November

 Just because she's cute ...

 We celebrated Bubba's birthday (and the birth of their new cousin Zander!)

Ben helped to honor veterans at an all-school assembly by presenting color guard. "Yours truly" organized a coffee before the assembly for the Veteran's and their families (gotta love the PTO - haha). I must admit I was a little grumpy about the job (I had to buy coffee, treats and load 5,000 balloons into my car) not to mention that my co-chair bailed on me … BUT … it turned out to be a fantastic afternoon. The Veteran's were so sweet, gracious and proud — some of them were even in their uniforms. Most of them were grandparents (or great-grandparents) of the students. It really made me wish that our grandparents could have been there! They would have loved it!

 Nora's dream came true and she got to bake cookies with her new BFF Liz.

Ben built an awesome model of his school in the workshop with Grandad. They did such a good job that I decided to email the principal to let her know about his work. The model is now on display in a case at school, he got to talk about his work on the school announcements (on TV) and he felt pretty proud of his accomplishment. …Pinewood Derby Race here we come!!!

Halloween 2013

Wonder Woman, Rapunzel, Super Girl & Ninja

Nora's Halloween performance at school
(the younger kids watch the older kids)

Cosmic Bowling-

We had a bowling party for Ben with just a few friends and cousin Mag. The kids had fun and the adults had a little FRIENDLY bowling competition as well.

Farmers Market

 Unlike her big brother at 8 months, Nora loves to swing!

 Playing in the corn with our buddy Abbie.

The farmer's market near our house always has some cool stuff for Halloween. It's really great to walk there for some morning fun with our friends!

Dillon's B-Day

Dillon's been planning his football birthday party since the day after his baseball party last year. Dillon, Connor and Ben have been great buds since they were all less than two. It's pretty cool they are growing up to be smart, funny, big dudes! What a great afternoon!

Lake Geneva, Part 2

Arlo and Evelyn took great care of baby Nora while we were on vacation. Arlo loved holding her, bringing her toys and making her special places to play. Maybe Arlo needs a new baby at his house since he's such a great big brother?!?! Get on that dear friends - ha, ha! Photo Credit: KAKM

Lake Geneva, Part 2

 We got to see our friend Arlo and meet his little sister, Evelyn.

Oh yeah, not to mention see our dear friends Kristina and Darrell, Shana and Max.

It was a regular KCAI reunion!!
How did I NOT get a pic of the adults?!?!

I could kick myself!!

 What sweet kids my roomie has!!

Here's Evelyn with the special "ring" she found in our swim bag.

In some circles it's known as a zip tie...

We swam and swam and swam... 

ate beef jerky,

then we swam some more...

Ben finally jumped off the edge of the pool with no one to catch him!

Watch where you leave your shoes with Evelyn around,

they'll be on her feet in a flash! :)

Playgroup Generation 2.0

Nora and Ethan were fast friends, chatting it up in the exersaucer!