Fall Soccer!

Drew and Matt both played soccer this fall. Matt even scored a few goals.  Here are some photos of them in action.

Reason #128 to not leave a 3 year old unattended.

Thank goodness for washable paints.  After we got him cleaned up, I went back in the basement with him to monitor what he was doing. He proceeded to do it again, then turned to me and said, "Take a picture."  Silly kid. And to make this even more perfect, his shirt says it all.

 

Safety First

You can never be too safe when do chalk in the driveway.

Twas the Night Before Preschool

So much for a good night sleep. I swear this kid can fall asleep anywhere!

A Visit to the Sculpture Garden

My brother John and his girlfriend came for a visit over labor day weekend. She's an aspiring photographer so we took her on a tour of the cities to get some fun shots as well as a chance for us to get some family photos (more about those later).  The boys got a kick out of the cherry on the spoon and had fun taking funny photos with them.  These crack me up.

Using the spoon as a bat.

Trying to eat the giant cherry, although my angle wasn't right.

Spinning the cherry on the tip of his finger.

Final Summer Memories

We had a fun summer filled with ice cream, beaches, parks, the zoo and much more. Here are a few final pictures from our summer of fun.

Buckets + Sand = Summer Fun.

Ryan and I had a special day at the zoo together. Gotta love his profile.

Kool-Aid for Sale!

Take a break in the back yard, it actually looks like they are enjoying each other's company.

Dancing Drew

While at a Twins' game this summer. Drew made it his mission to make it onto the Jumbotron. With the help of some 20-something girls he made it up there (more than once).  Luckily I was able to capture the moment with my phone so here's the proof. Last I checked it was at the top of his list for favorite memories from the summer.

Back to School!

Who doesn't love back to school time? It's fun to shop for new school supplies and clothes, fun to get back into a routine and back to friends and the chance to start a new year of friends and learning.  Drew started 3rd grade this year and seems to be enjoying it.  Matt started Kindergarten and is loving it. I'm enjoying hearing about his day and which kids had to "flip their card" and love watching him get off the bus each day. And then their is Ryan, he started his first year of preschool this year. I can't believe that he's old enough (just barely with and Aug. 28th bday) to be in preschool. He absolutely LOVES school, he'd go every day of the week if he could. I'm of course enjoying the few hours to myself on Tuesdays and Thursdays but I'm most please with how his language has exploded since starting school. He comes home signing songs and talking all about school. I wasn't sure if he was ready, but boy am I glad that we sent him. Here are some of our back to school photos.

 

Drew's first day of Third Grade.

Matt's first day of Kindergarten.

Walking Buddies!

There they go! And about the moment, Mom almost lost it.

Home already!

Ready for preschool - with his newly decorated bag!

 

We decorated both sides.

 

 

 

Looking so grown-up by his locker.

He even got to celebrate his birthday on the first day of school.

Nation Night Out

Each summer our neighborhood hosts the National Night Out party. It is always a fun time to hang out with friends on a summer night, while letting the kids play, oh and the visit from the fire trucks and police are always cool too. I LOVE getting the kids together for a photo in front of the fire trucks, it has been fun to watch them all grow over the years. 

Ryan Turns Three!

Hard to believe that three years have already passed since Ryan was born. It really is true that time does fly.  Seeing we were at my parents' farm shortly before Ryan's big day we celebrated with them while we were in town then also celebrated the next week back home with Craig's family.  As you can see from the pictures Ryan still loves construction equipment so both parties celebrated diggers, etc. What a  way to kick off his Birthday Week! Happy 3rd Birthday Big R!

While visiting my parents we went to watch a new home being built and Ryan got the chance of a lifetime to ride on a digger, he may not remember it forever, but boy I will. 

 Cake time - take #1.

 

Can I open my presents yet?

A garbage truck!!! Garbage trucks rank right up there with diggers and dump trucks.

Make a wish!

 



Who needs a fork when you've got a digger?

Fun on The Farm

In August, we made two trips back to my parents farm. The first trip was for my class reunion and a few family reunions and then the second trip was to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the farm with a beef cookout that was sponsored by the county beef producers.  Any chance to visit the farm is always a thrill for the boys. Here are some photos of the boys and their cousins and a few of their new favorites cats from the farm as well. And for some odd reason the kid who we've learned is allergic to cats loves them the most. Go figure.