Pumpkin patch - 2

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Pumpkin patch - 10/17/10 - 1

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I can't believe it's four years!!!!

Today is Maureen's fourth birthday - a full president's term. Can you believe it? Words cannot describe how much I love that little rag-a-muffin, and how proud I am to be her daddy.

Mulan

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Bath time

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End of Summer 2010

It's been a long, hot summer and I am so looking forward to the fall. I failed to do my annual post about the fair - it wouldn't be summer without at least a comment about it. We went and we had a great time. My only regret is that we didn't get a photo of the winning bale of hay, but I have a feeling it looked similar to last year's bale. We managed to meet up with Kristin's Cousin and family for a quick (and expensive) bite at the Mike Linnig's tent.

The kids are gearing up for preschool - they officially start on Tuesday after Labor Day. I think a little more routine in their life will be good for everyone, especially Kristin. The kids are moving upstairs to the daytime school and have a whole new group of teachers and a whole new way of doing things. There will be a few familiar faces, but I think a change in venue and a new group of friends will be a good change for the kiddos.
This is Labor Day weekend, and the Cardinals take on the Cats with their new coach at the helm. We are cautiously curious to see how well they fair - no big expectations about winning but it would be nice.
Looking back over the last few months, we did a lot of fun things. We got to see Mickey Mouse, we spent some time in the North Carolina (Sweet Caroline) Mountains, we went to a beautiful wedding in Noblesville, we spent quality time with family and friends. We are now looking forward to some cooler weather and the fun that fall brings.

Prima Ballerina

Here's a photo of our beautiful little ballerina. Mojo started ballet class this past Tuesday with Poppy, her long-time BFF. The class is put on by the local ballet company and they are apparently all business. They must wear their hair in a bun - Kristin had to consult Poppy's mom on how to properly do this! They also told Mojo and Poppy that they are not allowed to chit-chat. I think she's as cute as a button!

Last week was family vacation time in the North Carolina mountains. We were situated in Rosman NC, just a few miles away from where Nicole Kidman and Jude Law struggled to reconnect in the movie Cold Mountain. We left early on Wednesday morning for a five day jaunt that included hiking, a natural rock water slide, a birthday celebration, picnicking, sampling of the area's finest brews and viewing (and not viewing) some of the area's famed waterfalls.

Rowan was not so into hiking until he learned that throwing rocks into the creek is good, clean fun. He enjoyed having such sports enthusiasts as Uncle Pat and Cousins Alex and Gus around to throw ball, bat a balloon around and run laps on the deck with.

Maureen was quite taken with the idea of sleeping with Cousins Abbey and Gus, away from Mom and Dad. She didn't quite make it the first night, but was successful the second, though Aunt Kathy experienced the joys of the early morning water run. Maureen was also the instigator of getting everyone off their feet to dance to the vacation theme song, Sweet Caroline. Every time a new person arrived to the cabin, we had to welcome them with a little song and dance.

When driving home yesterday, we posed our customary question to the kids, "What was your favorite part of the vacation?" Rowan said his was having chicken nuggets, french fries and apples at McDonald's just an hour ago at the Dollywood exit. Maureen agreed. Just think of the money we could have saved!

But seriously, it was a great vacation with the in-laws and we have the pictures that will help us remember the trip for years to come.

North Carolina Waterfall

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North Carolina Vacation - Cabin View

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Another Rowan and Mama Pic

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The Ro-Boy with his Mama

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Tough day

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Trying

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Fun on the Fourth

Once again the holiday was too short. We did manage to throw some family fun in over the three-day weekend, which included a rib cook-off (which I won, hands down), and having some guests over to our backyard oasis. The son of the neighbors who live behind us discovered fireworks and was not shy about using them in the early hours - so we had to contend with that. Another drawback was that Kristin was feeling under the weather and we had to cancel at least one social function, but the sum of all the parts equaled a good time.
Although I alluded to the fact that we were going to paint our upstairs hallway, we didn't. We'll get to it another day.

Summer in full swing

I can't believe it's almost July 4. Everybody is doing well. Kristin and the kids have been trying to fill their days with fun activities: the library on Wednesdays, sporadic play dates, periodic trips to the Zoo or the Museum. Last week we celebrated Rowan's second birthday - can you believe it? Of course he got a lot of sports oriented gifts, plus a few Mickey Mouse presents (Hot Dog) to commemorate our family trip last month. We had both families over for Chicken Tetrazzini dinner and the kids tried their hand at breaking the homemade pinata. Rowan got a really cool water table that we keep on our newly remodeled back yard deck. It's supposed to be a duel sand/water table, but the water only approach seems best for us, and the kids love it.

No big plans for the 4th this year - we are trying to keep track of our expenses right now. We do have high hopes of tackling the painting of the upstairs hallway - a chore I've put off since moving into this house. I think we can knock it out though. We shall see.

Here are some current photos.

Racing Uncle Joby

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Larosa Loop 2

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Larosa Loop 1

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I don't either

Whenever you ask Rowan a question his stock answer is "I don't either", meaning "I don't know either." Very noncommittal on his part. I can't believe Buddy-boy turns two at the end of this month!