Took Alex a few tries but with the incessant correction of his older sister, he eventually mastered the Halloween phrase. We celebrated Halloween first at the hospital Halloween party (huge indoor event full of inflatables, games, food, prizes, and music) and then as a family on Halloween day.
Elizabeth began asking for a princess costume which then switched to a fairy. She settled as a princess fairy butterfly!
Andrew took the kids to the dollar store with $2 each and this is what they came up with… Alex bought me a stapler because I had recently ran out of staples and Elizabeth picked the hair accessories because she said she thought I’d look pretty in them! So sweet! Not sure about the other two gifts… 
Birthdays seem to wane in excitement after you enter adulthood but I’m realizing how much fun they become when you have two little party extraordinaires who make the day super special!
Also, two fun stories from the kiddos so that I don't forget these special moments… On a school morning when I’d overslept and was running late (skipped my shower and didn't brush my teeth…), I had to wake up Alexander. Anyone who knows kids at all realizes this usually never goes well, especially with my two. But to my surprise and delight, he opened his eyes, smiled at me, and wrapped his arms around me. “You smell so good mommy. I love you!” Aww, still melt at this one! 
Elizabeth blesses my heart often with sweet little compliments (she always notices if I get a haircut, new shirt, and even when I decorate or make a project). But, she also cracks me up with her intended and sometimes unintended humor. After school last week she jumped in the car and says, “Some of my friends are Vikings fans mom. I don't even know WHAT that means.” I don't think she understood why I busted up in giggles. Oh, these two children are such a joy to be around and make my days so so enjoyable!
How fun to have Michael and Heather (3rd trimester pregnant even!) make the long trek east to visit us in Wisconsin! We took advantage of the beautiful fall weather by visiting the apple orchard, taking a drive through the hills of Wisconsin, and enjoying a campfire in the driveway. We also took a walk along the river downtown making a stop at a fun ice cream and candy shop. Elizabeth was able to take Kaley to ballet with her and the kids spent the weekend playing and running together! So great to have you guys visit!
… is having family visit! The kids and I were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement waiting for my brother and parents to arrive for a long Labor Day weekend together. Mom and Dad are such amazing grandparents and the kids absolutely adore every minute with them. Uncle Mike holds a special place in their hearts too and they constantly talk about how great he is. (I might encourage this one a tad too…)
Weekends with my family always go by way too fast! We slept in (well I did, grandma and grandpa were on call), relaxed at home, toured LaCrosse, and just enjoyed being together. Only thing missing was Sarah, Clint, and Addyson!
I feel the need to address the picture above of my extra padding in the front… Baby #3 started to pop out just before everyone came to visit! :) …
Elizabeth counted down the days (starting at 28!) to her 5th birthday. Not only did she celebrate half a decade of life in August, she also learned to ride her bike without training wheels (in a formal dress of course), started Kindergarten, and got almost as many mosquito bites as she had in Africa! Princess Elizabeth, you have an amazing ability to push all my buttons and make my heart swell with love and pride at the same time!
Lets go! A weekend of call for Andrew and my best friend moving to a new city made for a perfect time for a road trip. I cant believe how many times I’ve said this in the past 5 years but I have the most amazing friends! Carrie and Kim not only agreed to spend the weekend with my kiddos in Vermillion while I went to Omaha, they also took the kids to the city fair and threw them both a huge birthday party. I love you ladies!
In Omaha, I bunked with Al in the infamous hotel room 132 and helped her set up a 3rd grade classroom (ok, truth be told, I cut laminates and stapled them on the walls…). I love this lady and the fact that we’re both going through such similar transitions lately makes our bond stronger than ever (there’s some cheese for you Allison! <3).
“Mom, how many am I again?” Although Alexander may hold up any assortment of fingers to show you how old he is, the boy is awful proud of being 3! We spent Andrew’s golden weekend (no call) camping at a nearby state park for Alex’s birthday. The kid was ecstatic to not only spent the weekend camping, fishing, and canoeing, but the fact that we took our “fast truck” sealed the deal! African mosquitoes wouldn’t stand a chance against the Wisconsin swarms! Eeeks, we spoiled South Dakotans struggled to enjoy being outside there were so many bites at all hours of the day.
Alex not only turned 3 in August, but also started riding a bus to preschool 4 days a week. He absolutely loves every minute! Alexander, you may be full of mischief and drama but I can’t help but adore your hilarious demeanor and loving heart!
A call free weekend ahead of us, Andrew and I stayed up later than normal watching a few shows online and were just about to go to bed when our doorbell rang…. we were speechless at who was standing on our doorstep! Nic (post call) and Allison (after working all week) surprised us by driving all the way from NE to WI for a weekend together!! Amazing people and amazing friendships!! A weekend of relaxing, laughing, apple orchards, cooking, and camp chairs made for a perfect couple days off!! We adore you both so much and can't wait for our next weekend together!
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
