More Scary Pics

Halloween

Halloween was a spooky-good time this year! Emma was a Southern Bell. Jack was a pirate. And Sam went as a viscious lion. We trick-or-treated at Ed & Linda's house again, which is always fun. I love seeing everyone in their costumes and feeling all of the excitement. The kids had a fantastic time with their cousins, running from door to door, and made out like candy bandits. Maybe next year I'll dress up, too!

More Patch Pics

Vala's Pumpkin Patch

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate. The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late." The second one said, "But we don't care. " The third one said,"I see witches in the air." The fourth one said, "Let's run, and run, and run." The fifth one said, "Get ready for some fun." Then whoosh went the wind, and out went the lights, and five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Disney Pictures II

Disney Pictures

Disneyland with the Schafer Clan

In October, we took a trip to Disneyland with the Schafer family. Mike, Joel's brother, is doing an extended fellowship in California for the year, so we thought this would be a great way to visit him. We had a fantastic time with everyone, visiting Mickey and riding the rides. It was a great way to spend time with the family, especially the kids. I had so much fun going on the rides with Emma and Jack and all of my nieces and nephews. I even coaxed Joel into going on California Screamin' once, which is a rollercoaster that goes upside down. And he actually liked it! It was a great time and hopefully we can do it again some day. I was so impressed with Disney that Joel and I are planning to take the kids to Disneyworld in the next year or so.

And More Apple Pictures

Apple Picking

Every Fall, we head to Kimmel Orchard in Nebraska City, NE to pick apples with the kids. However, the last 3 years we've been visiting the orchard, there have been no apples to pick, due to late, Spring frosts. This year, though, we were actually able to venture out into the apple trees and pick a few bags of apples. The kids loved it! Jack wanted to eat every apple he picked and Sam was amazed that the apples came right off. Emma and Joel had a great time running between the trees, trying to find the "perfect" apple. It was a great day, complete with apple donuts and face painting!

More Chicago Pictures...

Chicago Half-Marathon

On September 14, I ran my 2nd half marathon in Chicago. It was rainy and cold the morning of the race, but I made it. Thank God I wore a hat! Joel and I had a wonderful time in the windy city, while my mom stayed in Omaha with the kids. It was a nice break and I'm glad we were able to get away.

On Memorial Day, we took a trip to the Air & Space Museum. It was a lot of fun...and I was thoroughly impressed! The planes were enormous. Jack and Emma loved climbing around them and Sam was in awe. It was a great way to spend the afternoon, complete with a trip to the drive-through zoo on our way home.

I'm Back!

I've been unable to access my blog for quite some time, but as of today, I'm back! Wow! A lot has happened since Emma's first day of school back in August. We've been busy! I'll post what I can and hopefully, it will get everything up-to-date!