Leaves and more... and quote on happiness

Leaves!!
One thing the kids have been very much looking forward to at our new house are the leaves!  Our old house never really got any leaves since our yard had very few trees and most were very small.  It was also so windy in that neighborhood that whatever leaves fell were a few houses down within just a couple hours.

I raked up a few leaves yesterday to give the kids a little taste of jumping in our own leaves!  We didn't get much of a pile, but it was something.  We still have a ton more that are going to fall, so we will make a much bigger pile soon.

They had so much fun!!!!  Rachel was the most excited and Kate got sick of it pretty quickly.  Although, she simply just kept getting leaves thrown on her.  I guess that would get old pretty quickly. : )

The Turtle
This afternoon I looked out the front door and saw a turtle walking down the road.  Not a very safe thing to do, so I decided to go out and see if it was a painter.  It was, so I brought it with me and found a bucket to put it in.  Since the kids were both at school I thought I'd keep it so they could see it.

They were all very excited to see it... including Kate and Olivia.  I thought it was a big turtle, but both Rachel and Eli commented that it was "the smallest turtle they've seen."  I guess they really haven't seen many (if any) turtles outside of the zoo.  So, in comparison to the turtles you see at the zoo, I guess this one was small!

We were going to let it go tomorrow, but I decided to let it go tonight.  It was either let it go or look for a bigger home for it overnight and I didn't feel like taking the time to find a bigger bin and transfer it.  I also felt bad for the poor turtle that was probably very hungry and scared.  I also figured I'd let it get a head start to it's destination before daylight when all the hawks are around.  Good luck turtle!

The Girls
I caught Olivia standing today next to Maggie.  She didn't even realize she was standing and not holding onto anything!  I guess she's been doing this lately... she's going to be walking soon.  I can't wait!!

Here is a short video of Kate helping Olivia with her nuk.  Kate just loves to give Olivia her nuk and I finally got it on camera.  They are such good friends... it's so cute!! : )

Also, make note of Maggie just laying in the background.  I always tell people, when they come to visit and Maggie is all excited to see them, that she really just lays around all day.  I wonder how many of them actually believe me.  Well, here's some proof that even with kids all over the place... she just lays around!

Quote on Happiness
I'm going to end with a quote that was in my new planner and one that I love.  Try to take a moment to stop and enjoy the things that make you happy each day.  If you don't... you might not even realize they happened.  I think this is a major reason why I do this very blog.  It, basically, makes me stop and enjoy the happiness I've found.

Keep smiling! : )