A Visit to Wisconsin

In early October (yes, October), I took Patrick and Charlie to visit their cousins in Wisconsin for an extended weekend.  Jim and Jack stayed home so Jack could go to school and Jim could work.

Charlie got his first haircut.

He hated it!

All smiles when I was finished!

It was cool, but not cold so we were able to spend a lot of time playing outside.  Patrick really liked their tether ball pole.

The sandbox was a hit, too.

Patrick and Charlie played really well together in the sandbox.

We were happy to celebrate Ryan's 9th birthday during our visit.

Lukas, Ryan, and Adam (left to right)

My brother Patrick did some senior picture poses for me. He should know that I'll post it on the internet.

Ryan got some birthday lovin' from his Daddy.

Ingrid and Patrick:

Adam is pretty good on this skateboard thingy.  I am pretty sure that is the technical term for it.

Ryan was very excited when he opened his gifts and found this Packers jersey!

Happy 9th birthday, Ryan!

Visit with Santa

I know I still have a lot of catching up to do, but I thought I would post this picture from our visit with Santa tonight.  Jack told him he wanted a bridge for his train set and Patrick told him he wanted a cookie.  Charlie had no words for the experience.

Fall Randoms

Auntie Kathleen read a book to Jack and Patrick before dinner at my parents' house one night.  My boys LOVE to listen to books!  Thanks, Auntie Kathleen, for making their day!

One evening I took the boys outside hoping to get some 1 year pictures of Charlie.  I didn't love any of the pictures (but did love a picture I took a few weeks later), but here are some of the shots I got.  

"Are YOU going to take MY picture?  I don't think so, Mama!"

Look at that boy's hair!  He got his first (and much-needed) haircut the next week.

He is such a happy boy!

This guy also got a much-needed haircut the next week!

Goofy:

"Is Mom going to just watch me eat this chalk?"

My sweet 5 year old slowed down for a picture, too.

Pumpkinland

In late September, Jim and I took Jack to Pumpkinland while his brothers napped at Nana and Papa's house.  Jim and Jack braved the dark tunnels.

Getting taller every year...

Jim and I both went down the big slide.

Jack showed us how it should be done.

The zipline is always a favorite.

A few weeks later, I took Patrick and Charlie to meet some friends at the other Pumpkinland while Jim was at work and Jack was at school.

Patrick liked to climb the big towers.

So big!

Charlie tried to ride the John Deere tricycle.

We went on a hay ride.

Patrick loved the big slide and could do it all by himself!

Hanging with Eden in a big tire.

Patrick is impressing Eden with his strength.

This cutie is visiting us from Australia right now.  She is ADORABLE and we are loving every minute of our time with her!  She is loving the visit so much she doesn't want to close her eyes for a moment.