Is there anyone we haven't told?

Well if there is anyone who doesn't know, we are expecting baby #4 near the end of April. I swear we were just announcing our first! If you didn't know, it's only because I'm much too lazy/tired/sick to tell everyone personally. (Plus I'm sure most of you have lost count and figured I had 4 already.) I think it's more exciting each time because I feel like we may have learned one or two things about raising kids. Here's to one more little "educator"!

Halloween

Decorating pumpkins

Decorating herself

Making sure every bit of guts and seeds are scooped out

Jack o' Lantern by Kate (with only a small bit of help from mom)

Jack of Lanterns by Justin and Kate (the bottom one is a cannibal...or whatever a pumpkin eating pumpkin is)

Ready to go, but there's a bunny missing...

the littlest bunny won't hold still

Finally ready to go

The two brave ones knocked on the doors...

...while the timid toddler watched from the yard

Posing for Preschool Pics

Bekah started preschool last week and was a great little poser for mom's first day shots. Now if only mom had skills with the camera.

Or could even take a freakin' shot without the doorknob.

I love those blue eyes. I wish I could show just how blue they are, but that would involve some talent, so you'll just have to believe me.

Sarah's Stats

It's Sarah's turn to be the subject of a post. I gotta make sure I rotate through them regularly right? So anyway, she had her 18 month appointment a few weeks back. She's freakin' tiny still and I don't understand it. Ah well, at least she won't add to my back problems. Here's her stats...
Height=31 inches (25th percentile)
Weight= 20lbs 8 oz. (5th percentile)
Cuteness= off the charts! (cheesy, I know)

Sarah (18 mos) and her friend Eddy (almost 8 mos)

First Grader

Kate started first grade this week. She was so excited to go because she's been waiting for SO LONG to eat lunch at school, and get 3 whole recesses. P.E. is her favorite "subject" so far, and she likes math. Who is this kid?? Oh wait, sounds like Justin. Thank heavens for his genes! ;)

Mean Mom made her stand in the bright morning sun for a picture...

For Kara

I am so very very lazy and didn't want to redo that "about him" tag. You should feel VERY special I linked it for you. ;) (Sorry about the jumbled post, Windows Live kinda stinks)

http://phippenphamily.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!57278BD442EC53AE!1003.entry

Fishing

Kate and Bekah went on a camping trip with their Dad, uncle Sam, cousin Garrett and Grandpa John for 4 days last week. From what I hear, they had a blast, and I enjoyed the peace and quiet with only one child around. (Plus I went out two nights in row, frickin' sweet!) They hiked and spent alot of time fishing. Justin even remembered to take pictures!

Bekah caught her first fish ever

Kate's a pro

Grandpa John and Justin

He passed!

In May, Justin started studying for the General Securities Representative Exam (called the Series 7). Each day he had a certain amount of reading and testing to do for each step of the program. He would come home for work and then hide downstairs(away from the noise and chaos) till midnight or later. We all missed seeing him, and I counted down the SECONDS until he would be finished with the course. He took the 6 hour Series 7 exam in July, and passed with points to spare! (He was worried he'd pass by only a point or two.) That was almost the longest 2. 5 months of our lives. After all, he had to pass the test to keep his job! Oye. I am proud of Justin and very thankful it wasn't me taking that test. :) Now life can get back to the same ol' stress(and Justin can do the dishes again.) Woooweee!!