Life continues to whiz by. We had a jam-packed October full of family fun and, yes, lots of sweet treats. The girls had much fun celebrating the arrival of Fall: painting pumpkins with Stacey, carving jack-o-lanterns at Aunt Cari's; riding rides, indulging on cotton candy, candy apples, french fries and fudge at the fair; and dressing up as a butterfly, a snow fairy princess and a lil' pumpkin for the annual trick-or-treat trek around the neighborhood. We are enjoying life (all the crazy, sweet and rambunctious moments) with our three girls. Juggling has a new meaning in the Johnson house!

Alivia is doing great in school. She loves her class and teachers. She excelled on her "report card" and teacher conference last week. It brought tears to my eyes to hear the praises sung for our Alivia. She is growing up so quickly. I look at Aleah and remember how it seems like just yesterday that Alivia was our sweet little baby. Alivia's favorite ride at the fair was the swings. She rode alone, since Avery was not tall enough to ride, and smiled as brightly as the lights every time she spotted us waving from below. She is a great big sister and tries to keep everyone on track -- even Mommy and Daddy. She is very helpful, loving and tender-hearted. She loves to color, paint and do crafts of any kind.

Avery is FULL of life. Her eyes sparkle with anticipation of what she is going to get into next. Her conference with her teacher noted that she knows her letters, numbers and academically is advanced. And socially she is sweet, caring, helpful, can get bossy, likes things her way and is a born leader. That's our Avery! She is starting to write her name, is great at coloring and tracing letters and has learned her phone number (all things that have been homework assignments for Alivia). Avery's favorite ride at the fair was the Merry Go Round she rode with Daddy.

Aleah is so precious (as Avery calls her). She was two months on Sunday, November 1 (Grandma Beverly's Birthday.) She is getting big and loves to smile and "talk" to her sisters. She seems to change every day. We can see characteristics of both Alivia and Avery in her appearance and spirit. She still has blue eyes and her hair has both red and blond highlights -- depending on the light -- and her hair is very curly when wet. Aleah enjoyed a day of attention from Meme and Christa while the 'big girls' were enjoying the fair!

And our niece Christa is growing up, too. I see glimpses of her often when I look at Alivia. She is in the seventh grade and loves to dance. I have watched her dance since she was a tiny little girl and now have the honor of teaching her ballet en pointe. She is a great baby sitter and our girls just love spending time with her.