Pumpkin Patch 2011

What a beautiful day to visit a Pumpkin Patch! We have a wonderful, inexpensive, fun, exciting, little Pumpkin Patch not too far from our house. Last year, Grandma & Grandpa took the grand kids the weekend after Drake was born while Chad and I stayed home to rest with a newborn. By request, we all went this year!
They have a huge, metal slide, a mini corn maze, a regular corn maze, goats and horses, a pumpkin slinger, a hayrack ride, and even more! We had a great time and even got to cut our own pumpkin from the vine. I love living where we live so we can experience all 4 seasons and the fun things included!!

The miniature corn slide!

The mini corn maze!

The HUGE slide!!!

Corn box

Calla riding on Peanut! She loved this horse!

Uncle Shane got to help them all with the Pumpkin Slinger!

Even Drake enjoyed playing in the corn. He only tried to put some in his mouth a few times!

Happy boy!

Daddy and Calla on the hayrack ride after they picked their own pumpkin!

Burlynn loved this big slide!

The trike was much more fun when Daddy pedaled!

Hula and Drake just hanging out while some of the bunch went through the corn maze.

Our little family!

Bayln, Calla, Drake, Burlynn

Papa and Calla feeding the goats!

Happy 1st Birthday Drake!

We survived the big First Birthday of Drake's!! On his actual birthday, he decided to learn to walk!! He had been crusing around furniture for quite a few weeks, but was never interested in walking with an adult's hands or with anything else. At daycare, on his birthday, he just started walking across the room. What a delight to come home and find out your baby was not only 1 now, but also walking. We went to Applebee's to eat the evening of his birthday, because that is what Calla requested!
Over the weekend, we have actually had a big family birthday party. He received so many cute outfits, which he desperately needed and so many awesome "boy" toys. We have sooooo many girl things, and very few things for boys to play with. Some of my family spent the night and we hung out some more today.
Drake, at 1 year old:
-you say: Mama, Dada, Calla, go, Ahh Boo
-you started walking on your actual birthday
-you eat just about anything we give you
-you are still up most nights at least one time, either to eat or to cuddle
-you have 2.5 teeth and seem to be working on more
-you love to be outside and ride in your stroller
-you eat just about anything you can find to pick up off the floor
-you love, love, love to play in water (bathtub, toilet, sink)

We love you so much Drake and look forward to many more exciting birthday parties!!!

It was a 'buggy' party!

The birthday boy, in his birthday clothes!

Walking with Papa!

Calla grabbed his neck when he decided to try to get down off of the step...

The morning of his actual birthday!

Sitting in his cool chair he got from Uncle Shane and crew!! He loves it!

His fun ride on Buzz Lightyear car!

Happy Birthday, dear Drake!!!

A pic of Calla when she was finished with her 1st Birthday cake!

Saying Hello to Hula!

Two hand smash!!

Feeding Uncle Jeddy!

Sticking his tongue out at Uncle Jeddy!

Ready for a bath!

Just getting started!

A Night on the Town

Chad and I got to go out on the town last night!!! We have not had a night out without children since April, so it was much needed. Thanks Grandpa & Grandma for watching the children overnight so we could have some time to rejuvenate our relationship!

A Family Weekend

Our family had not all been to Deshler for several months and we decided this would be the weekend! The cousins had a fabulous time together. By Sunday afternoon there were tears b/c mean things were being said (from both girls) and we decided it was time to head back home! HA! Uncle Jeddy was not there, but his Jerzi and her pups were! As always, we ate too much, watched lots of football, played a game, talked, and my Dad worked on the car. Thanks for the fabulous weekend Mom & Dad! We love you!!

Up close and personal with the pups.

An adorable face shot, look at those blue eyes!

When you hold a pup, Jerzi is really sweet about letting you do it. When you start to put it back in the box, she licks your germs off!

The dragon in the Friendship Garden.

Burlynn, Bayln, Calla, & Drake in the gazebo!

The top of the gazebo.

Burlynn & Hula :)

Running through the weeping willow branches.

The church I went to as a child! The only original church building still standing in Deshler!

2752 Flags in Honor of those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Where were you when the world stopped turning?

Calla & Elly in their aprons a sweet lady from church made for them!

State Fair 2011

My year would not be complete if I did not visit the Nebraska State Fair. I. Love. That. Place.
So many things (and people) to see!
We tried Swiss Cheese and Rye on a stick, chocolate covered crunchy Cheetos, a corn dog, and a yummy Philly cheese steak sandwich. I did not get to try the deep fried Twinkie on a stick. (Hey, I need a reason to go back next year!)
Calla just wanted to watch the Racing Pigs and see them eat the Oreo Cookie when they win, and ride a pony. We completed both tasks! She got a ticket from a friend (Thanks Gina!!) to do some fun things and eat some free things while there. She choose to ride the Merry-Go-Round and that completed our day.
My parents came to meet us there and hang out to help me celebrate my birthday. I have celebrated few birthdays without seeing my parents, might we weird to some of you, but my birthday just isn't quite the same if I don't see the people that helped create me!

Calla riding on Baxter!

The GIGANTIC Praying Mantis Chad found on one of the buildings. Calla's shoe is a size 7.

All the apples she picked in the Family Fun Tent.

Collecting eggs in the Family Fun Tent.