Top Chef

There is never a dull moment at our busy household! Cole loves to be in the kitchen while we are working on preparing meals. He is quite a ham (maybe it's that fourth child syndrome where he is vying for our attention?!?!). Today he put on his own cooking show for us which included imitations, singing, and even some amazing tricks, too!

Red, White, and Blue!

In honor of the presidential election, Xavier had a red, white, and blue day. They had a mock election with two sixth graders playing the roles of John McCain and Barrack Obama. There was also a contest for the best dressed in each grade. Thanks to Grandma Sharon for the flag shirt Tyler is wearing (there seems to be a reoccurring theme of Tyler in women's clothing lately!?!?) and Hailey's flag sweater. Luke made out well in his Cubs Jersey (it's nice he was able to wear it in the post season!!) John McCain was pronounced the winner of the Xavier election.

Trick or Treat!

We could not have asked for a nicer evening! Our neighborhood trick or treat was held half an hour before the Dyersville trick or treat, so that all of our neighbors would be home. There were all kinds of ghosts and goblins running about. The neighbors sat outside to hand out the treats to the thirty something boys and girls. After dumping their first round of treats at the house we loaded up and headed into town for some more Halloween fun. We went back to our old neighborhood and to the homes of some classmates. Tyler's costume was a big hit and he played the part well. The kids made out well in the candy department. I don't think anyone will notice the chocolate I have been sneaking!

Buzz Light Year made an appearance!

The sister Hailey never had!

Whatever you do, don't take her candy!

Our little Japanese princess.



He is a TRANSFORMER....not a power ranger!

There were several extra girls in our neighborhood tonight.


Cole rode in style with his friend Snow White (Jessie Then).

This is ONE of Hailey's buckets. Lots to share with Mom and Dad. Yeah!

Pumpkin Carving

Due to the warm temperatures, we carved our pumpkins outside this year. Hailey, Luke, Cole and Mommy had fun digging out the pumpkins' insides. No one was brave enough (except Mommy) to put more than one finger into the pumpkin goop. They did manage to separate a bunch of seeds using spoons. Afterwards, the kids planted the seeds in our backyard. We are hoping for a bumper crop next year!

Go Purple!

We went to our annual UNI Panther football game over the weekend. We drove caravan style to Cedar Falls mid morning on Saturday with 78 adults and little panther fans. There was LOTS of good food and drink while we tailgated. North Dakota (our opponent) is know for its crazy tailgating fans, so it was quite entertaining. Aaron and I even ran into a few old friends and reminisced about the olden days. The panthers ended up winning the game. We were all tired and glad to make it home later Saturday night!

Hailey and her friends Abby and Colby

Some of those Crazy North Dakota fans!

After the game we always hit the field to throw a few footballs and get some autographs.

Look who we found on our way to get a snack!! Go Panthers!!

Mmmmm! We had lots of good food to eat!

Pumpkin Patch

A suprise visit from Grandpa Merlyn and Grandma Joyce made for a fun day for our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. The kids played in a sandbox full of corn, rope swings, went on a hay ride, petted some farm animals, ate cotton candy, saw lots of pumpkins and more. The weather was an above average 70 something with a light breeze. A perfect day!

Playing in the "corn box".

Finding their way through the hay bale maze.

Can you see me?

Walking through the corn maze.

Thanks for coming with us, Grandma and Grandpa!

It's Pumpkin Time!

We bought some pumpkins to decorate our yard at our local Fareway store. Cole LOVES his pumpkins. He hugs them every day and checks on them out the window at night before going to bed.

"Hugging" the pumpkins.