2008-08-12

indiana state fair 2008

ahhhh, the state fair! Some friends of ours gave us 2 tickets to ride the fair train (thanks, J & J)--so Cole and Terry headed down in the morning. I waited to pick Grant up from school and then we drove down. Of course there are always a bunch of fun activities--the boys really enjoyed touching the black bear fur since we had just seen a real black bear out in the road on our trip to WI. Since I had the camera and was with Grant longer than Cole--it turns out there are a lot more pictures of him :) Grant and I took the train home--it is fun to see his energy level fade (last row of pix) on the train {ohhh, that gentle sway just puts you to sleep!}.

2008-08-11

another school year

I can't even believe that it was a year ago that I posted "first day of school" pictures. Is this really a reality??. . . that on August 11 the kids are starting school?? It almost seems surreal, but we are off and running and jumping into another school-year. Our kids have been blessed with super teachers again this year; Luke's 1st grade teacher looped with him to 2nd grade and Grant has the same kindergarten teacher that Luke had. This means that we really won't have a transition this fall--I love going into the year knowing what to expect. The kids had a great day--beautiful weather and both came home with lots to talk about.

2008-08-10

the northwoods

We were on vacation this week in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Terry's Aunt Peg & Uncle Howard live just south of Minocqua. . .they opened up their adorable home to us and we loved every minute of us! Of course, we felt spoiled all week with YUMMY food and many fun things to do. Of course I took way too many picutres, so I will throw a few in and then put a slide show at the bottom of the post.

On Sunday, we went out on Lake Tomahawk for a little tubing and skiing. The boys have never been on a boat before--it was so fun to see their faces as we took off! Grant was the only kid that tried to ski. . .he wasn't successful, but we are proud of him for trying. It had been 15 years since Terry last skied, and he got up on the first try. Hmmm, I didn't want to let him rub it in, so after 12 years I was able to get up on my first try too (i sure didn't want to have to live it down if i didn't!).

Monday we went to a wildlife park and had an amazing time. Tons of free roaming animals like deer and pot belly pigs, tortoiuse and goats. All of the other animals we extremely close to see. So fun. A few evenings we had campfires and enjoyed s'mores and dough boys--these are to die for!We had a fun afternoon horseback riding and go-carting on Tuesday. The boys loved the horses and we had a great trail ride. I only wish everyone could hear Cole's laughter when the horses were trotting--it was absolutely contagious! After dinner Aunt Peg surprised us with a "family birthday party"--the boys all got flashlights just like Uncle Howard has. Wow! What a hit they are!! That evening we went to the lumberjack show--this was really great--amazing to see and funny too!On our last day we took a tubing trip down the river. The VERY still river. It turned out to be Terry paddling with his hands for 3 miles--poor guy! I did do my share of helping, and of course the kids did their fair share of laying on their tubes and asking why it is taking so long! Oh well, the Min-Aqua Bats water skiing show that evening made up for the slow afternoon!

Lots of fun other stuff too, like frog hunting, paddle boating, hanging out in the hammock, donuts at Paul Bunyan's and swimming in the lake. Another super memory of the week was playing with 3 sweet little dogs--Fannie Mae, Nacho & Spohie--they were great entertainment!

Thank you Aunt Peg & Uncle Howard--we had a super week and are so glad that we could spend it with you!!

2008-08-08

grant is 6!

Grant turned 6 today. . . kind of crazy, is he really heading to kindergarten next week? Wasn't it just yesterday that he was a naughty toddler causing me to constantly call my mom and say, "now Grant did. . . ." He sure has changed! Considering the post for Terry's birthday--i think I'll do the same for Grant!
Grant-- a few things we love about you:
1. you are adventurous beyond measure
2. your mouth speaks negatively but is proven wrong by the great big smile on your face
3. you are are a double best friend. . .to luke. and to cole.
4. you have the craziest ideas
5. you love your mom (and dad!!)
6. you fill our home with laughter

We celebrated Grant's birthday before we left on vacation because Terry had to leave for a business trip on the afternoon of Grant's b-day. As Grant requested, we went to Ben & Ari's and then met Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Brett for dinner at the Golden Corral. We have never been to the Golden Corral, but Grant found out they had an ice cream buffet and that cinched the dinner decision for him! One of his favorite gifts was his OWN tool box and tools (in the picture above) from Grandpa & Grandma.Today he got a real Indiana Jones whip!!! and our neighbor, Owen gave him an official Indiana Jones hat. You can only imagine what he has been playing ever since he opened those presents!!

2008-08-07

happy 38th, Terry!


Here are 38 things i love you about you!

1. your killer smile

2. wrestling with the boys

3. your great endurance

4. your passion for pizza

5. your Godly example

6. you married me. . .

7. and i knew on the first date you were "the one"

8. your lack of self-control when i make chocolate chip cookies

9. your belief you are "canyon-man"

10. when you take the boys "camping"

11. your passion for the Chicago Bears

12. you gave me a child that is JUST LIKE you!!!

13. your simplicity of life

14. your countdown for football season to begin

15. your feet :)

16. when you surprise me

17. your performance of the "dancing cockapoo"

18. your deep desire to provide for our family

19. you are easy to forgive

20. your dimples

21. your love of lead cake

22. when you take me on vacation without the kids!!

23. you rarely say no

24. you put the kids to bed every night

25. your sweet good-night kiss

26. how you know your way around the kitchen

27. your willingness to watch chick-flicks

28. that you are a tennis-PRO!

29. you are content to drive long distances, while i sleep quietly next to you

30. you appreciate my frugality

31. you always get donuts for birthday mornings

32. you make me laugh

33. you are a super dad

34. you like that i have 'so busys'. . .it eases your ears

35. you offer me things to think about

36. you are fun to be with

37. you gray beautifully. . .

38. 38 suits you well! I LOVE YOU!