Maren's Pumpkin Party...

Maren's class celebrated Fall with a pumpkin party today. Maren was so excited. They enjoyed some yummy treats and took some swings at a pumpkin pinata before going on a hayride and pumpkin hunt. It was so fun for her and her class!

Maren before school...

Yum...

Take that...

Maren and her friend on the hayride...

Maren found another pumpkin to bring home...

Pumpkin Patch...

After church this morning we went to Panera for lunch before heading out to Young's Dairy to pick our pumpkins. The lack of rain has sure affected the quality and quantity of pumpkins this year--it was very dusty and brown. But the girls still enjoyed taking a wagon ride out and picking out their pumpkins. They also had fun petting and feeding the goats and launching pumpkins in the sling shot. Fun stuff!

The girls waiting to go pick their pumpkins...

Logan found one...

Maren did too...

Carsyn has hers...

Riding back...

Calling the goats...

Here little goat...

Fabulous Fall day...

Ready, aim, fire...

Go Blackhawks!

So, honey, you've never been to a hockey game before? Really!? That's crazy. We have to go! Last season I really wanted to go when the Blackhawks were playing at Nationwide Arena, but we either had commitments or were on Spring Break. So, this year I was determined to go. It turned out that the first home game of the season for the Columbus Bluejackets was against the reigning Stanley Cup champions. It was also the Jackets' 10th anniversary as a franchise (I guess they have us beat by a year ; ). Barry got us some super-good seats. We were center-ice, seven rows back. Surprisingly Columbus actually has a lot of loyal fans, and they didn't like it too much when we stood up to cheer for Chicago goals. It was a great game--hockey is always better in person! We were really hoping to see Patrick Sharp score a hat trick. He had two goals, but no more. It was also sad not seeing Big Buff out there in a Hawks jersey, but we still had a great time! Next time I want to take the girls. Go Blackhawks!

Puck drop...

Barry's first game...

Two goals for Sharp...

Can you believe a Bluejacket fan offered to take our picture?

Blackhawks win...

Homecoming Parade...

The high school had their homecoming parade tonight, and the girls' cheer squad marched in it. Maren had fun watching all the floats and collecting candy. Afterward the team went out for pizza. What a fun night!

Maren waiting for the parade...

Almost didn't get the girls walking by...

Lilli and Maren at dinner...

Logan and Maddy...

Carsyn and Maddy...

Walk-A-Thon...

Today was the annual walk-a-thon at the girls' school. It turned out to be an unseasonably warm day--almost hot. Which was actually pretty cool since the theme was "a walk on the beach". The girls did great--got lots of exercise. Maren even made it around a few laps.

Logan and Carsyn...

Carsyn and Lilli...

Maren and Carsyn...

Go Irish!

When the girls got off the bus from school Friday, we already had the car loaded up for our trip up to South Bend. After a small debate about where to stop for dinner, daddy broke the tie and we ended up at Cracker Barrel. With full bellies the girls went right to sleep in the car. We got to the Marriott pretty late. The next morning we had breakfast in the room before heading over to campus. Luckily our hotel offered free shuttle service on game days. We had such a blast walking around, showing the girls all the famous scenes from "Rudy", and shopping at the bookstore. It was a gorgeous morning and early afternoon, but by kickoff it was pretty hot. We were so excited to take Logan and Carsyn to their first Notre Dame game. They were great at the game, despite the heat. The were extremely impressed by the cheerleaders--even more so than the players. Since we only had four tickets, Nana and Maren continued seeing the sights and watched the game from the student center. It was a good game, and the Irish won! After the game we met Nana and Maren at the Basilica for mass. We had such a great time at the game and on campus! What a fun way to spend our Anniversary weekend--hopefully we can continue the tradition.

The girls before dinner...

In front of the Golden Dome (somewhere back there)...

Logan...

Carsyn...

Maren...

Our family: nine years and three beautiful girls!

St. Mary's Lake...

The Grotto...saying a little prayer for an Irish win?

At the game...

Halftime...

Meanwhile...

Touchdown Jesus...

Irish: 23, Pitt: 17...

The Alma Mater...

At the Basilica before mass...

Logan's Pioneer Field Trip...

Today Logan's third grade class went on a field trip to an authentic log cabin from the year 1803. The children participated in all sorts of pioneer children's activities and chores. They learned how to knit (sort of), sew quilting squares, churn butter, hand-dip candles, wash clothes by hand, separate wool, craft rag dolls, grind corn, and harvest potatoes. The kids also played pioneer games for recess. It was a lot of fun, and educational. I definitely don't think I would have made it as a pioneer girl--no indoor plumbing, no online shopping--no thanks!

Logan and friends on the bus...

Our pioneer group...

Finger-knitting...

Lunch time...

The lunch bunch...

Logan and Meghan at recess...

In the garden...

What a cute pioneer girl...

Thanks to our neighbor Miss Linda

for hand making this gorgeous costume for Logan...

Logan's 3rd grade class...