Raking - Family Style

We'd employ Macy if we could!

Building a leaf fort for an airsoft gun war.

Where's Luke?

We have decided that the family that rakes together stays together! At least let's hope anyway because we have lots of raking to do!! Yes, we know we basically bought a tree house since we are surrounded by lots of huge trees, but when we saw the house in May when everything was green and lush we just weren't thinking about what the yard would look like in October. Actually, I did ask the previous owner how it was raking and he nonchalantly told me, "it is no big deal." LIAR!! In the meantime we will keep raking and enjoying the beauty of fall. Check out the videos below. Notice Luke is missing again!

Apple Picking and Corn Maize

When we lived in Akron we went to the same orchard every year to pick apples. It was one of our favorite fall outings. Luckily we found a place here that was not as quaint, but just as fun. And the best part is the baking that is a result of all of those apples! Apple pancakes, apple pie, apple cake!! I also had to include a picture of our outing to the Corn Maize. The boys had a cub scout outing there and it was the first time Matt has ever been through one. He has always had a fear of them but knowing that we could text for directions!! helped ease his fears. Every year they make a design in the corn maize and this year we wanderd through the faces on Woody Hayes and Jim Tressel!

Andrew's 11th birthday

Andrew began his 11th birthday with none other than some sugary goodness from Krispy Kreme doughnuts!! Ever since he was 2 years old he has chosen doughnuts for his birthday breakfast. Then, I brought him City BBQ for lunch at school. In the evening we took the family and one of his friends to Dave and Busters. No one loves an arcade like Andrew! He approaches with the intensity of a world class athlete. I just can't believe he is 11! Only two more years until I have a teenager - YIKES!! We love you Andrew! You are an amazing son and such a blessing to us!!

Ohio State Fans

Well, we were told that the town goes wild on game days and we discovered that to be true. It felt like a National holiday! The first game of the season was on a Thursday and the kids had an Ohio State spirit day that day. Luckily some friends from our old church gave us an Ohio State gift basket when we moved filled with tshirts for the whole family so we were properly suited. I happened to be up at their school on game day and I will have to say that it was pretty cool seeing 700 kids all decked out in red! Some of our neighbors invited Matt and me to a game and we had a blast! I have never seen a stadium filled like that before. The band was awesome, the weather was beautiful, and the atmosphere was electrifying. I love living in a college town! GO BUCKS!!!

First day of school

Well it was the much anticipated first day of school. The boys were excited and Brooke was nervous. They wanted me to drive them to school the first day so I did and was able to walk Brooke into her classroom. She was clinging onto my hand for dear life and luckily her sweet teacher picked us on her nervousness and helped make her feel comfortable. Remarkably, I left the building without crying! I spent the rest of the day gathering our adoption papers to be mailed off for final review. Wow! What an emotional day! When I picked them up they were all very happy and it was a relief to know that the first day was a success. I took them to Rita's for an Italian Ice and they all wanted to talk at the same time. Finally, one by one I go the scoop on their day. I can't believe that summer is over, but for us it is a good thing. I am always ready to have a summer move behind us. Here's to a great school year in our new city!

Visit with Lauren, Anneke, adn Marielle

This year marked Lauren's second annual trip to Ohio in August. She used to come in January because of her work schedule, but now she is able to come in August to get a break from the Texas heat. Even though it was hot here, it was still cooler than Texas. We had the best time and now have collected many more hilarious sayings and memories. Smore on a stick, Danger, danger!, falling out of chairs. Four month Marielle is the cutest thing and is so sweet and content (when she is not in her car seat)! She always has her mouth open and is very wide eyed. Brooke wanted to hold her the whole time!! Anneke has been given the name Brute Force Warrior Princess! She is all girl but then loves to play rough with the boys and can push her way through anything. She is a riot and as usual kept us laughing the whole time. We got to go to the splash park , the zoo, Cosi - to see the most boring IMAX ever made. Don't go see Whales and Dolphins! It was so boring! All they showed was the backside of whales and dolphins and we made fun of Darryl Hannah's breathy voice the whole time. Our favorite line was, " The manatee has flatulence, look at its bubbles." I told my kids to think of that line whenever they are sad or nervous and it is sure to make them laugh! Try it, it works!! I miss my sister and nieces, but am thankful for the times we have together!

Visit to St. Louis

After I returned from Colorado I had a brief visit with my nieces and nephews, and then went to Innsbrook for a few days to be with my family. My dad and I were able to go fishing for a day and we had a great time laughing and making memories like we always do. A pontoon boat was the new addition at Innsbrook this year which the kids loved jumping off of into the lake. The boys pretended they were Navy Seals and came up with all sorts of drills and rescue missions. The day we left Innsbrook Andrew and Brooke decided to get sick so I got to spend 10 (supposed to be 8) hours in the car with sick kids. Lots of fun!! But we made it safe and sound to Matt only to hear him tell us that that was the longest drive time EVER and that HE drove it in 7 and a half hours! Of course that was by himself!!