Leed's Farm

We traveled back to Columbus to visit some friends this fall. During our time with them we went to Leed's Farm in Marysville to partake in some fall festivities. The kids had a great time. I tried to connect with our Marysville friends but alas, no such luck!

The boys had fun with Taylor in the maze. Chris and I were thankful that the windstorm had blown down most of the stalks in the maze or else we would not have been able to keep track of the boys.

This was a huge trampoline type thing. The boys could have jumped on this forever! I was not happy that they had to take off their shoes and walk through the grass (and mud) to get to it. Because of the line they were limited to a very short amount of time. I think it made them miss their trampoline.

We waited FOREVER to ride on these go-carts. They looked fun but they were really hard to steer. Jonathan started off by himself but Chris had to rescue him.

The rolling tubes were fun, especially when the boys were able to make Chris roll all over the place.

Don't I have a picture of Jonathan when he was a young toddler feeding goats? If I remember correctly I was super pregnant with Drew, it was really hot, I was feeling miserable, and our move was inevitable. On the other hand I was with my friends, thankful for one of the last times to be together. It's amazing how quickly things change.

Who knew milking a cow could be so fun!

We detoured into Marysville after Leed's Farm. I desperately wanted to see Beth so I convinced Chris to buy her a coffee. It was good to see them but the poor kids were disappointed that we didn't stay longer. Next time!!!

After our detour we headed back to the Mabry's house to visit. I always love reconnecting with them and don't think I'll ever grow too old to not want to spend time with my mentors. It's fun to see their kids growing (yet hard to resist the urge to say, 'I remember when I used to change your diaper.') It's also fun to see our children interacting.

I had my first experience with a Wii at their house. I even created some Miis. If we didn't have every other game system in the world (I'm exagerating) I would love to get a Wii.

I went up to check on the boys after they were asleep and here's what I found. Aren't they awesome? I have a feeling Drew was probably scared so Jonathan held his hand.

Breakfast with the Mabry Family. According to my boys, there's nothing quite like spending time with either the Mabrys or the Hellers.

Thanks for your hospitality, Mabry Family! I hope to come visit you again soon...

After the Mabry's house we traveled to Westerville to meet up with our friends the Biddle Family. We ate at a scrumptious restaurant called Pasquales. YUM!! It's a small mom and pop shop downtown. I highly recommend their pizza and homemade baked goods.

With full bellies we headed home. What a great weekend!

Happy Grandparent's Day!

Jonathan had the privilege of taking his grandparents to school with him for Grandparent's Day this past fall. He was so excited!

My parents were both able to accompany Jonathan. As you can see in the pictures he had a great time. I think my parents enjoyed themselves as well. I also think that having my dad there was good for some of the other kids too.

Chris says that when he volunteers he is amazed at how starved some of them are for positive male attention. Which in turn makes me so thankful for all the positive male figures in my boys' lives...beginning with their awesome father.








Unfortunately, Chris's mom developed a bad cold and was unable to participate. She and Jonathan were both very disappointed but I told them she could come another day. That made them feel better!!!

Flag Football...Kind Of

Chris and I decided to sign the boys up for flag football through our local YMCA. I only went twice to take some pictures but Chris accompanied the boys each time. The program was geared toward young children and an accompanying adult.

I think the boys had a good time but Chris said it was not exactly what he would have liked. There wasn't enough team action and the instructors didn't do a whole lot of instructing. Mostly it was just Chris and the boys throwing a football around. Absolutely worth the money...

The coolest part about our flag football experience was on the last day when the kids were allowed to play a game. It was awesome seeing them all run around like crazy!

Chris's coaching experience helped fuel his need to 'take over' at times when things weren't going the way they should. I have to admit things went smoother when Chris was calling the plays! I know he misses coaching...Soon enough he'll be coaching our boys!






I'd like to take this opportunity to send a shout-out to Sam Jones...notice the shirt Chris is wearing? Advertisement...the easiest kind of recruitment available! Go Waynesburg University!

Hurricane Ike's Wrath

Can you believe Ohio was hit so hard? I was scared that branches from our massive trees were going to fall through our roof. From the pictures you're about to see you'll realize I wasn't that far off.

We were without power for around three days. My parents were kind enough to let us plug into their generator to keep our refrigerator and deep freezer running. They also let two of their neighbors plug in. I have decided that I would like a generator. What a handy thing to have around!

My school was called off one day but the boys still had to go. I was able to volunteer in Jonathan's class and spend some time at home doing nothing. Obviously I could have been doing lots of stuff (laundry, housework, blogging, scrapbooking) but I chose nothing. It was nice.

This is all the farther Drew would 'climb' the branch.

Jonathan was a bit more daring.

This could have fallen on our house!

We called for a repair estimate but the man was so busy he never followed through! I think we're going to repair the fence by ourselves next Spring.

Chris took all these pictures for our insurance agent. I really like the lighting! Who knew I was living with a photographer!!

Although it took a long time to clean up the mess I am still thankful for our backyard and all of the trees. I'm also thankful that our home was spared any damage.

It's Preschool Time for Drew!

My youngest child is now officially in school. Drew is so excited to be a big kid! Yes, it's only preschool, but our family has hit a milestone. I am a mother of school age children. Time flies!

We put him in the Tuesday/Thursday class which would allow him to be six when he entered kindergarten (just like his brother.) Because of our decision to 'hold him,' Drew was one of the oldest kids in his class, if not the oldest.

It became very apparent that Drew did not belong with such an immature age group. Certainly I have my biases but I believe Drew was not being challenged enough. After much consideration, we decided to move Drew to the Mon/Wed/Fri class. This decision was huge for me because that meant the boys are only one year apart in school. Drew is now one of the younger kids in his class, still one of the smartest (another bias...I'M HIS MOM,) and he will start kindergarten next fall. I believe it was the right decision but it was not part of the original plan.

Some of you know how hard it is for me to deviate from 'the plan.' Might I remind you of Jonathan's first field trip entry? Did I ever tell you that I went on the next one? I felt so much better about it! Also, I've been able to have someone go on all of Jonathan's field trips this year too!!! My poor boys!

Coming back from the tangent...

Truth be told, I believe Drew could handle kindergarten this year. He has been visiting every time Chris or I, my mom, or my sister go to volunteer. Jonathan's teacher treats him like one of her students and he seems to keep up just fine. He's not the smartest student in the class but he's definitely not the slowest. Should I have typed that??? He even ended up in the class picture. What a stud!

The next few pictures are of Drew's Preschool Orientation. After 'meeting' his teacher we took him to Dunkin' Donuts for a snack.






The rest of the pictures are from his first day of school.




It is amazing how different my boys are. The preschool has an option that allows the parents to stay in their car and drop their children off if a teacher is waiting by the door. Jonathan never wanted to be dropped off but always wanted me to walk him in. Drew has decided that he doesn't need me. He says it's OK to drop him off. He even runs ahead of me and forgets to give me a hug and kiss sometimes. Stinker. If you're wondering, I have yet to have the heart to drop him off' yet. I'm just not ready...yet another testimony to the fact that I have issues!

Go Panthers!

Our close proximity to Cleveland (Ohio) does not make us Browns fans.

I remember the Browns being a disappointment even when I was growing up. I mean COME ON!!! Why couldn't Bernie just beat John Elway? Why were the Broncos the bane of the Brown's existence? UH... At least that's how I remember feeling a few years in a row.

Now when I watch football with Chris he just rolls his eyes at some of my questions. Is it just me, or does it seem like players have a new team every time you turn around? Some of my humble observations include...

1. It is unnatural to see Brett Farve without the gold in his uniform.
2. Dallas has done Terrell Owens some good.
3. How many jerseys has Jeff Garcia worn?

You must know that I do not follow football but I have a fanatical husband. He has always liked the Tar Heels (I know...It's a college basketball team) so when the NFL announced two expansion teams in the mid nineties he was extremely excited to find out that one would be called the Carolina Panthers. He has been a die-hard fan from that first Hall of Fame game (that he attended.) I would love to get him down to North Carolina to see a game but at the moment that seems impossible (another reason to play the lottery...JK.) Never the less I am on the mailing list when Panther tickets go on sale.

When I finally got the email I noticed that Carolina was playing at Pittsburgh for a pre-season game this year. Woo Hoo! I ordered two (awesome) tickets and left the confirmation page laying on the desk.

I think Chris was excited when he saw it. Actually the word that comes to mind is disbelief. He decided to take Jonathan with him. I was so happy he chose Jonathan out of anyone else (except Drew...I'll buy three tickets next time.) What an awesome father/son bonding experience! Here are the pictures they came home with...









Maybe next time I should buy FOUR tickets!!!

Jonathan's First Day of Kindergarten

I can't believe Jonathan is in kindergarten, even though he's probably one of the oldest kids in his class. Because of his August birthday and Alliance's cut-off date, Jonathan missed going to kindergarten last year by nine days. He loves his teacher and seems to have a few friends in class.

One must have fresh breath when entering a new stage in life... Actually one should have fresh breath all the time...

He's so proud of all of his new school supplies.

It's obvious that I was only half ready for school when we took Jonathan on his first day...

This is Jonathan's kindergarten teacher.

I'm excited for everything that is in store for Jonathan this year. Hopefully I'll keep you posted...