Playing in the Leaves

The kids decided to rake together the neighbors leaves into a pile and play in it. The pile wasn't huge since there is only one tree, but they played in it for over an hour.

Homecoming

Mineral Point had their Homecoming this week. Today was crazy sock day!


Elsie wanted to experience a live football game. After hearing dad yell at the TV during the Michigan games, she said she wanted to go to a live game so his "cheering/yelling to the players could actually help the team". So tonight dad and Elsie walked down to the Homecoming game. When they got back, Elsie said she really enjoyed it and talked about seeing the "princesses" (homecoming court) during the halftime show.








Alstan was not at all interested in going to the football game, so he and mom stayed home. Mom has been trying to add circuitry to some of her classes' curriculum, so her and Alstan did their first lesson together.

Baking Night

Not all baking nights are all "peaches and cream". Tonight Elsie wanted to simply make some cupcakes in her Lalaloopsie oven. What should have been a half hour endeavor took over two hours and three batches of cake batter. We got the first tray of cupcakes stuck in the oven, so we cleaned out the oven and tried again. We forgot to spray the pan for our second attempt. Elsie never gave up! Look at the beautiful cake she ended up with on try three!

Sutter Ridge Apple Orchard

The honey crisp apples are ready! It turned out to be a beautiful day to visit an apple orchard near us. There were lots of activities for the kids plus pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. What a fun way to start the fall season.

Soccer Time Again

We enjoyed Alstan first game of the fall season today. It was warm, so it was pleasant for us on the sidelines, and they played a good game, so Alstan had fun playing.

New Season of Gymnastics

Elsie started with gymnastics today. Although it is through the same instructor, she is at a new location this time. There are a lot more children of varying ages here, but she seemed to love it just the same.

Back to School

Today was our first day back to school. It is still hard to believe that we have a first and third grader!

First Tooth for Elsie

Elsie lost her first tooth today. She had been very focused on wiggling her front tooth lately. On our ride home from a cookout at Aunt Nette's she wiggled it right out. I think it surprised her a bit... she simply said, "um mom, I was wiggling my tooth and it came out." After the reality of it set in, she couldn't stop talking about how she had lost her first tooth!

Mississippi River Museum

As a break from inservice and work days, we took the kids to the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque. One of the employees had found a praying mantis, so he was showing the kids. Each of them had a chance to "hold" it!

Birthday Party

Alstan and Elsie's second cousin Paislyn celebrated her first birthday yesterday. The kids were so excited to play with her.

First Time Rappelling

 

Last weekend we met Uncle Stan, Aunt Tammy and all their boys at Devil's Lake for some outdoor adventure. The kids had the opportunity to try rappelling. Alstan was up for the idea right away, and Elsie was on board as soon as she saw Alstan do it. They both really enjoyed it. In fact, I think they would have liked to just keep going, but there was other people who wanted to go as well.

Location:US Highway 18 and 151,Ridgeway town,United States

Bar-b-que at Aunt Nette's

Alstan and Elsie's cousin, Coltin, is home from the military right now, so we decided to have a cookout at Aunt Nette's. We ended up moving into the garage due to off and on rain, but were still able to get outside for a few scooter races!

Snuggle Time

...because sometimes they just look so cute snuggled together, I can't help but take a picture.

Locks of Love Donation

Elsie has been waiting since this past winter for her hair to be long enough to donate. She was able to donate 10" of hair to "Locks of Love" today. She has been so excited about her haircut all day; tossing it, feeling how short it is and exclaiming how different she feels. The idea of giving hair to a little girl who doesn't have any has made her day!

Summer Dance

Elsie had her first ballet lesson today and loved it! She has a new instructor, so we weren't sure what to expect. She said they didn't do anything the same as her dance instructor from the last two summers, but she loved it anyway.