Cincy Apple Orchard

The kids and I ventured to Cincinnati to visit Aunt Amanda a few weeks ago. And it's now my tradition to visit in the fall to go the the Apple Orchard to get my thriller caramel apple!! Oh it's heaven.....and yes, I've eaten them all. :} We go with Amanda's mom, dad, sister and her kids (only one kid this year though)......and the kids always enjoy the play area they have set up!! Good Times!!

Wiles' Trials

I've added another blog to my sidebar. Jason & Megan Wiles......Megan was a college roommate of mine and some days I thought Jason was too!! I've just recently caught up with her on facebook (gotta love facebook). And they have just announced that Jason is currently battling esophageal cancer. If you have the time, you should read the complete blog from the beginning. You will truly be inspired by this family!! They have such faith, given the circumstances, that it will really make you reassess your relationship with God (at least it did me).

If you don't have time to read the entire blog, what they are really asking for are prayers! Prayers for strength, patience, wisdom.....everything that you can lose track of when you are put into this whirlwind. If you have stories of your own battle with cancer or someone you know, they would love to hear them.....so if you have time to share with them, please do. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Take care, and say a prayer!

Lincoln Ridge Fun

Joe and I took the kids this weekend to have some fun at Lincoln Ridge. They had a few things extra from last year, and as always......the kids had a blast!! :} One of the new things was this 'Great Pumpkin Jump'......and I must admit, I kinda wanted to try it out!! It was a beautiful day to hang out outdoors and let the kids burn off some steam!! We did the Corn Maze and got covered in mud, visited Wanda the Witches House.....she was taking a break when we got there! We even braved the Haunted Barn......very spooky!! :} So much fun stuff for the kids to do.

Straw Mountain:

Ella hanging at the end tempting Evan to slide down and get her.....


It's always so festive......pumpkins, gourds, mums......I love fall!!
Gotta see how tall we are.

Climbing the unstable ladder to ring the bell......both kids made it up w/o assistance!!



Daddy and Evan giving Ella a ride around the 'Hootmobile Trail'.

'my scale'

What a beautiful week to drag my kiddos out and get their annual scale pictures done!! And since I hadn't taken Evan's 5 year old pictures yet.....this worked out perfect! ;} These two are just growing up too fast....and since they are too cute for words.....I'll stop now and let you enjoy!!

High Speed Art

I've gotta give my brother-in-law, Mark, some props for this awesome jewelry holder he made me!! My pictures don't really do it justice......it's really very cool. Mark does an incredible job making pieces of art out of wood.....please check out his website and everything he has to offer. He does this in his 'spare' time....and with two kids and one on the way....who really has 'spare' time!?!?! So if you're looking for a unique gift for someone special....get in touch with Mark. I'm sure he can make whatever it is you can imagine!! Just make sure you give him enough time to meet your deadline! ;}

I've got a link to his website on the right side of my blog......check it out!!

Fresh Food....gotta love it!

Time well spent roaming around in Old Man's garden.....the kids just LOVE it!! I have been very bad this year and haven't been out there too much. With Joe gone all the time, the kids and I don't eat at home too much.....so I just don't have the need for lots of garden veggies! But man do they come in handy when I do want them!! YUM.

Evan's 'First' Day!!

so we're a day behind......hey, cut me some slack!! I finally was able to get Evan's fever under control with lots of Motrin and an anti-biotic.....so he went off to school today for his first day this year. Technically it was supposed to be Tuesday, but oh well.

He was very excited (can't tell from the pictures) to be returning to school. He has the same teacher he had last year and said that some of the same kids returned as well. But there were also lots of new kids!! Evan was very bummed when summer break started way back in May, so he was ready for school to resume!! I hope he always has this attitude toward school. :} We're so proud of you Evan!!

Day Two Down!!

Boy oh boy does Ella ever LOVE school!! :} She actually asked me Tuesday night to go to bed.....at 8:00......because she had school the next day!! For those of you who know Ella, you know that is quite a feat!! Typically I'm fighting with her to stay in bed at 10:00 at night. Oh how I love school too. ;} She's having so much fun playing and learning and riding the bus. I'm so proud of her.

Evan has been sick since Saturday, and he missed his first day of school yesterday. We've been to the Dr. and gotten on an antibiotic......and he's been pretty good today, so I'm hoping I'll be able to send him tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed!!