Aprons

My mom got these cute aprons for the kids to wear when they "help" in the kitchen. C-Ray has one too- with John Deere tractors on it. The kids love them- thanks Nana!
(Please note the lack of teeth in Faithie's mouth)
(How grown-up is Apple looking all of a sudden?)

Trip to Apple Holler

In October, we made our annual trek to an apple orchard to have some "fall fun." And the kids did indeed have fun doing everything the place had to offer... except for actually picking apples...

Fun at Apple Holler

In the Corn Maze at Apple Holler

"Hanging" Out with Dad

Sunburns

On Monday morning, Apple and C-Ray decided to put on their swimsuits and run around the house, pretending they were swimming. They stayed inside the house, it was reasonably warm out for Wisconsin in November (58 degrees), and I was sick, so I just let it go. As the morning wore on, Apple got bored with the game and changed back into her clothes. C-Ray, however, was still in his swimtrunks at 4:30 in the afternoon. My "mom-mind" said to me, "It's going to start getting dark out and it will get chillier in the house." (Only a mom, right?) So, I said to him, "C-Ray, you may keep your swimsuit on but you need to at least put on a shirt," and braced myself for arguments. He simply said, "Why? Am I getting a sunburn?"

Grandparents' Day at School

So my parents arbitrarily picked a week in October to come up from Texas and visit. It turned out Grandparents' Day at Faithie's school fell during that week- what a happy accident! She was THRILLED to actually have her grandparents with her for it this year! It was all she talked about for a week before (and after). They all had a great time!

Dora Just Doesn't Listen

As I washed dishes in the kitchen last Friday, I heard the following dialogue between C-Ray and the TV.

Dora the Explorer: "Stand up everybody!"
C-Ray: "OK Dora."
Dora the Explorer: "I said, stand up boys and girls!"
C-Ray (with EXTREME aggravation): "I SAID I already did, Dora!"

Little One Eats Cereal... Or Better, Little One Spits Out Cereal

Little One's first attempt at eating "solid" foods. Rice cereal...yumm!

What Big Eyes You Have

One thing that really amuses us about Little One is how extremely wide-eyed she is all the time. These pics do a great job showing off that funny attribute!


Little One with Papa

Going to McDonald's- My Treat

This conversation took place this morning while driving with the kids.

-Apple: "Mom, can we have lunch at McDonalds today?"
-Me: "No, we are going to have dinner at McDonalds so Faithie can get her free happy meal."
-C-Ray: "Can we go to the one with the Playland?"
-Me: "We'll see."
-C-Ray: " Thanks Mom. Apple, do you have enough money?"
-Apple: "I don't want to spend my money, I want to spend Mom's money."

Little One- 3 Months Old

Kids Falling

Fall is here in Wisconsin! Yesterday was a beautiful day so we took the opportunity to rake up a big pile of leaves and have some fun!

Mom Likes to Fall Too

Fun With Leaves

Vanity...

Recently our girls were invited to a birthday party at the store Libby Lu, to have "makeovers." It was with great trepidation that I let them attend. It seemed to me that this was an event way beyond their years and I don't want to foster unreasonable concern with their appearance at such young ages. But, they had a good time and don't seem to be permanently scarred. Not to mention, the party took place on a Wednesday afternoon so it became a good opportunity to talk to them about not letting our appearance be a distraction to others at church when I made them take their hair down and wash their faces before leaving for Wednesday night!

A Couple of Cowgirls

Vacation Bible School at church this year was a western theme. One night all the kids were supposed to "dress the part." Here are our two cowgirls ready to head to the ranch!

Happy Birthday to Faithie!

A few weeks ago, Faithie turned six. This is her opening presents and having cupcakes with the family on the night of her birthday.

Faithie's favorite gift, "a REAL diginal camera" (quoted directly from the birthday girl)

Faithie and 11 of Her Closest Friends (wink, wink)

This is the first time any of our kids has had a "real" birthday party... and many more to come, I'm sure. We invited all the girls from Faithie's class at school, 3 friends from church, a neighbor, and Apple :) We had fun outdoor activities planned (like an inflatable water slide borrowed from a neighbor and water balloons, etc.), but of course it rained ALL DAY. Thanks to Mack's quick thinking, I made a late night run to Wal-Mart the night before and bought supplies to make a craft, so we did that and other traditional birthday party games. I think all the girls had fun, especially Faithie of course. And I was too busy to take any more pictures than this!!

Cruisin'

Apple behind the wheel of Uncle M's new-to-him "fun" car! On a side note, C-Ray found great enjoyment by climbing under the car cover (while it was on) and hiding under it inside the car.

Don't Rock the Boat

During our visit to Minnesota in July, we got to spend an afternoon out on Uncle M and Aunt J's boat. This is always a highlight for Mom, Dad, and Faithie, and an upsetting event for Apple and C-Ray. Apple usually spends the first hour or so screaming, "It's too fast," "I don't like it," and "It's rocking too much." Of course, as any good, concerned parent would, I respond to that last complaint by singing, "Don't rock the boat, baby..." and Apple looks at me as if I'm crazy. After awhile things settle down and screaming subsides into wimpering and a good time is had by... well, most.
Daddy driving the boat, Apple and C-Ray with Aunt J, and Mommy and Faithie on the tube behind.
Apple and C-Ray... see how much they are enjoying themselves?
C-Ray after being thrown off his seat onto the floor of the boat... is he having fun yet?
Apple in Aunt J's lap, where she usually stays for most of the ride (Aunt J is much more sympathetic than Mom!) Notice how C-Ray is actually laughing... must be at his sister's expense.

Thanks Uncle M and Aunt J! We really did have a great time!