Fall Family Pictures

I wanted to get a couple family pictures this fall so I had new ones for our wall and one to put on our Christmas cards.  So, one Saturday afternoon, we loaded up and headed out to the Prairie Lakes park so my mom could snap a few photos.  Grace wasn't feeling the best, but I was hoping that going right after her nap we could squeeze out a couple good ones…..and they didn't turn out too bad, you could tell she wasn't quite herself but they will work. :)

Norah's First Day of Dance

Right before school started I kind of thought it would be a good idea to try to sign Norah up for a dance class.  She loves to dance around and had kind of been asking about it since a friend's birthday party was at a dance studio last spring.  I was a little hesitant because everywhere I looked you had to commit to the whole school year and I just wasn't sure I wanted to commit to that yet. :)  And, as much as I want my kids to enjoy activities, I also don't want to go crazy over it at this age. :)  But, I decided to try it, so I contacted a place and she was put on a waiting list.  After the first class we found out that she was going to be able to get in!  She was so excited to go, but then was sick the next week. :(  So, finally at the beginning of October, she got to go to her first ballet and tap dance!  She was so excited and has loved going!

Kyler's Fun at School

Kyler took a field trip towards the end of September to the one room school house on first street.  All the kids came in and sat down in the desks like they were going to have a day at school.  They then learned about the different things in the one room school house and how they were different from school today.  Last, they were able to experience a little bit of what it was like to be "in school" in a one room school house and on their way out, they got to ring the big bell. :)  It was a neat experience!

"working" at his desk while the teacher worked with a  group of kids

reading with the teacher

"working" again :)

All done and waiting to ring the bell :)

Also at the end of September, one of the science lessons was to disect crayfish. :)  Kyler was pretty excited about this as he always likes to pick up and hold the crayfish up at the cabin.  It was interesting to look at all the different parts, but I was glad when we were done. :)

Cubs Game

After we planned our trip to Milwaukee to see the Brewers, my Uncle had talked to Erik mentioning he would still love to try to get to Wrigley Field sometime to see the Cubs play.  He explained to Erik that his (my uncle's) dad used to go and sit in the bleachers at Wrigley and watch the Cubs play.  It cost him a  nickel every time he went and he had always told my uncle about his experiences at Wrigley, so my uncle had always wanted to to experience Wrigley for himself after hearing about it form his dad.  Since Erik is always up for a baseball game, he thought he would try to make this happen.  It wouldn't be as elaborate of a trip as the Milwaukee one, but more of a leave early, drive there, go to the game, and come home trip.  After chatting with my Dad and brother, Ben, they decided to go for the Sept. 19 game against the Cardinals (which happens to be Ben's favorite team and also his birthday).  So, that Saturday they got up, left about 6:00 am, and drove to Chicago.  It was Erik, Kyler, Uncle Nick, Ben, and my dad.  They parked outside of town and rode the L to the field.  They got to the game and enjoyed their time there and then when the game was over they took the L back to their car and drove home, arriving home about 10:30 pm.  It was a long day, but I think they all had a great time. :)

Kyler and Ben

Ben, Kyler and Erik before the game

Erik, Kyler, Uncle Nick, Ben and Gary after the game

Grace is 23 Months!

Miss Grace is just one month shy of her 2nd birthday, I can't believe it!  Her personality is really starting to shine and she looks so much more like a little girl than a baby.  She loves to try on different things and it is funny to see what she comes around the corner wearing.  Her vocabulary continues to grow and change daily and I'm always amazed with what comes out of her mouth. :)  She is definitely not going to be left behind and she needs to be doing whatever her big brother and sister are doing. :)  Here are some pictures from the past month!

23 Months Old!

Cheese!

Why not stand on the table?!

Found some goggles…..(this is what happen when you're trying to organize stuff after moving!) :)

Hi Mom!

Selfie with mom :)

And this is what happens when your dad is the operations guy….

She needed her swimsuit on…..

And this day too!  Apparently boots and swimsuits are in style :)

Soccer Fun for Kyler

We signed Kyler up for the K/1st soccer program through the rec center this fall.  He has enjoyed playing soccer in the backyard and so we thought we would give this a try.  It was so nice because it wasn't a big commitment, twice a week, for three weeks.  It was a great way to introduce the sport in an organized way, yet not feel like you're committing for the whole year. ;)  It was such a great experience!  Kyler had a lot of fun and learned some soccer basics too.  All the kids were divided up into six teams and they worked on some skills at stations for the first half of the evening and then played a real game for the second half.  I wish he could do it again next year but he will be too big. :(  Here are some shots from his soccer experience!

Kyler's First Day of 1st Grade

Kyler is doing a homeschool program this year where he goes on Tuesday mornings with other kids and then is home the rest of the week.  So, he didn't have his first day of school until the Tuesday after Labor Day.  We are excited to try this out this year!