Christmas with the Cousins

Every year we attempt to get all of the cousins together to take a Christmas photo.  Last year we had Corey do the photos, and we ended up with two decent shots.  Decent meaning: 1) all seven kids are looking at the camera, and 2) nobody is crying.  

 Well, we headed out to a local park to take the Christmas picture.  We figured we didn't have much time left before it would be too cold to take it outside (and with it SNOWING yesterday, we were right)!   We dressed up the kids in Nativity Scene gear, and then Ronnie took pictures as fast as he could while the moms did their best to try and get the kids to look at the camera.  We ended up with about 100 pictures, and well, this is the best one of all.   Looks like we might have to do a retake.  =)

High School Musical

On Friday, I took Brayden to go see High School Musical 3.  He is a huge fan of the first movie (knows every song by heart), and so I thought he'd enjoy seeing the third installment on the big screen.  Actually, I am also a huge fan (I know... I'm too old to enjoy these movies), so I don't know who was more excited to see it: me or Brayden!   Anyway, we met up with some friends and their kids and everyone had a good time.  Brayden was dancing along to several of the songs throughout the movie!  He got pretty bored by the end, though.  I guess a 3 year old can only sit so long.  I enjoyed the choreography of course, and I think I'll be purchasing the soundtrack soon.  Yes, again, I know I'm too old to like High School Musical.  =)

 Here's a picture of the kids in front of the movie poster.  Sorry about the quality... my camera hasn't been working right lately.  

Charlotte's Web

We went to go see my sister Kaylie in the CYT play Charlotte's Web today.  Both boys really enjoyed the songs, and they especially loved seeing Kaylie backstage during intermission.  She played a horse, and Brayden loved touching her pretend tail and ears.  Great job in the play, Kaylie!

Fall Photo Shoot

We went to visit my brother Corey at Judson on Saturday, and he did a photo shoot with the boys.  It was perfect weather, and Judson always looks so pretty in the fall.   All of these are pictures that he took.  You can check out more of his work at coreybienert.blogspot.com.   Thanks Cor!

Apple Orchard

The boy's cousin Samantha

Addie

Trevor

Sam

Sam and Landon playing in the train

We spent the day at the apple orchard yesterday.  We went with the boys' cousins, Sam (6), Addie (4), Trevor (3), and Isabelle (1).  My sister in law was also watching another little girl, so we had seven kids total!  What a riot!  The kids loved running up and down the rows of trees.  We picked enough apples to make a nice pie, and to have some leftover to eat.  Probably the most exciting part of the apple orchard is that you can pick an apple right off of the tree, take a few bites, and then try another one!  I think Landon ended up eating more dirt than apples, but it was a great experience for him anyway!

Ultrasound

I had my 30 week ultrasound today.  The baby is looking good and healthy.  He is big as usual.  All of our babies measure so large!  I don't know where they get it!  Ronnie and I are obviously not the biggest people!  

I always love getting ultrasounds because it feels like a secret little peek into what the baby is going to look like.  Unfortunately, the little stinker kept turning his head away from the 'camera' and we weren't able to even get one look at his face!  I guess he wants me to be surprised... 

Uncle Carey's Soccer Game

On Saturday we went to watch Carey play soccer over at Huntley High School.  Brayden and Landon didn't really watch the game... they just ran around the field and played.  Brayden likes to pretend he is the goalie.  He stands in front of the goal with his hands in front of him.  Then when someone kicks the ball he dives to get it.  It really doesn't matter whether the ball is kicked high or low-- he always dives for it!   

While we were there, Ronnie realized how much he misses playing soccer.  He said sitting on the sidelines made him want to run out there and play.  I think he'd make a great soccer coach!

I just realized that I didn't get any pictures of Carey playing... oh well.   

Randy's Farm

Today we visited Randy's Farm with my sister, Kellie.  The boys loved playing on the wooden train, and even picked out some tiny little pumpkins to take home.  Hopefully this will be the first of many pumpkin farm visits this fall!  It is absolutely gorgeous outside!  Thank you Lord for this wonderful fall!

October Days

October is here and already flying by.  Brayden and I continue to homeschool for preschool.  He is doing such a great job!  I am so proud of him.  He loves to "play school" and is learning new things each day.  

Brayden also earned his very first patch on his vest for Awana Cubbies.  He learns a new Bible verse each week, and then once he has learned enough verses, he earns patches on his vest.  It is actually really good for me, because then I get to memorize Scripture right along with him!  It's pretty funny listening to him recite the verses, because half of the time, I don't think he knows what he is saying!  They give him some awfully big words to memorize for a three year old!  

Landon is feisty as ever, and makes me laugh so much.  Here he is with a pair of sunglasses.  He put these on and strolled around the house thinking he was ten feet tall.  Next week, I'll be moving Landon into Brayden's room so that they can get used to sleeping together before the new baby comes.  Hopefully this is an easy transition and not a train wreck!  We will see how they do....