Around here, we have been…

EXPERIMENTING with different things. Apparently {M} wanted to try to see what it might be like to be a hairdresser. She grabbed a scissor and cut a big chunk right out of the front of her hair!

It’s crazy to think that even though we have 5 children and have been parents for nearly 12 years, this is the FIRST time we have had this issue. One of the boys went through a phase where he would cut small holes in his shirts and pants, but never his hair! Luckily, we can easily cover {M}’s little whoopsie with a strategically placed bow or hair clip!

RECOVERING from a scary accident. Unfortunately, {L} got hurt. It was a strange twist of events that caused him to break the pinky finger on his right hand and sever one of the tendons in the finger. Craig took him directly to the ER, where they needed to do emergency surgery. The tendon was stitched back together, as was the skin. All told, he was given over 10 stitches. Because the bone in his finger was exposed, he needed to spend one night in the hospital to receive antibiotics through an IV.

A few days later he was put in a cast to protect his finger. He chose purple, for the Vikings of course. They were able to cast him so that his pointer and thumb where left out. This allowed him to be able to use his right hand as a ‘helper’ and to write! The cast was on for two weeks, during which time {L} learned to do many things left handed, including throwing a football.

New X-rays were then taken which showed that the finger is healing nicely. He was given the option of a new cast for 2 weeks, or a removable sling. He chose the sling.

This has all been a lot for a seven year old to take in, and honestly, he still has a little bit of post traumatic stress from the incident. He doesn’t like to talk about it much at all, and refuses to look at his finger when the wound is exposed. We don’t blame him. He has been so brave though, and we are all happy that he is on the road to a full recovery.

PRACTICING with the big boys. After finishing the season completely undefeated AND without any points being scored against them, Craig and {D}s team was pumped. In the final game of the season, they felt confident enough to kick field goals during the game itself.

From what we understand, it is the first time that a field goal has been attempted in 6th grade football history in our community. The first kick {D} tried was blocked, but the second, from 25 yards, soared straight through the uprights! It was such an exciting moment and the perfect cap for a great season. Though coaching definitely took Craig out of his comfort zone, he gained hours of special boding time with our oldest son, which is something he will cherish forever.

{D}’s kicking practice caught the eye of the high school football coach, who was able to put him in touch with a former college kicking athlete from the U of M. He has been training {D}, as well as the high school kicker, on proper form techniques.

This is such a great opportunity for him and his form has already improved! We don’t see his love for this sport going away anytime soon. In fact, he has been mentioning summer camps that are available and can be seen in our backyard for at least an hour every day, kicking.

PREPARING for Halloween. We have decided to take this year off from trick or treating, and will instead hang out at home with our favorite candy and a movie. Carving pumpkins and roasting the seeds is also on the agenda.

Though we aren’t dressing up, the boys still wanted to try on some things at the store. This ape mask was a hit.

We are considering this a bit of a ‘transition’ year. By this time next year, we will hopefully be in our new house. Those who don’t want to go out trick or treating can stay home and pass out candy, while the others will be able to walk around our new neighborhood. Having lived in the country for over 4 years now, we are looking forward to that!

This is just a glimpse at what our family has been up to. If you’d like a closer look, be sure to check out our weekly ‘mini vlogs’ on our YouTube channel ARROW HILL FAMILY. Be well everyone!