Just a quick update on the Howard clan.
Here's some new 'deets' or 'details' for us not-so-hip-older-folks...
Drumroll please....SCHOOL PICTURES came back!
I always love the cheesy pose and classic background. I never do the re-takes, even if I don't like the picture. Because...we all know that the 'bad' school pictures are always the best in future years to look back on.
I still laugh when I look back on my awkward stage pictures. Braces, long permed hair, and neon 80's flashback clothing with the huge shoulder pads. Sweet...those were the good old days! Such fun!
The kids all had pretty good pictures this year.
First up...the princess of the family!
Olivia Michelle - Kindergarten Extraordinaire
This little one will be toothless soon. She's lost 3 teeth in less than a month and has another one that's wiggly. I love the toothless smiles! So exciting to find some $ under the pillow!
What I don't understand is that her top two teeth which are dead from a fall as a toddler still haven't fallen out!? They're holding strong, but her bottom ones are falling like dominos.
My little buddy is also doing gymnastics this year. She absolutely loves it. Don't you just love the cheetah leo she picked out? That was ALL her choice. Whatever floats her boat.
This is the cute face that runs to me after school! I love that she still misses me when we're away. I really do miss her by my side, what a cutie pie!
Next up...Jack attack!
BIG BOY - 1st grader
Jack chose to play basketball this season. Can I just say that it is pretty stinking hilarious watching these cute 6 year olds play. Lots of traveling, double dribbles and a very low scoring game. Actually, they don't keep score at this age, but I secretly do in my head. I swear, I have a problem with competitiveness. I can't help it. I grew up with the biggest sports nut on earth...my dad!
I also had this on my nightstand the other day. What a sweet, caring, little guy. He sure knows how to melt my heart. I'm just glad he still thinks I'm coll aka Cool. :)
The Keaton-meister
BIG MAN ON CAMPUS - 4th grade
KJ has actually lost a few teeth recently too. Big molar/premolars. He will soon be sporting some braces. We were just waiting for a couple of those teeth to come out. Luckily, he wants them. He still wears his glasses for school, just took them off for pictures. He is also trying to convince me that he's old enough and responsible enough for contacts. We will see. He still can't pick up his underwear and socks off the floor.
KJ also decided to play basketball this year! His games are a little more intense. At least the parents sure are. I had to sit by some parents from the other team we played last weekend and WOW, they are really in to it. It's just 4th grade ball people. Relax a little. He's learning a lot and is using his birthday gift (new hoop) a lot.
My dad took KJ for an overnight camping/hiking trip a few weeks ago. It was something he'll never forget. They set up camp, laughed, ate delicious (wink, wink) camping food, told stories, and slept thru a big rainstorm. There were even snowflakes falling in the morning. Every boy needs these experiences, and I'm grateful that I wasn't the one who had to experience it with him. Thankful that my dad was up for the challenge while I enjoyed my nice, comfortable, warm bed!
They can't wait to do it again next year. They have big plans for a long hike next time!
We had a fun Halloween this year! Typical pumpkin carving night!
Nana and Pops Smidt came down to visit for the holiday. It is always great to have them here. We had a nice party at my mom's house. Cider, chili, caramel apples, Oh My!
I had the chance to run a 5k race with a friend of mine and it was a blast! Literally...blasts of color every quarter mile. I can't wait to do it again next year! If the color run comes to your city...do it! It was the most fun I've ever had running. I am not a huge fan of running. Unless, I'm running with a soccer ball at my feet. :)
Dan and I had a mini-weekend-vacation. We met half-way again in SLC and had a fantastic weekend. It was so nice to have a break from being a 'single mom'. I got to sleep in. I had a weekend without cooking, cleaning, or laundry. It's all I needed to get me thru the next month or so til Dan moves back. I am so thankful to my mom for watching my kids so I could 'get away' for a few days. 
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST.....there is a new addition to our family! Isabella Cosette Kelly was born this afternoon and she is just as perfect as can be! Heidi was a trooper...and baby and mom are healthy and happy. Bret was so good about keeping us all updated throughout the day. How great is modern technology?!? We had videos and pictures we could watch instantly which is so nice. It made me feel like I was, in some way, a part of this special day, since I wasn't able to actually be there physically. My heart is there. I love that little princess already. We have waited for little Bella to come to our family for years. So glad she's finally here! I am a very proud Aunt. Can't wait to hold the little bundle.
Next up...Britt's baby. Due mid-December! Another little girl! Can't wait! Our family is growing so quickly and I love it.
And that is my monthly round-up! What a month it has been!
Looking forward to Thanksgiving. One of my most favorite holidays!
