Happy Halloween!!

We started off the day by carving he pumpkins that we got last week at the pumpkin patch.






































Charlie dressed up as a baker this year



























We put her to work baking in the kitchen


























Not bad for her first baking experience

Trip down state

We took a trip down state to Arcola last weekend to visit our friends the Robeys . We had a great time visiting, catching up and meeting the newest member of their family, beautiful baby Josie. On Saturday we enjoyed the unseasonable warm weather at a pumpkin patch.

Charlie turning into a vegetable

Both Nan & Charlie turning into veggies

Charlie and Daddy looking at some of the animals

Going through the maze

Showing Daddy which way to go

Yay! They made it.

After the pumpkin patch we all worked up an appetite so we went to eat. The Robeys took us to an Amish restaurant, Yoder's, in a neighboring town. I think that Owen will agree with me that Yoders has some of the best fried chicken that we've ever had.

After we stuffed ourselves on the buffet we went back to Mike and Laura's house to relax. Nan did a great job of entertaining Charlie and tiring her out. Charlie slept well on Saturday night and was ready for the drive home on Sunday.

Thanks to the Robeys for opening your home to us again and showing us another great weekend!

It has been too long...

Well, it has been quite a while since we've updated the blog so I'll do my best to hit some of the high points. In September Owen started a new job with Moxie Software. He is enjoying working for a start up company and it has been nice to have him around while he builds his territory. Once things get rolling he'll be back to traveling like he did for his old job so I'll enjoy it while I can.

In September we also started telling people that we will be expecting two new additions to our family. If all goes as planned, Baby #2 and Baby #3 will be making their appearances in March. Right now I'm about 4 months pregnant so we'll definitely be keeping everyone updated.

Charlie's been keeping us all busy, even Artu. We try and keep her away from him as much as we can but sometimes he needs to fend for himself. As you can see, sometimes he just give in to her charms and lets her do whatever she wants!

CHARLIE TURNS 2!

At the beginning of the month we celebrated Charlie's 2nd birthday with a family party. Her older cousin, Bailey, was showing her how to walk down the stairs like a big girl.

Charlie, Kyri and Austin played so much that they decided the stairs looked like a comfortable spot to try and take a nap.

We thought cake would be a good pick-me-up for the kids so we sang Happy Birthday to Charlie and had some dessert.

Charlie did a much better job of feeding herself the cake this year. I don't think she could get it in as fast as she wanted.

PUMPKIN PATCH

We took a trip to a local pumpkin patch with some friends. It was a great day to spend outside but seemed a little strange since it was 80 degrees at the pumpkin patch.

We rode the Merry-Go-Round

Fed the animals

And checked out all the pumpkins.

PICNIC TIME

We had to take advantage of the beautiful weather that we have been having so we went to a park in the Rockford area for a picnic. Now that Charlie is 2 we figured we needed to put her to work so we had her bring the blanket for the picnic. She pointed out the perfect spot for us to put our stuff down.

I tried to teach her the rules of soccer but she didn't seem like she wanted to play. I'm pretty sure that sitting on the ball is not allowed.

I know for a fact that touching the ball with your hands is not allowed.




















But when she gives hugs like this she can make up her own rules!




















YARD WORK

Owen has gained a new helper this year. I don't know how much she truly helps him but she loves spending time with her Daddy!!