Halloween 2011

I didn't get too creative this year, but I stuck with the homemade theme (and CHEAP)! They would have preferred something "scary," but I vetoed that quickly! Quite honestly, I think they thought they were pretty cool when random people were telling them how cool they looked!! (A certain boy did shed some tears because kids were "making fun of his silly costume.") Not bad for a last minute and $6 total purchase!! Besides, what would a couple grapes be without a little WHINE! :)

The loot! Not bad for only an hour or so out trick-or-treating!!

Happy Halloween!

3285 Days Old

I can't believe my first baby is already 9 years old. He is loved by so many people and he's touched the lives of even more!

NINE THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT YOU, MATTHEW:

1. Each freckle that seems to magically appear overnight on your cheeks and your nose.

2.Your thoughtfulness for anyone and everyone who has less than you.

3. Your zest for life!

4. The way you love babies...all babies!

5. The way we catch you being so kind to your brother when you think we aren't looking.

6. Your wit that seems to challenge us everyday.

7. The intensity for the things that mean the most to you. (Friends, family, and Jesus, too!)

8. How you sing Christian music loudly and without any embarrassment!

9. We love that you really don't want to become a grown up. You'll always be our #1! :)

Happy birthday, Matthew! We love you!!

The Trail of Tears...

Yes. Tears. LOTS of TEARS!! The first tears started when I told the boys they needed to wear helmets...the tears continued until they crashed in bed! 15 miles on a bike turned out to NOT be the perfect family day I had imagined. At least it was a beautiful day!!

At least I got a smile from Ethan at the end...probably because he didn't do any of the hard work. He just talked the whole time, while I pedaled! :)

Zhu Zhu

Darn you, Zhu Zhu pets! We don't have a lot (thank goodness!) but this summer, the boys were pretty much OBSESSED with them!! The best part was, they usually played together and they usually played NICE! :) Maybe I shouldn't complain!!

Odd...just plain odd!

It could be one his father's proudest moments!! Maybe not. This kid does what he can to make people laugh...even pretending to be a girl!!

SHOWTIME!

Dressed and ready for school...and on time, too!! I'm telling you, we did pretty darn good!! The boys looked VERY handsome, if I do say so myself!!

First Day of School Eve

The night before school and all throught the house...the children were clean and ready for bed. Tanned, anxious, nervous and excited!! Matthew's in third grade and Ethan is going in to PK4. They couldn't wait to wear their new digs and get back into the routine of school. Honestly...neither could I!! :)

Clean Teeth!

Yikes! These are old, but I still wanted to share them with you and try to catch up on our lives over the past few months. Ethan went to his very first dentist appointment this summer and needless to say, he wasn't too thrilled with the idea.

Boat People

Honestly, this was the best summer ever! I am obsessed with the Fox River (Blech! Never thought I'd say that!), relaxing on the water, and mostly just enjoying seeing the JOY on my boys' faces. I can't help but smile. They never tire of being on Babop's and Nonny's boat...and neither do I!!

Doesn't Matthew's hair look like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective's hair?!?! :)

Even the Captain gets to enjoy the water!! :)

Critter Gitters

The joys of boys...again. It doesn't matter if they go outside at night, my kids can find SOMETHING interesting or ALIVE. This night, Ethan went outside to get a toy he'd left in the grass and came in without the toy, but rather a tiny toad he found hopping in front of the deck. I tell you what...these little surprises don't surprise me anymore. They make me smile. This is the stuff that makes life good.

Life Changes

This little beauty flew by me shortly before an interview. I had high hopes that it was a sign of a wonderful change in my future. It really was! In case you haven't heard, I'm finally teaching. I feel so much happier and I know I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do. :)

Wakeboarding

This summer, Matthew had the opportunity to take free wakeboarding lessons at the Broken Oar in Cary, IL. I think he assumed this would be real easy, but he found out quickly, that this new sport wasn't as easy as catching a baseball is. Maybe next summer we can convince him to give it another try. It sure is fun watching the talented kids do tricks on the water!!

Ethan Sings...

Here is the video of Ethan singing I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. This concert produced some happy tears by a boater who will remain anonymous. :)

Beach Day in Michigan

Our second and final day in Michigan we went to find the old lighthouse near Traverse City. The spot was so peaceful and I was really bummed that I didn't bring the 'good' camera. I guess that's more reason to go back again. What I didn't realize was we were too far away from Sleeping Bear Dunes, so before we drove home, we settled for a beach in a public park. I was bummed, but I don't think the kids minded. Give them sand and water and they could care less about anything else. They were happy! My parents skipped the beach for the wineries along the way...we didn't stop. Another reason to go back!!

Don't be alarmed! It was just his first attempt at walking in flippers!! :)