Trunk or Treat!

I love the ward Trunk or Treat.  Our last ward in St. Louis only did it the first year we were there and than did away with it.  I love to see all the kids in their costumes and it's just a safe quick place for our kids to get a preview of the real night to come.

They kids in the costume parade.

Chase was really under the weather the next day,

I think that explains his face expressions in all my pics

I love to see big brother take care of his

little one.

"Pumpkin Patch"

Some girls and I took our kids to a "Pumpkin Patch" last week.  It was a little week in the pumpkins, but made up for it in other areas.  They had a little haunted house that was just perfect for the little ones with a little maze at the end.  There were some farm animals for the kids to look at and they even got to witness a black cat catch a real mouse for dinner (Yuck!)

Collin, Chase, and Ethan

All three of these boys are in preschool together

Aren't they so cute!

This was a shed filled with corn kernels.  The kids loved it!

All the kids buried Landon

A really cute tire swing shaped like a hourse,

The kids discovered  this right as we were leaving.

First Day of Preschool

To make a long story short... The school year started a couple of months ago, but Chase just started last week.  We weren't planning on sending him this year, but due to some fortunate events and luck he is attending the preschool just down the street from us.  He was so nervous on our way out the door and kept telling me how "shy" he was and didn't really want to go.  The second he saw his friend Collin, who is in the same class, all shyness was out the door and he was ready to go.

Look at that face!

Haunted Gingerbread House

Every year at Christmas time we do Gingerbread Houses.  I was walking through the store and saw this cute Haunted House Gingerbread kit and new my kids would just love it.  I love doing things like this with my kids.  Landon tends to get a little OCD with his crafts and thinks they have to be perfect while Chase could care less.  It makes for a little confrontation when it comes to deciding how the candy should be placed, but they both loved the end result and everyone had fun.

When You Gotta Go... You Gotta Go!

Uncle Booper...

Uncle Booper came into town for the weekend.  He interviewed at the University of Iowa for medical school.  My boys were so excited to have him come and are hoping that he and his wife move here permanently.  We loved having him here even if it was a short visit.

So for those of you who don't know, Booper isn't really his name... go figure.  His given name is Brandon, but since he was a baby my older brother Ken (although my mom likes to take the credit) nicknamed him "Booper" and that's who he's been ever since.  It's carried over in school, work, and everywhere else he goes.

This weekend Chase told us that Booper was his real name and Brandon is his nickname.  I don't think Landon even knew his name was Brandon until about a year ago.

I wonder what his kids will call him...?

Wilson's Apple Orchard

This week we went to the apple orchard with some friends.  I had taken Chase once already with some girls from the ward, but it was a first for Bryce and Landon.  I guess the it was a hard winter and really mild summer so a lot of the apples didn't look so good on the outside, but tasted great on the inside.  There is a local store where they make homemade apple pies and apple turnovers along with some other homemade goods.  You can't go without some fresh apple turnovers... they are delicious!

It was a great evening with the fam and some great friends!

Making the trek down to the apples

Don't ask me...

Flag Football... Go Raiders!

Landon had his first flag football game this week.  His team is the "Raiders" and it's made up of 1st and 2nd graders from a couple different schools in the area.  He only knows two kids on his team from school so he was a little apprehensive about playing.  He quickly forgot about his "shyness" when the game started and did awesome.  He was so excited he got to play running back for the first half.  I love that my kids are getting to the age where they are playing in organized team sports.  I used to always go to my brothers games growing up and loved it.  I'm so glad I have boys!... although I would still like a girl someday :)

Go Raiders!

Look at that form!

Although Chase isn't very interested in the game itself

he had fun too.

This kid is always making me laugh!

Wedding

We just returned from a short visit in Utah.  My little sis Lindsay got married last Friday and it was the most beautiful wedding and dinner ever.  She looked amazing and the entire day couldn't have turned out any better.  She married an amazing guy and we are so excited to welcome Michael into our family.  Lindsay planned everything so perfectly.   A wonderful chef and family friend, Ruben, cooked steak, salmon, and halibut with grilled peppers and asparagus on a huge grill set up right there in the yard.  All the fish was caught in Alaska during the guys trip there a month ago.  The yard was decorated with white lights and chinese lanterns.  She had all the guest sign an old pair of wooden skis as they came in which I thought was the best idea.  I had left my camera in my little brothers car so was without it during the day.  It was a night to remember.  If any of my family members have pics please send them to me.  My step-mom Bonnie took this photo of my family before the dinner started.

First Day of First Grade!

So, I know this is late.  I'm just not in the blogging mood lately.

This is Landon on his first day of First Grade!  I can't believe I have a first grader!!!  He is growing up so dang fast it just kills me.  He loves school so far and is so lucky that he's made friends so quickly here.  He walks to school every morning with our next door neighbor Tyler.  His teacher played for the Iowa Hawkeyes which he thinks is pretty cool too.  Notice he already has the jersey and had to wear it on the first day.

kiss-up! :)

Crocs

My kids live in their Crocs.  It's about the only thing on their feet all summer long.  They even where them to church sometimes.  I think Crocs are the best shoes for kids ever invented!  They can slip them on, they're super comfortable, they cover their toes, and you can wash them on those days when your kids trample all over in the mud.

Last night after I got the kids out of the shower I noticed some spots on Chase's feet.  At first glance I thought they were just still dirty, but quickly realized that they were tan spots from his Crocs!  He has perfect little circles from where the sun has tanned his feet through the little holes on the top of his shoes.  I guess we need to start putting sunscreen on the tops of his feet from now on, but so cute!

Happy 4th Birthday Chase!

My baby turned 4!  I can't believe Chase is 4.  He is such a fun, cute kid.  We absolutely love having Chase in our family.  He always has this look on his face that says trouble, but in a moment can turn it into the cutest smile and sweetest personality.  I have a cousin who commented on Chase at our family reunion this summer that I think describes him perfectly.  She said, "Chase reminds me of a mime, he never talks, but I can always tell what he's thinking by the look on his face."  The kid has a the best facial expressions!  You can't get enough of him.

He loves his older brother and is always trying to keep up with him and always wants to be where he is.

He is a true "momma's boy" and I love it!  He's always cuddling with me and love's to have his back and face tickled.  At the same time he has such a stubborn disposition about him.  This kid knows what he wants!  I have a hard time telling him "No" when he looks at me with that cute smile and I usually end up giving in to his demands.  

We were so blessed this year to have his Grandma Cindy and his Great Grandparents here to celebrate with us.  They drove from Illinois for the weekend to see us and celebrate Chase's birthday.  It was such a treat and we were so glad to see them!

Happy Birthday Chaser!

Iowa City Fair

Last week we went to check out the Iowa City Fair.  Admission was free, but they always get you one the rides.... $3 for one stinkin' two minute ride!  Not the mention the $3 snow cone!  Isn't a snow cone just Ice with flavor?!  The boys had a blast so I guess that makes it worth it.  The highlight was that they each got to hold a real snake.  They also enjoyed looking at all the animals.  I personally can think of a lot things I'd rather spend money on than the fair, but I'm sure we'll be back again next year.

  

 

Favorite Summer Pastime

My kids have become good friends with our next door neighbors who LOVE to play baseball.  It has made a big impact on Landon and Chase during the summer.  We are fortunate enough to live right across the street from some baseball fields so we frequently go over their to play.  Landon does pretty well, but HATES to be corrected on anything!  He is going to be so hard to coach.  Chase will do his best and is so cute while doing it.  Every time he stand up to the plate he starts moving the dirt around to adjust it for his feet.  He probably hits 1 out of every 10 pitches, but is having fun trying.

  

 

Memory Post

The Memory Post- I saw this on my friend's blog then on everyone else's and thought I would give it a try.  If you are an old friend and you are blog-stalking you better leave a comment so I know you are stalking me. For some reason, it makes me feel better knowing who is reading my blog. 

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! If we're only blogging friends, write about a post that is the most memorable for you.

2. Next, if you feel so inclined, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll be sure to write one about you...!

Sweet little Lando

I forgot to include the highlight of my birthday.  I was shopping at Hobby Lobby (Craft store) today and Landon wandered off.  When I looked around the corner to see where he had gone I noticed him lingering around the card isle.  He than told a women who was also shopping in the same isle that it was his mom's birthday today.  I noticed the two of them looking at cards together, but kept my distance.  After he was finished he came up to me and asked me if he could have $1.99.  Of course I told him he could, so I gave him $2 plus change and he went  to the cashier and purchased the card by himself.  He was so careful to keep me from seeing the purchase so the suprise wasn't spoiled.  He took the card home and wrote in it all by himself and colored it for me.  I have to say that it was better than any present I could have received that day.  Landon is so sweet and it's little things like this that make me so proud to be his mother.

" I love you mom (he signed it himself and also included Chase and Dad).

I hope you have the best birthday ever.  You are the best.

Happy Birthday."

I love this kid so much!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I turned the big 28 today.  For the most part it was a pretty uneventful day, but birthdays by now usually are.  Bryce got home from work at about 6:00 and we went out to celebrate at Texas Roadhouse (one of our favs.).  I don't really have any friends here yet, and no family so I was stuck making my own birthday cake.  I decided I would make the best birthday cake for myself ever and what better than an Ice cream cake?  The kids and I went to the store and picked out all the ingredients: Brownie mix, two different kinds of ice cream, caramel, hot fudge, and ice cream sandwiches.  Chase insisted on topping it with chocolate chips.

If I do say so myself it turned out awesome! 

Amy Wolsey, meet you new competition!