A weekend of celebrations

 Teresa & Andrew's birthdays are right around the time of Dad & my niece Lucy.  This year we were so lucky to spend a celebratory weekend home at the farm!

 Sarah was a big fan of cousins Julia & Lucy... I think it was mutual.

 Rebecca manages to find every art supply, costume, & decoration that Mom has left in that house when we visit!

 Just chillaxing

 With his birthday money, Andrew bought his first bow.  I'm pretty sure he got enough use out of it for the price in just one weekend!

 He also "taught" Julia & Lucy how to shoot, as well as challenging Darren & me to a shootout.  He won.

 Almost everybody took a ride in the combine with Grandpa.  He would go out until he was full, come back to the yard to unload, & get another three to ride along.  It was like a combine taxi service!

 Playing in the treehouse & sandbox is a must.

 The pumpkin harvest was not quite as abundant this year, but still plenty that we were able to bring a few home.  Here's Rebecca with cousin Jonathan.

 I think Teresa could have stayed on that swing for hours!

 Sarah was a big fan as well.

 The view from the treehouse

 The thrills did not end... time for a ride to the co-op in the semi!

 We had quite the abundance of desserts with 4 birthdays to celebrate.  It would have been impolite to refuse any of them, right?

 My sisters Cara & Denise

 Teresa & Lucy share an October 12th birthday... they looked even more alike that day!

 That one's a keeper

...I can't even imagine my dad doing that when I was little!  The freedom that comes with grandpahood must be wonderful. 

 Sarah devoured probably too many of Teresa's requested blue velvet cupcakes. 

When we went to Mass, Andrew sang with my dad up in the choir loft right next to my old art teacher.  Crazy fun.  I had time for relaxed conversations with my sisters, my brothers-in-law, my parents, & my nieces.  That is so rare when the house is buzzing with the whole crew.  We played a HILARIOUS game of Telephone Pictionary which can still give each of us a giggle.  

Feeling so blest to have spent this (almost quiet) weekend at home!  

Wild animal tea party

Happy 5th birthday to our little Tootsie Pop!

 A few days early we had the girls from her preschool class over for a tea party playdate.  Teresa is still in love with anything zebra, but opted to expand her horizons this year & have a wild animal theme.  The girls were hilarious!  They loved putting sugar & creamer in their tea, but not so much drinking it.

 They designed their own cookies to enjoy. 

Lots of playing & imagining made for a quick morning.  Then it was off to preschool!  It cracks me up how much of a thrill kids get from riding in someone else's car.  They all rode in our van to preschool to continue the fun.  We enjoyed having them!

A great tradition

 So glad to continue the preschool field trip to the pumpkin patch tradition!

 I've never seen this little scooters anywhere else & Teresa LOVED them.

 Bumpy slide is always a hit

 She's the queen of the haystack

 Even more fun than we had digging in the grain truck growing up!

 Sarah couldn't quite make it up on the bouncing pillows but she was giggling with delight just to feel the vibrations at the edge.

Super fun day!

2010

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2012

 2013

Double digits

 Happy 10th birthday to our baby boy!

Bacon & eggs breakfast

Playdate with friends after school...

how badly do you want that donut??? 

School, fun with friends, Runza for dinner, & old school Transformers episode before bed. 

Hope you had a great day, Bubba!  We love you so much.

Can't resist

 As the days get more chilly, I can't resist every opportunity to use a warm one for an outing to the park.  It's amazing how much half an hour on the playground will brighten up all of our spirits!

Investiture

Rebecca received her scapular at Mass today.  This has always been kind of a first step in their preparation for 1st Holy Communion.  She was thrilled!  With the exception of bathtime, she hasn't taken it off since.  :)

All aboard!

One last ride on the zoo train! 

It's always a special treat when Daddy can join in the fun.

Gigglebox

Excited to see what happens when Darren gets home today. Yesterday, Sarah was quietly "reading" books in her room when she heard the garage door. She immediately stopped, closed her book, plugged in a binkie, put on a necklace, & ran to the door to wait for Daddy to come in...bouncing in anticipation. Then when he opened the door, she ran the other way giggling!

 Love this girl.

Oh the places you'll draw

 Chalk reef

 

Little Flower

Our Little Flowers sang a special song at school Mass this year on the feast of St. Therese of Liseiux.  She is the patroness of our group & a great example of how to follow in the footsteps of Mary towards Jesus.  We sang "The Little Flower".  They did a fantastic job!  I love their little voices harmonizing together.