Trick-Or-Treating 2011

 Older brothers sharing advice on the art of trick-or-treating.

And they're off.

Leaping for Joy

These little men have some really BIG news.

 We're shouting it out!

We have travel approval from China!

 That's right!

The countdown is on.

 In just 22 days, 

 we will have Will!

 Just hoping

 there will be

 no broken legs

 before he comes home.

 Thank you, God!

Thank You for seeing us through this process and for the very blue sky, today!

Extra Time

Our travel invitation from China could arrive any day.  

I'm guessing it'll be next week.  

The closer I get to travel, the harder waiting gets.  

Luckily, I have some pretty good entertainment.

Jack wore these one-eyed cat glasses and four spider rings (put on after pancakes), 

from the time he woke up until after lunch, when it was time for preschool.
How can you not smile at that?

Unseasonably warm weather has allowed Rob to launch plastic bottles 100 feet in the air, over and over.

Can you see the bottle?

Always fun.

 Digging carrots is therapeutic.

Peeling and preparing is not therapeutic.

Fortunately, there are still tons of carrots and beets that could be dug.

 And the warm October weather also has brought the tomato plants back to life.

  I just picked all of these lovely gems, today.
Well, I had better get peeling...

Birthday Wish

Rob's actual birthday was a pretty ho-hum day.

 Today, his birthday wish came true.

 He took his closest friends wall climbing.

 Traversing.

 This is the only action shot with at least part of someone's face.

 Rob's friend, Luke, had a cast removed, yesterday.  

Luke was quite the trooper for not being able to climb!

 Jack was there for moral support only.

 The silo climb.

 Charlie, forty-something feet up.

 Post climb celebration.

 It was a perfect evening to play outside.

Happy birthday, Rob!

Dear Rob,

This couldn't have been you, 8 years ago!

It has been a joy to have you as our son.

Your grandparents see you as a blessing.

And you're the best big brother anyone could have.

Well, most of the time!

We all just can't wait to see what the next 8 years holds.

Happy birthday!!!

Lake Pictures

Firetruck Parade

Here's one more blurry Jack picture from last night's fire truck parade.

 Somehow, I think he'll forgive me!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

Forgetting to load the memory card, 

I had enough space to capture three pictures.

 Charlie riding a real horse, NOT a pony.

 Rob riding the TALLEST horse, ever.

Jack's FIRST horse ride.

And the BLURRIEST picture EVER.

Sorry, Jack!