Apple Picking

Our group activity leader, Kelley, got a crew of us together for our second annual trip to the Apple Orchard. Unfortunately, a late freeze this spring led to few apples this fall but we did find a few for picking. Good thing Bubba had such a strong and tall Dad.


Here he triumphantly holds "his" apple like a prized trophy.


Kelley is also known as "the hostess with the mostess" and she did not fail her title last night. Here are SBG and Giovanna having a little chat. Thanks for a great time!

Oktoberfest Parade

On a beautiful autumn Saturday in Combine Country, these Intent Parade Watchers enjoyed the...


firetrucks and

old cars and

marching bands - Bubba said his favorite instrument was the "tube" also known as the tub-A. Also note his Superman candy collection bucket. It was filled to the brim - I think mainly because Daddy kept coaching him to get the Sweetarts (Daddy's Favorite).

Our cowgirl/cheerleader loved all of the action too! One point to ponder was the Marching Shriners. I couldn't help but notice there wasn't a single one under the age of 75. What will happen to this great organization in 10 years?

Grandma turns 64 this week...

so we celebrated with a cake during their visit on Friday night. Happy Birthday Grandma!

Our 1/2 Day Vacation

Have you ever just really needed a break? I didn't realize how much I needed one until an afternoon at Grammy Becky's Resort! :) Our friends Becky & Virg have a gorgeous pond for fishing and while the boys fished, Becky hosted the ladies with great conversation and cool drinks. It was so much fun catching up with Casey and meeting Colby - so fun that I didn't take any pictures - so sorry!

Here's a little practice session.


A little fish chatting



A WALLEYE ! (I had to ask Thad how to spell it)

This is the rope Bubba asked us to throw to him if he fell in. He wanted to make sure that we used the "clean" rope and not the dirty one. Fortunately his instructions didn't need to be carried out.


Casey gave Hank a ride on the Kobota. I asked Bubba to give me a "thumbs up" and he must have gotten a little confused with his fingers. Virg gave him a ride on the Bobcat too. He got to help drive and got to ride in the big scoop.

The Long-Awaited Combine

For once I was thankful we were slow pokes this morning. Just as I was about to jump in the shower (an hour later than I had planned), I heard the very distinct roar of a combine. For weeks Bubba has been asking his Dad when we would see the combine in "our" field. First Thad told him we had to wait for the corn to turn from green to brown so we have carefully watched the colors change. Then when he started saying all of the corn is brown we told him he had to wait it to dry. This morning the farmer must have done a test row to see about the dryness because he just did one pass but it was still a thrill. Come back soon Mr. Farmer - there is a precious little boy waiting for more entertainment! I hope and pray Bubba gets the opportunity to grow up and be a farmer if he wishes!

William Tell Mom

Have you all received this as a forward yet? I hadn't and I loved it so I thought I would pass it along to you. Hope you enjoy it as thoroughly as I did. You might have to watch it more than once to appreciate all of the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_oc1j5NakY

Splash Pad and Kitties

I know cats and water usually don't mix but they are pictures from the same 24 hours so here they are - blogged together.

This splash pad one (Bubba's on the far right) is to simply relish the gorgeous September Friday that we had here in the Midwest. Not very often is it a Splash Pad day in the second half of this month.

Next are a couple shots of the kids enjoying our friend Sarah's kittens. This one of Bubba is right before the little black cat whipped around and clawed his shoulder out of fear of being dropped.

SBG loved the ki-ki's too and her wet t-shirt is not for a cleavage contest - it's what happens when a sippy cup is used as a teething toy.

Thee HONEYFEST

We had to look off the bridge at the fishing prospects first.

Then it was off to the first activity of the afternoon - mosquito killing, oops I mean CandleMaking with Beeswax. Here's Bubba with his green candle creation. Bubba and his Dad check out live honey bees inside the log.

And the grand finale was a duo - the "Bee Hive Hat Lady" (live bees buzzing around her face so I was thankful for the little bit of zoom which my camera affords) and the State Honey Queen.

Trick Time in the Tub

A Pre-Bath Photo Shoot


Pretending I can crawl


What photog could resist such a cute crack?


Click on the link to see SBG perform a few tricks. Be patient as she warms up :) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4174104957872562300

A Mouse on a Motorcycle?

This conversation took place last night between my husband and my son.

Noise: Pffft...

Daddy: Hey Bubba what was that? A mouse on a motorcycle?

Bubba: Nope - I think it was a mouse on a bulldozer :)

Window Peekers

SBG's new favorite spot is in her Big Bubby's room. Bubba loves having a pal to observe the happenings on our circle and she loves it when the windows are open and she can get a good grip on the sill. Today she made it over 10 minutes before she started yelling so someone would come to her aid and help her sit down.

"Mom are you still there?"

Smiling Princess girl

New Lyrics for Pachebel

After giggling for a few minutes of naptime today I couldn't resist putting this up for you all. It's a really great singing Daddy lamenting about how his kids won't go to sleep.

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=ab28k5yac4

A Little Pre-Church Fun

Will both of my kids ever smile pleasantly for the camera at the same time?

My favorite jumper from Cousin Amelia although she probably wore it at age 2 :)

Hiding from the camera but I caught him anyway.

First Fishing Expedition

Yesterday was the big trip to buy the equipment and tonight he was triumphant :) He even threw a few back in according to his Dad. His Dad also reported that after catching a few Bubba got busy playing with pliers, watching trains, seeing a big stork, and complaining about the "bugs eating his shoulders."
Do you think he liked it? I'm just thankful for the picture for the blog :)

Our SBG is SO BIG!

She turned 9 months on Wednesday and her she is showing off one of her many tricks. "So Big!"

Bubba's New "Helmet Hat"

I finally got a bike helmet for my Bubba's 3 year old Noggin. The size for 5 year olds and up fit just perfectly. Big skull or big brains? Who knows?

Here he is ready for his first spin with Papa.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2976144454780276249

What do you think about that new helmet Bubba? His precious face says it all :)