More pics

Just adding some pics from our outdoor adventures:

Gigi's "look"

Scouting!

On Saturday, while the paint was drying on our apple-stamped sweatshirts we went out into the forest and "scouted" for deer. We saw a lot of "sign" and also learned a little something along the way. For instance, we learned that when a size 13 footprint is seen at just the right angle it looks nearly like a bear pawprint. We also learned that public hunting land may be "public", but it isn't exactly "public" if ya get my gist. We ran into a nice man (he really was) who was going bird-hunting with his dog in the exact area where we were going to scout for deer. He informed us that this was a fantastic place to go deer-hunting...in fact that is exactly where he and his family have gone since 1985! Oops!

We went back out today to check out a different area and we did indeed see some "sign", but this time it was of a different nature. Aidan was the one who spotted this in fact. It was big, fresh, and had a lot of berry seeds in it! Yes, that's right...not too long before we came trekking into the woods this morning, a black bear relieved himself right in the middle of our path. We have yet to see a bear (and I'm completely okay with that), but we know they are there and the kids were very excited about their "find".

(photo credit: Aidan)

Applefest 2007

Every year during the first weekend of October the town of Bayfield, WI has a huge Apple Festival! We were planning on attending, but as the time drew nearer we decided that instead of making the trek up there and spending a bazillion dollars on "everything apple" that we would buy a bunch of apples (some from the orchards in Bayfield) and have our own apple festival which we have named "Applefest 2007"

The festivities included:

-a breakfast of apple bread, apple crisp, and apple cider

-apple stamping on sweatshirts

-an apple tasting with 6 different types (Honey Crisp was our favorite)

-apples in "dipping" caramel for a snack

-caramel apple making/eating

Fun was had by all! We also had applesauce, apple butter, and an apple pie on our menu, but that might have to wait until later in the week because we are all completely sick of apples. Next year we may have to incorporate more crafts/games and less eating! :-)

Slip, slidin' away!

After several tries and many frustrations Gianna has discovered the perfect method for making sure she "sticks" every bite!

Sioux City

Things have been a little crazy, but I'm finally getting around to posting about the trip the kids and I took to Sioux City to see my sister and her family.

Jocie turned 30 on the 25th of September so I thought what a perfect excuse to go and see her. And her sweet husband was planning a surprise birthday party.

I was planning on leaving right when we got up on Friday morning, but the weather had a different idea. We woke up to a huge storm with large hail and lots of lightening. Our electricity even went out. Once everything looked clear I packed the kids up and we headed out (did I mention that I was doing this 7 hour drive by myself?). Everything was pretty uneventful which is all we can ask for when making a long trek with three small children. We had one episode in an Arby's that involved a long potty break, a spilled cup of Dr.Pepper on potty-break floor, and a baby who loves playing with ice....oy!

We had a great time visiting and the kids loved seeing their cousins and were extremely please that Lauren could talk....lol! Also, while we were there we got to visit our friends who just moved to Vermillion and see their newest (#7!) little guy. Fun stuff!

The kids loved seeing Aunt Jocie's room at school.

We took the kids to make their own bears. They all had a blast.

Super Weirdo!

Aidan seems to be getting the spotlight in my blog today.

Yesterday we met some friends at the park to enjoy what will probably be the last warm day here until....uh, next July! :-) While we were there an "older" (like 10) girl came with her grandma and all of the kids started playing freeze tag. Every one was having a great time and then one of Aidan's friends came over to where we were sitting and told us, "That girl called us weirdos...and she called Aidan a super-weirdo!". Since Aidan was obviously not bothered by this at all I just laughed. He wore the title quite proudly and even reported to Brett later in the evening that he was called a "super weirdo!".

Thank you dear God for giving my son the ability to not be bothered by rude comments and to somehow be able to find pride in being a "super weirdo!"

(the super weirdo himself and the bear he made while visiting in Sioux City)

Chess anybody?

Aidan has been into chess lately. He's actually quite good and really enjoys the game.

He had his first "Blue Knights" meeting this past Monday and seemed to really enjoy himself. I asked him if he met a lot of nice boys.

"Oh, yes. All of the boys were really nice. But, one time the teacher had to leave the room to ask somebody a question and he said that we could all talk for a little while until he came back to the room. Well, I was really excited to see if anybody else was interested in Chess, but all the other boys just started yelling and screaming and making a bunch of noise...nobody was even intrested in having a conversation with me." Lol! I can just see him, "Uhmmm...yes, excuse me gentlemen...is any one else here fascinated with the game of Chess?"

Five year olds!