Fall Fun: updated-new picture

Fall is here? There are some days when it feels that way, and others (like today) when you wouldn't really know it, except that their is a slight hint of a cool breeze in the evening. The girls and I spent a little over an hour outside after dinner this evening. We really enjoyed the weather and lack of flying bugs that a little freeze ushers in. The only bad thing is that the very same freeze that killed the bugs also killed some of the plants in my garden that were still hanging on.

Well, before I get to the really fun stuff, I'll give you a little Laura Kate update. Thursday we went to see Dr. Hogg who is Laura Kate's pediatric nephrologist. He said that the blood in her urine isn't particularly concerning. The markers he looks for in determining a problem are protein in the urine, kidney function (as indicated by a urine test), and blood pressure. He said all three factors were excellent in Laura Kate. So, her kidneys are fine. He said she has IGA nephritis (atleast I think that's what it's called) as a result of the HSP. When she got that little cold a couple of weeks ago, it irritated something inside her kidneys and caused the blood. He also said that we shouldn't be surprised if we see that again whenever she has any upper respiratory issues. So, that's a weight off of our minds. AND, Laura Kate got along quite famously with Dr. Hogg. You would think they had always been the best of friends.

Now we have to focus on the gut issues. Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Pohl said that he wanted to do an upper and lower GI scope. Yipee, sounds like fun, huh? I'm not too thrilled about it. But, you have to do what you have to do. He said he'd sedate her, then put a soft tube down her throat to have a peek, then go in from the other end. Yikes! They'd have to put me to sleep, too! I'll let you know when I have more details on when that'll take place.

Now for the fun stuff. Wednesday night our church hosted a fall festival as an alternative to a Halloween celebration. That was good, since our girls don't go trick-or-treating. They had the opportunity to dress up and play with their friends. We had a great time, and the weather was beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised that we didn't all freeze when the sun went down! Here are some pics and commentary:

Sleeping Beauty and the beautiful ballerina make their fall festival debut

After wearing themselves out on the inflatable slide, obstacle course, and moon-bounce, the girls enjoy a relaxing hay rideBelieve it or not, a hayride has a way of building up an appetite! Everyone took a quick break to enjoy a yummy hot dog and watch the sunset.

We made our way inside to see how we would fair at the games. Laura Kate threw the ball into the bucket on her second try. She didn't get that kind of skill from her mother!

After winning some cookies at the cake walk, Anna decided she'd like to have her face painted. We settled on having her hand painted. What sort of drawing did she choose? Why, a pink princess crown of course! Was there really any other possibility?

Anna and her friend Lexi. I always like for Anna to hang out with sweet girls like Lexi. I suppose I secretly hope they rub off on her, ha ha.

Anna and Kara. These two are a hoot to observe. Anna is loud, Kara is quiet. Kara is adventurous and brave, Anna can be a little too cautious. But, they get along really well. They've been friends for half of their lives, which is only 2 years, but that's a long time for 4 year-olds :)

This is Laura Kate and "her Ms. Jenny." Jenny was LK's VBS teacher. She was evidently an excellent teacher, since Laura Kate still remembers her memory verse: "Teach me what is right, God." Psalm 86:11 Of course, that's the condensed version for 2 year olds :)
Anna and Ms. Andrea. Andrea was Anna's Sunday school teacher for 2 years. She was awesome with the kids and Anna adores her.
Baylee, Anna, Layla, Kaylei, and Laura Kate...such little cuties! These three girls are sisters aged 2, 5, and 3. They and our girls have started hanging out over the last few months. They are such sweet, well-behaved little ones. I had the youngest, Baylee, in my Sunday school class until she moved up to Justin's in June. She's was very shy, but she's really come out of her shell!

Princesses as far a the eye can see: Kaylei, Layla, Laura Kate, Anna, and Jordan. Jordan is another little one who's been friends with Anna for a long time. If I'm not mistaken, they've been friends since before their first birthdays! Anna is truly blessed with such sweet little buddies.