Flashback Friday

2006

2007

2008

2009

2009

2010

2010

2010

2011

We've kept busy over the last few months and usually just end up taking pictures with my phone now.  Here's a little of what we've been up to...

Hanging out with cousin Jules.  We love having her close now!

Playing at the TKD school.  I think this helmet is a good idea for him.

Working on art projects.

Cuddling grandma's kitties.

Digging at the park.

Silly faces with dad. 

Swinging

Making a dragon nest.

Getting better.

Watching the skid loader out the back window.

Ice skating in the kitchen.

Out with the old

I think I've mentioned before that the previous owners of this house were "handymen" who weren't so particular about details.  Well, here is another example.  The 3 seasons was built on top of an existing deck.  No footings were poured, so it was just sitting on dirt, which settled a lot this year since it was so dry.  Thus, our 3 seasons was beginning to pull away from the house.  The door to the outside was permanently open several inches.  We decided it was time to do something about it.  We also need a new roof, so we decided to go ahead and quote that with the construction of a new 4 seasons room and deck.  In order to save a little money, Scott did the demo with the help of a few great men (Josh, Teeda and Kent).  It went pretty quickly and now we have a muddy hill in the back enticing the kids to come out and play.  The guys start construction today, so there will be much entertainment for the kids.  We'll be spending a lot of time in the kitchen watching out the sliding door over the next week, I'm sure.

Oh, Christmas Tree

I'm back...I know, it's been a while.  I've been a bit busy/lazy.  

Here are pics from decorating our Christmas tree a few weeks back...

Leaves

Last week we started raking leaves.  Not many of ours have fallen yet, but the boys had a small pile in the front going.  Callum was having fun jumping in it.

Then we walked to Jodi's to help them.  They had already raked up 3 piles (they have a LOT more leaves).  The kids had fun jumping in the piles.  Teeda used the leaf blower to suck up one pile while Jodi and I bagged up a bunch to burn at mom's.  Still a ways to go, but we put a little dent in it.

This is just one of the 2 huge piles of leaves...remember those days, Jake and Josh?

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we went to a pumpkin patch with Jodi and Adrienne.  We decided to try one we hadn't been to.  It was free--that was nice, but there wasn't a lot to keep the kids interested for long.  It was a short, but fun outing.  Afterwards we stopped at Panera for lunch with Grandma Bonnie.

Callum and a goat having a stare down.

Maddox and Beckett led us through the hay bale maze.

Then all, but Keta, went for a ride on the tire swing.

Yep, that's my boy, trying to pick up the pumpkin that's as big as he is.

Callum loves to share.  I think that's why Jodi sat by him.  Could be that she's one of his favorite people too.

Yesterday Jodi and I took the kids out to Saylorville Lake to check out the trails and the dam.  It was a gorgeous day for it.

Cast removal

Callum got his cast off yesterday.  He doesn't like loud sounds, so we brought Scott's noise reducing headphones (that Callum likes to wear).

He did a great job. 

The older three did pretty well too.

Callum and daddy having a chat while we waited for the doctor to check the new x-rays.

I forgot to post pics last week from when Callum got his cast on...

He kept a close eye on those nurses to make sure they didn't try any funny business.

And kept a good grip on daddy to make sure he didn't go far. 

Then he waited somewhat patiently while the cast dried.

Over all, he did well.  He's getting around great now, crawling pretty fast and even walking fairly quick .  I'm sure he'll be happy to have the thing off in 2 weeks.