catch up. They are both amazing and doing such great things with their lives!

Jousting

I looked out my window after a Sunday afternoon nap and saw, or rather heard, what turned out to a jousting match. Sundays can be long for active boys...I had to hand it to them for their creativity!

Candland Family Cookout

This weekend we had our annual family cookout. We enjoyed roasting hot dogs over the fire, train rides (thanks to our good neighbors), and even a movie with unlimited access to popcorn, candy, soda, and hot chocolate. My kids ate until they were sick! We had a great time and love being with family!

My Favorite Missionaries!

With President and Sister Mabunga

It's been awhile and I have alot of catching up to do, but I thought that I might as well start with my favorite missionaries. They will actually be home in just 2 weeks. I never thought that 18 months would go so quickly! We have certainly missed them, but the blessings that have come to our family through their service and example have been unmeasurable. Their dedication and desire to serve the Lord has overwhelmed me with gratitude for good parents. They have grown to love the Filipino people and I know they will miss them! I know from experience how hard it can be to leave the people that you have grown to love through missionary service.

Don't they look happy.

I think that they have had a taste of Heaven on Earth!

Halloween

Grant and Porter had a great time dressing up this year. I have finally relaxed a bit and let them wear whatever the wanted. About 10 minutes before our trunk or treat party, Grant decided to forgo the costume we bought for Halloween (fireman costume...probably because he had already been wearing it for the past 2 weeks) The Dracula costume pulled out of the box looked much more fun. Drew had fun spray painting his hair and Tucker did his makeup. I hardly recognized him!

There was a costume change for each event, preschool, playgroup, trick or treat and trunk or treat!

The Deer Hunt

"The Draw" results are always exciting at the Candland home. Now that there are 4 certified hunters in the family (I don't count myself in that category...maybe someday, 4 is enough). There were lots of cheers when all three boys drew a buck tag!

Drew's first hunting season. He passed his hunter safety class the week before the hunt.

It was a success! Tucker's first and all of us were thrilled for him!

Fun at the Beach

It sure looked fun...actually it was for the first 20 minutes or so of our 60 minute rental. It takes alot of power to haul 7 people around!

Tucker and Drew loved to skim board and became quite good by the end of the trip.

Grant preferred to spend his time in the sand. In fact, I don't think that he even set foot in the water. Maybe next time.

Drew