Cousins make the best friends

We spent the weekend visiting Craig's cousin and his family. The kids had not seen each other in over a year, and you never would have guessed it. They are all best buds from the word go. We sure packed a lot of fun into one weekend. We went to the pumpkin patch, had a hot dog roast, jumped on a trampoline, and had some good old fashion outdoor play time.

Matthiesen State Park

Craig took Columbus Day off of work and we decided to take the kids to enjoy some of the amazing fall colors. We went to a little state park right down the street from Starved Rock. The pictures we took there were awesome!! We all had a great time enjoying each other and the great outdoors.

These are the moments I will treasue forever. Just being a family and loving to spend time together. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Elwood Park

I love this picture so much. The kids are just happy being together and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I hope the kids remember these moments from their childhood. The love, closeness, and happiness that the three of them share together.

Apple Picking

Apple picking is starting to become one of our fun fall family traditions. This year we went with the Forsythe's to a little orchard right in Homer Glenn. It rained a little toward the end of our trip, but we all had fun, and we picked a lot of apples. With our apples we made apple pancakes, apple pie, taffy apples, apple sauce, pork roast with apples, and we still have apples left for eating and a few more treats. There is so much to do at the orchard we went to. The kids love to feed the chickens, pick apples, pull each other around on the wagon, and go through the corn maze.

Collin's Football

This is the first year Collin played flag football. He is on the Lions with his friends William and Jake. He has learned so much and had some great games. I have attached a videos of his first touchdown. We are so proud of him :)

Our Sightseeing Trip Downtown

When my brother's girlfriend, Sara, came into town; we were so excited to take her downtown and show her Chicago. We only had one day to go, and of course, it was raining all day that day. We decided to go anyway and make the best of it. We used umbrellas all day and we were soaked, but all in all we had a fun time!

Snapshot of Summer

We had an amazing summer! There were lots of playdates, swimming, and family fun. Look on the side for a slideshow of our fun summer.

My Leah

Well, Leah is not in school, but she needs a blurb about herself. Leah turned 3 on September 19th. We had a big birthday party at our house for her. It's hard to believe that my baby has turned 3. She is no longer my baby, and you better not even think of calling her "baby". Those are fighting words around here. Leah is always the star of the show, the one who makes everyone laugh, and loves to be the center of attention.

Leah also was able to start her very first dance class. She was so excited to start! She is the youngest one in the class, but does a pretty good job listening. Hopefully, she will want to continue and if she does there will be a recital in the spring. She will be dancing on stage at the high school! Oh Boy!

Elyse's Big Day

After having my first day of school photos of Collin, I have to put some up of Elyse. I do not think there was a child on Earth as ready for Kindergarten as Elyse. She had her bag packed and outfit picked out for weeks. She even knew how she wanted to wear her hair. I would not expect anything else from Elyse. I hope Mrs. Benck knows what's heading her way.

Back to School

Fall means so many things to me, and going back to school is the first sign of fall. This year Collin is in 1st grade! I can't believe my baby is at school all day long. I am now adjusted to missing him all day long, and he loves everything about school. On most nice days we walk with some new friends we have met in the neighborhood, who happen to be in his class. He also loves eating hot lunch at school and playing outside with the boys at recess. Here he is ready to leave for school!