A is for Apple, P is for Pumpkin

On Saturday we made our way up to our favorite farm for apples and pumpkins. We ran up and down the rows in the apple orchard to find the perfect apples and then walked over to a huge pumpkin patch. It is always fun to see what each boy finds. Drew was about finding the perfect pumpkin to hold in his arms, Dallin searched according to the right color, and Mason was all about the bigger the better. I love fall!

Summer Endings

We are made vastly aware of the end of summer by the sound of the combine going by our backyard. And I do mean right by our yard! I got this picture right before the dust cloud came rolling over our home. Drew and Dallin and our next door neighbors enjoyed watching and waving to our farmer neighbor. It is a sight to watch the crops (this year it was soybean) come full circle. From the seeds going into the ground to the harvest, we get to see it all.


Our neighbor working well into the night. The combine and the sunset were spectacular.


Here are a few pics taken in the last month that tell our story. This picture of Easton says it all, "seriously guys, is this really neccesary?"

Drew's first day of preschool (Sept.15th). Drew was so excited, especially since Mason and Dallin had been in school for 3 weeks.

Big D playing flag football. He really enjoys it!

For Homecoming weekend in Urbandale the high school cross country team helps to sponsor a mile run for all the school districts elementary aged kids. Mason ran a good race. I'm hoping that in the next couple of years I'll gain a running partner for my Saturday mornings.

This is a funny little thing Easton did with the paci. He did it for several weeks, but in the last week or two he has stopped. It just made us all giggle.

Back to School

On Saturday the boys and I went on a "Back to School" picnic. We decided that since school was starting we would enjoy the perfect 74 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze day and walk to a park about 1/2 mile from here. It was a great couple of hours. We ate, played, and even did some races together. It was perfect! A great end to a wonderful summer. Thanks my boys!

Yesterday was the first day of school. Mason and Dallin were pretty excited. Mason woke up early, got dressed, made Dallin and his lunches(so thoughtful), and ate breakfast before any of us were even down stairs.

I like to think that the look is worry because he would miss his mom, but honestly he is trying to figure out what the kid in front of him is doing.

Drew wanted to go to school too - he still has three weeks until preschool starts for him. It will be good time to spend with him and Easton.

Summer Fun - Part one

So this summer had two big trips. Our first was to the Wisconsin Dells. Which is about 50 miles from Madison, WI and is a beautiful area, as well as being the nations water park capitol. The people of the midwest often vacation there year round because there are also a ton of indoor water parks.
Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton and Uncle Brad all came out to visit and then we went up and stayed in a beautiful time share. The resort we stayed at had 3 indoor water parks and 3 outdoor parks. So it was beautiful the night we got there and then proceeded to rain and be 60 degrees the following three days, so we ended up having a great time at the indoor parks. The last day we were there it stopped raining and got into the 70s, so we took a boat tour on the Wisconsin Dells. The rock formations on both sides of the river are amazing. We loved it and it was definitely a highlight. So here's some pics.

The resort had this huge three story indoor play area, which included big air guns to shot foam balls. Grandpa and Dallin are getting in on the action in this pic.

Five out of six happy faces - not bad.

On the boat river tour there where a couple of stops to get out and explore the amazing rock formations.

Wave pool.

Dallin coming out of the slide.

One of the slides!

Growing up

Easton is 5 and half months now. So here's a few cute pics taken this summer. In the next few days I'm going to be working on my "What I did this summer" entry - all of our trips we took. But I just had to make a little entery about our cute baby boy.

Sleeping angel! At almost 4 months.

This picture was taken at four months. At his four month appointment he came in at 14 lbs. 11 oz. and 26 inches long. His length is in the 90th percentile, so he's a lanky babes with awesome baby fat rolls on the legs - love it! His eyes just light up and those checks, too cute!

One of the kids took this picture last week. Easton likes his paci!

This is Easton's favorite thing to do at the moment. He loves to sit up and play with toys. On Aug. 1st he started sitting up on his own. He can do it for about 10-15 seconds with no help. He loves it! But for play time we do the pillow prop and he is very content to sit and play.

Lost in Translation

On Sunday we went to church with my brother and his family. They attend a Spanish speaking service and there are translation devices available. You have headphones to listen to the service in English. A woman was at the pulpit speaking and Drew said to Mark, "That woman has a man's voice!" Mark had to explain to Drew the woman was speaking in Spanish and the person interpreting for her over the headphones was a man. Too cute.

Easton's Blessing

On Sunday (June 14th) Easton was given a name and a blessing at church. Mark gave a very special blessing to Easton. We were excited to share the day with Mark's parents and his youngest brother. Both Mark's dad and his brother we're able to take part in the blessing of Easton. Oh how I love this little guy! I feel blessed and honored that he is part of our family. We love you Easton.