A Little Later That Evening...

Josh and Emma make our company feel right at home by taking a walk in their shoes.
Busted! (And still loved.) Thanks to Bill and Linda for a wonderful evening! And an especially wonderful dessert from the city! Hope to see you again soon!

Johnny Appleseed Festival!

Crystal Lake also has it's own wonderful fall tradition! (Daddy's enthusiasm speaks for itself :) Emma was a pro on the pony and despite mommy's nervousness quite often insisted on riding the pony, holding on with only one hand.
Brad's countdown to lunch finally ended...Emma and Josh shared their roasted corn. And yes, Josh, did get bit by one of the turkeys in the cage behind him.
Daddy's happy after a delicious cider donut and sweet little pumpkin to carry around, too.

After Josh's last haircut, we stopped at a road side stand to pick up some fall decorations for the front of our home. Emma and Josh took a break on the swing.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

Brad's sister and family joined us for a wonderful afternoon in Huntley for a Fall Festival!
Josh has second thoughts about riding the tractor with big sister behind the wheel. Maybe it was her facial expression that made him a little nervous...
He did enjoy the bucking pony ride...no joke...but that's not how he busted his lip.
And finally, the walk INSIDE the petting zoo. Yup, had to throw away those cute little shoes Emma wore that day.

Happy Birthday, Grampa!

How lucky are we? Grampa was in Chicago for business AND for his birthday!
I think it's safe to say, JD had a wonderful time!
Before...
After...From the front of the restaurant we could spot a plane landing at the airport every two minutes or so. (Josh is a little unsure as his experience at the Air and Water Show was a bit much.) Thank you, Grampa, for your love and visit! We miss you! Next time bring Grandma Laura, would ya?

The Breadbasket of the United States of America

Now if this photo doesn't make you want to move to Illinois, I don't know what will.

Happy 90th, Grammie Dee!

The oldest of three, Grammie Dee is sitting between her younger siblings, Norma and Leonard.
We were glad to meet Jon's fiance, Rachel, and to see Glen and Carol. Thanks for all of your help with the kiddos and loading up all the bags...all that for ONE night?
As you can see, the kids were just a tad bit wound up! Lucky for Mommy and Grampa, the overnight at the hotel went smoothly and all got a pretty decent sleep, considering.
Gavin and princess smile for the camera! For more on Gavin's band, visit www.myspace.com/xsatorix.

I Found Jesus!

Granny, my mother-in-law, thoughtfully purchased a nativity advent calendar for our family during her recent vacation. We played with it for a little while and then packed it away. or so I thought. Soon after, Emma runs toward me with a little figure shouting, "I FOUND JESUS!" Apparently, he had slipped out of the bag. Ah well, we'll keep praying for the real thing.