Iowa Part II

The kids have landed on a new tradition which is Addy wants to buy a pin and Cameron wants a magnet from all of the new places we we go. Generally this is not hard to fulfill but it turns out in Iowa it is not as easy. We went to several different places with no luck, but I think got a recommendation that we will likely never hear again. One woman said we should definitely drive to Davenport Iowa to the world's largest truck stop. She was certain they would have it there. Unfortunately it was the wrong direction so the kids had to make due with the gas station choices which were limited.
Here are more fun photos from our wedding weekend in Iowa.

A Whirlwind Weekend in Iowa

It now feels like a lifetime ago, but a month ago we flew to Chicago and drove to Iowa to go to Brian's cousin's wedding. It was a long travel day to get there, but such a great weekend with family. The kids got to see their cousins Etta and Ellis and both their aunts and uncles on Brian's side and grandparents and great-grandparents. It's always so fun to get the family together and weddings make it even more fun. It was Cameron's first wedding and he absolutely loved it. The reception was held at a environmental center on the Mississippi River and the kids loved all of the displays and animal habitats. We got them on the dance floor a few times and it was so much fun.

It's Been A Little Busy

I just realized I'm way behind and can't believe that November is almost over. Again I say I don't know how this happens. I suppose it could be because we had a daughter turn 10, went to lots and lots of hockey, ran some cross country meets, flew to Chicago, went to a wedding in Iowa, started swimming lessons, had girl scout and cub scout meetings, celebrated culture week and now are decorating for Christmas! I guess I do understand how this happens....pictures soon!

Halloween Fun Part III

Unfortunately I was traveling this year on Halloween so I missed trick or treating, but I swear the kids got more candy than ever. Brian helped them carve pumpkins and took them out trick or treating around then neighborhood which they loved. It was the first year we didn't do the downtown businesses and they seemed to enjoy going door-to-door even more. Addy was a pop star and Cameron was a storm trooper. 

We are proud of them because they parted with about half of their candy and Brian turned it in to their dentist and they earned 5 bucks. Another successful Halloween!

Halloween Fun Part II

And Take Two with Mommy on the weekend. Slightly more crowded, very windy, but still super fun!

Halloween Fun Part I

The kids hit the jackpot this year and got to go to a pumpkin patch twice- once with Daddy and then again with Mommy! It was awesome because there was so much to do. Hayrides, trampolines, barnyard baseball, football and basketball, barrel rides, candy cannon, apple cannon, duck races, human foosball, they did it all! Everyone had so much fun and just love this time of year.

Part I- WeekDay Fun with Daddy!

DOUBLE DIGITS!

Last week Addy celebrated her 10th birthday and joined the double digits club. The night before her birthday, she said to me, "I'm officially old now." I took the day off work and we had a wonderful day celebrating our special girl. We got to spoil and embarrass her as much as we could. She loved all of her gifts and all of the attention, and of course eating all of her favorite foods.
To celebrate a bit differently (because turning 10 IS A BIG DEAL), we took just Addy out to dinner and she got to pick the restaurant. It happened to be restaurant week so we went fancy and went for seafood. I honestly don't remember the last time it was just the 3 of us for dinner in a restaurant and a "party of 3" was dramatically different than our typical party of 4. Funny how when your little brother isn't there you are much more talkative...
There aren't words for how proud we are of our amazing, determined, passionate 10-year-old daughter. Happy Birthday Adelyn!