around the table

So much life happens around our kitchen table. It's not my favorite table, but I love how many memories that table holds. After school the boys pile their books, papers, and homework onto that table, then they enjoy their after-school snack before we begin the long homework routine sitting at that table. We couldn't count the number of papers from crafts and drawings this table has seen. We talk about happy things that have happened to us as we sit around this table for dinner each evening. We have played countless games and put together many puzzles as a family here. So many happy birthdays, Christmas dinner, special events, fancy Sunday dinners have been set up at this table.

Every now and then I get the itch to start building a new table with Justin. But I think, how lucky are we to even have a table! Does it really matter what it looks like? We have managed to still have some pretty awesome memories even though it isn't the 'perfect' table.  So today, I am very happy to have our OUR table.

(but I really will love the day that Justin and I can build a table together) :)

days with a two year old

^^ this kid never has liked binkeys, now that he is two, he enjoys it every now and then. And hats, he loves hats. ^^ 

1. bikes inside, totally normal around here.

2. I'm trying really hard to be patient with him helping me.

^^ goodness gracious I love this boy.^^

 ^^ In our backyard is a big alfa-alfa field. We love the day when they come and cut.^^

^^ Puzzles are a favorite right now. And this is the choice of hats right now. I love how he wears it :) ^^

1. Again, painting with a two year old is a great way to teach me patience.
2. Babies today really are born knowing how to run technology. While I was washing dishes this morning, I looked over at Rudger to find him playing on his brother's tablet. AND he really knew what he was doing. Seriously.

I have been loving these days at home. Mondays are my favorite because we don't go anywhere. Just clean the house and wash laundry. Then play, watch Curious Goerge, and nap.  Today we need to run errands, and I'm having a really hard time getting us out the door. 
And...time to get off the computer...now.

13 day countdown...11 if you are really counting

One of our favorite things to pull out each October is our Halloween countdown. Over the next 13 days (or 11 now) we will be doing some of these activities. This is a fun month.

Some of our favorite decorations we have been loving for several years now. 

We kicked off the countdown with the Packer Cousin party. Aunt Jessie did an amazing job. We sure missed having a few of our cousins there, but still managed to have fun.

^^ These kids are just hilarious. ^^ 

^^ We didn't have time to make this buddy a costume, so we whipped up a Super Pirate Indian. Do you spy a sneaky ninja? ^^ 

10.11.2014 - neighborhood fall party with too many pictures

^^ we planted a maple just like this one. I'm excited. ^^

We had a new family move into the neighborhood within the year. They hadn't realized they had moved into the neighborhood party planning house. The first day we met them, Justin let them know that they were now in charge of all parties. Not sure if she knew Justin was teasing, but she listened, and then she outdid herself. It was a fun party. 

Hands down, the winner of the night. (at least for our kids) Bobbing for Apples. It was hilarious.

^^ I love that Taylor finally just bit the stem to get it out. ^^

Rudger was like, 'dude, what ARE you guys doing? Why don't you just grab the apple with your hands?' Then he tried to grab one, I pulled him back and he cried.

 Then we gave it to him and he was happy.

Seriously, they loved it. They kept coming back to it throughout the evening. My favorite was watching them watch each other.

Yes, good times were had.

We ended the evening having a little fun at the photo booth.

^^ seriously, those faces ^^

 ^^ and those ^^

 

I just love this man, and I love that he put the new family in charge, because secretly, I know he loves coming to these parties.