Another Trip Down Memory Lane

How cute are these photos? They must be shared. I remember this day well, Alex, Josiah, Noah, Susie and I went to Great Times in Indianapolis. We had the place to ourselves. It was a blast. The boys have always been close and, interestingly enough, the ball pit is a great photo op, don't you think?

We successfully exhausted all 3, and they went home and took nice, long naps. Great Success!!

***After cleaning up my computer files I came across this old folder of Owen's birthday. Despite the look on my face, it was a wonderful occasion with lots of family. He was the largest baby I'd ever seen, and also one of the sweetest. It's amazing how much has changed since then. One thing that remains the same - he still wears diapers. Seriously.***

I thought I should post some pictures of our new house.

Okay, this isn't technically our house. It isn't even technically in the United States. But if I were European, and had close proximity to Ikea, this is what my house would look like. Promise!

A few of my favorite things...

http://thepioneerwomancooks.com/

http://www.yvestown.com/archives/decorating/
http://shimandsons.typepad.com/shimandsons/crafts/index.html
http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/
http://readymademag.com/index.php

Science has, once again, proven cats are evil.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071212/sc_afp/healthscienceskoreacloning

Halloween 2007

We had so much fun trick or treating in our subdivision. I've never seen so many kids! The majority of neighbors were home, Johnny and Owen received a huge amount of candy. We went with our neighbors and their two boys, Christopher and Adrian. We're lucky all the boys get along so well. Alex was a teenage vampire, and too cool to go with us. He walked around to look for some friends and then went home. Owen was a Power Ranger, naturally. He saw some of his teammates walking around, John was Peter Pan.

Open Letter of Apology, from John

Dear Alex's Teachers and Principal,

My mom is making me write this letter to say I am sorry for my behavior at Alex's parent/teacher conference. I am sorry for many of the things that occurred during the 30 minute meeting including, but not limited to;

• Pooping my pants and smelling up the entire room.
• Grunting, turning red and bearing down on Mrs. Levo's chair while pooping said pants.
• Choking on an animal cracker and throwing up on the carpet.
• Principal Reagan's early exit (I believe I may have had something to do with that.)
• Crying when the school's Speech Therapist wouldn't give me her pencil, then hitting her.

If you didn't insist on planning every meeting during my naptime, things might turn out better. I do not like for my schedule to be disrupted. But that is no excuse for my behavior.

Love,
John

Bloom and Berries

Bloom and Berries Pumpkin Patch

Eric's Wedding

Two weeks ago we went to Georgia for Eric and Helen's wedding. Here are pictures of Ryan (best man) and his dad, John and Aunt Laura. We had a great time, stayed in a great inn and had a wonderful weekend with Ryan's family and friends. I didn't get to take too many wedding photos - too busy chasing the boys - but hopefully we'll get some. Alex made a friend, Tanner, and they went hiking together and hunted for rocks. Ryan took Alex and Owen on a hike and I got to go shopping with Laura and Cindy. All 3 boys were unbelievably good for the long car ride!

We all participated in a rousing game of "Dance, Dance Revolution" at the TriCounty Mall, just before going to The Disney Store to purchase our Halloween costumes (Power Ranger & Peter Pan). It's nice having such a great mall nearby. I just wish I could shop there! For some reasons, Ann Taylor doesn't hold the boys' attention for very long!

Boring Food Post

It's silly, but I wanted to post this pic of my Shrimp/Chicken Scampi - it's going in a local cookbook! The newspaper came over and took a picture, and the book will be out towards the end of November. They asked me to add some recipes to their Thanksgiving supplement, too.

Seven Caves, Ohio

Love this place. Alex, Owen, John and I went to Seven Caves, about an hour from here. Gorgeous and full of plants I've never seen. Absolutely beautiful. As you can see from the pictures, John was a little anxious about the caves. Alex was very excited about the potential to find rocks, but we weren't allowed to take any! Owen was ready to jump off any available cliff and had to be watched, closely. Note to moms: they say the trail is paved, it isn't. Be prepared to carry your babies for 3 miles - no strollers allowed, they may ruin the natural vegetation. You know what else ruins it? Dropped babies.

Future Bob Jones University Students

Please don't laugh, Gerta bought us these shirts. In two colors.

Ah, Chicago. The hotels, the jellybean, the jump ropes!

Ikea

Know who's getting an Ikea down the street? We are! Doesn't it make all of you want to come visit? And pick up a Swedish futon/dining table/car?

We love the Madison Zoo - because it's free! No trains, roller coasters or dog sharks to pet but that's fine. Can anyone name the last animal - I think it attacked Wesley in the fire swamp.

Driving to Madison

On our way, we stopped at this gorgeous waterfront town for a break and let the boys stretch their legs a little!