Carving pumpkins at the house was fun with Dad. Cirkle even enjoyed drawing a face on hers, but Matt did the carving for all of them.

Em thought the insides were really gross at first and kept wanting to wash her hands every time she put her hands in the pumpkin. She got the hang of it after awhile though.

Even though they all thought it was squishy and gross, it didn't take them long to start playing in it, eating it, and making a big mess!

Arches National Park

We took a day off of school and went to Arches National Park with Mom. It was only about 1 1/2 hr away and totally worth it. The weather was awesome, the kids enjoyed hiking with Grandma and you could still see a lot from the car (which is where Cirkle and I had to stay most of the time). The doctor made me promise not to go on any hikes, although we did get out for a couple of viewpoints and a picnic.

The kids loved hiking with Grandma

You can barely see the arch in the very back of this photo of the kids

I can't believe I actually figured out how to post a video. It's a little late, but here is Morgan on her first day of 1st grade. She loves school, which is no surprise, and the other two can't wait for her to get home at the end of each day.

Ethan and Matt were in the Fruita Fall Fest Parade with his preschool float. He loved it and waved to everyone he went by.

Ethan was so excited!

Phil Backes August 18, 1939 - August 8, 2008

My father was a compassionate, caring man who I always looked up to. These pictures were of him the last week I was able to spend with him. I miss him so much still, but thought it would be nice to share some fun pictures of him. I love you Dad.

Mom and Dad had a great time with the kids. We celebrated Cirkle's 40th birthday a little early while most of us could still be there. We had a great time and Cirkle loved the big day of her "Over the Hill" party.

Em got her first haircut. I've never been one to cut my girls' hair, but I just thought it would look better. She kept saying "thanks for my pretty hair, mom".