Fall Fun

Ben discovered leaves this fall. He was a little unsure when I piled them all in the front yard. After one leap, he was hooked.

He loved throwing the leaves up in the air.

We've only had a handful of days that haven't been cold and rainy. Daddy got to play with us one of those days last weekend.

Yum! Doritos with Daddy!

And of course Daddy came up with the great idea to rake all the leaves at the bottom of the slide. Luke is convinced his dad's a genius!

Nothing says fall better than playing football in a leaf pile!

And fall wouldn't be complete without the trip to find a pumpkin. It was very cold and rainy that day, but we only had a short amount of time anyway, so it was alright.

So many choices...

Luke was SURE we needed a "biiiiig" pumpkin. I told him there wasn't room in the van.

Following Uncle Kurt with our pumpkin choice.

Mr. J Sir!

Two weeks ago I got the opportunity to attend a dinner for my dad. Many of the churchworkers from the South Wisconsin District wanted to thank him for the awesome ministry support he offered them while he served for the district. It was a beautiful evening and I don't know anyone who deserved it more. It was especially awesome to be one of his seven kids, all of who plan to serve God in whatever career He has called us to.

Our Baby

Scott and Ben have been enjoying their Sunday morning bonding time now that Luke comes to Sunday School with me. Here are the pictures of Ben taking part in his favorite new pastime...reading.

Catching a little of the football game.

He has his daddy wrapped around his cute little finger.

Reformation 09

Our Dark Side of the Force...

Well, G.L.O.W. has been here and gone. The boys had a blast playing all the carnival games. Luke's favorite was the giant basketball hoop. Ben loved playing in the water at the matching boats game.

Mostly they enjoyed the idea that they both have a big bag of candy to work on.

Here they are with their pumpkins from the pumpkin store.

Showing off their weapons.

Luke refused to put the mask over his face.

After playing all the games the boys took a Winnie the Pooh break in my office. I've never seen Ben that transfixed on a movie before. He didn't blink for 10 minutes.

A Preview

We were going to go the cheap route this year and recycle costumes. Then I walked through Kmart's costume section and found a something for Ben. Now we have a theme. We'll get real pictures on Saturday but thought you all might enjoy a little sneak peak...

Luke as Luke in Episode 4 (he won't wear either helmet)

Combining their dark side of the force.

"Luke, I am your brother."

Birthdays

On my birthday Mom, Dad, Josh, Kendra, Lydia, and Kurt joined us for church and spent the afternoon enjoying fiesta, Prince Caspian, and chocolate cake (which Ben REALLY liked!)

On the following Tuesday, me and the boys headed for St. Charles for some much needed Grandma and Grandpa bonding time. They decided to invite everyone over for pizza and cake to celebrate Luke's birthday.

There was a certain theme to the evening. Luke got a storm trooper outfit...

A Star Wars tent (spaceship)...

And a blaster to complete all Luke's Star Wars needs.

Ben was more than content to get in a lot of Paw Paw cuddling.

And we talked to Daddy before bed cause we were sad he couldn't travel with us.

The baby doll spent a lot of time with Ben while we were visiting. Apparently he doesn't see a lot of them at his house.

Jenny and Adam Kader

We had a wonderful anniversary. Mom and Dad, Chad and Erin, and Scott and I were able to attend Adam Kader's wedding. It was at a beautiful Catholic church in Chicago and the reception was on the 66th floor of the Sears (Willis) Tower. Mary Ann even had the DJ dedicate a song to Scott and I for our 6th anniversary. It was very sweet. We had a great time!