The Cutest Dinosaurs I've Ever Seen...

Poor Rookie

Rookie was sick a few weeks ago...with a cold I think.  He seemed to have the chills, panted, and even had sweaty paws.  So weird!  He was pretty pathetic.  Just laid back in our bedroom, had to be carried back in the house after going potty, wouldn't eat or drink unless we brought it to him, etc.  I felt bad for him...and for Lambeau too!  Lambeau just moped around house.

I thought this was fitting...so sick, but found comfort in Brent's closet!  

All curled up in a pile of hooded sweatshirts!  He loves Brent and 

I'm sure really wanted to sleep on his pillow, but couldn't 

jump on the bed, so settled for the mess in the bottom of his closet!  :)

A Ribbon?

The first week of school, Finley came home with an art project that she had made last year...along with a 3rd place ribbon from the Taylor County Fair!  WHAT?

Good job Finley Jo!

I found out a couple weeks later that the teachers submit art projects for 

all of the students and each student is awarded a ribbon!  :)

Silly Glasses & Silly Socks

A couple of weeks ago it was Silly Sock & Glasses night at Awana.  I forgot all about it...but impressed the kids with the pipe cleaner glasses I made at the last minute!  :)

Finley said her glasses were actually voted "silliest"! 

Ace didn't care about the glasses or socks 

so long as he could wear his "Ace" shirt!

Still cute in their silly glasses!

Lake MI

We enjoyed a long weekend by Lake Michigan recently.  Brent and his dad enjoyed an afternoon of golf while the kids, nana, and I enjoyed the warmth of the fall sunshine!  The resort we stayed at had a water park which the kids LOVED!  Ace discovered that he loves swimming, but not as much as he enjoys water slides!  :)  Brent, Karen, and I also had the chance to tour the Kohler showroom where I dreamed of kitchen/bathroom remodels!

Heading out toward Lake Michigan.

Forcing a smile for mom!

Finley found a bunch of shells that she plans to take to show & tell.

AJ enjoyed the sand...

and was lucky enough to find a dollar bill on the beach!  "Money!"

Running to see how chilly the water was!

Brrr!

So busy!

Sand angels!

So cute!

Ha...this makes me laugh!

WHOA!

Cartwheels in the sand!

Good one Finley!

The waves were crashing in all weekend...until it was time to go home of course!  :)

Should I Be Worried?

Yes...Finley got her first note sent home last week...

and I couldn't help but think of my brother when I read it!  :)

Not really for any specific reason, but it brought me back about 20 years!  

When Brent read it, he cracked up and said "OH...I loved recess!  

This would have been something sent home with me!" 

We had to talk with Finley to find out what happened.  

She insisted she didn't understand what she was supposed to do...

which appeared to be tracing and reprinting on her own.  

But she stuck to that story and we just reminded her that if that really 

was the case, she needs to raise her hand and ask a question then.  

She is going to school to learn, not just play at recess.  

Oh...to be five again!  :)

Locked...

When we get home at night, this is our routine:

• I get out, take the daycare tote, backpack, and my stuff in the house
• Ace gets out of the van
• Finley unbuckles AJ, and they both get out of the van
• Either play outside or in the house until supper is ready

One night we did all that...but AJ didn't get out.  This is how I found him:

HA!

Do you see the evil look on his face?!?  :)

This is when I realized he had locked the doors...with my keys inside!

I learned that evening he can follow directions very well when needed!  :)

Happy Anniversary

So eight years have passed by with the blink of an eye!  

We were both very happy on Oct. 1, 2005 

but Brent insisted on a serious pose!  :)

I always tell Brent NOT to get me anything and each year he gets me flowers.  

I feel it's a waste of money; he feels I deserve them.  

Each year, I find myself wishing the flowers would live longer.  

He knows me better than I know myself at times!

I am thankful for a husband that loves and respects me.

I'm thankful for a husband that provides for his family; 

and goes to work everyday with a smile on his face.

I am thankful for a husband that comes home every night with patience in his heart.

I am thankful for his loyal friendship.

I am thankful that each of my kids got his sensitive heart and positive outlook on life.

I am thankful he is a man that knows and loves God.

I could go on and on...

Happy Anniversary - I love you!

Happy Birthday AJ

AJ turned TWO a week ago!  He chose to have a basketball themed party...even though when it came time for his party he said "no party" and that he was "one"!  

Easy cupcakes this year!  :)

That ball rarely leaves his hands!

Time for presents!

I love this!

Ace thought Jesse needed some earrings for the party!

Monkey see; monkey do!

We passed out cupcakes, started to eat them, and then remembered that we needed to sing "happy birthday!"  You'd think after all the parties we've hosted, we would be pros by now...

AJ was bashful as we sang to him!

So sweet!

Good job buddy!

We got him a hoop...patiently waiting for Daddy to open it!

Go AJ!

Going in for the dunk!

Who is that hiding in the box?

He spent at least an hour shooting over, and over, and over...

...and over!

Happy 2nd Birthday, AJ!  We love you!