celebrate

We had a mini celebration for Luke's birthday last night.

they gave him a bird calendar...

and the mother of all nerf guns....

this boy is in heaven...


grandpa even tried it out!

pears

A few weeks ago we harvested a load of pears off our tree in the back yard. They were not ready to eat (or can) so we laid them out in our pantry. This weekend they ripened and we "discussed" the canning process (meaning we read a book and batted around the idea). Today Dale's parents drove down for the afternoon and we canned 21 quarts of pears (well, a few are pints).

I would love to say it was fun but those of you who know me know I would be lying. It was a tolerable experience. I am glad we have a canned bounty grown in our own backyard. I am equally glad we have family willing to help where I fall short!

L helping grandma...

here's my part... i know you are impressed...

r helping grandpa...

the bounty...

upcoming birthday meal

Luke's birthday is next Sunday so we were discussing the dinner menu.
He has decided to have:
pesto pasta with chicken, sugar snap peas and sweet peppers (his VERY favorite!)
a special drink (7-up)
peas
salad with NO cheese
orange slices (everyone will get 3)
spumoni ice cream
a wii remote chocolate cake

fairly well balanced- I was impressed....

a magic filled afternoon

This afternoon I took the kids to the Magic House to see the Curious George exhibit. It was a lot of fun! It helped that there were about 25 people in the whole place. LOVE it when that happens....

reagan loved hugging fake george...
luke making designs...
carsyn constructing...
FINALLY they are not totally frightened of large animals with people trapped inside...
we discovered the new outdoor garden...
look at us trying not to get wet...
nevermind...

there was an incident (a strong willed incident)- i had to call grandpa to come and get her (SO GLAD they are in town!!)
the fun continues..

now off to the construction zone...


LOVE that smile....
reagan loves it when we talk about President Reagan- I took this picture just for her...

bubble room- can you see their bubbles?
we love to fish!

apples

The JK went apple picking this morning. It was a beautiful fall day! Everyone had a great time (minus 2 bee stings)...

grandma swank went along...



watching the apple sorting...
the bee lady- she had interesting facts to tell us about male bees....

r loved playing on the playground...

a cardinal's fan and a CUBS fan- only one currently has a reason to smile... :(

sunday at the city museum

antique ferris wheel on the roof of the museum...
Luke FINALLY rode on it...
check out the view!
the girls are the bravest in our family...
proof that I am not a whimp :)
This is also atop the roof!

on the bus- that is hanging OFF the rooftop.

"preeny" - also on the roof!
one of their favorite slides...
climbing on the outside...



block building...
exhaustion has set in!


I took 176 photos. It was a fun day! :)