Wild West Town is Best in Autumn!!!!

On Saturday, Auntie Lauren and Mommy took the boys to the Wild West Town. We have gone there for the past several years with Papa and Nonnie in the summer time, but Mommy promised them we would go in October when the train goes through the HAUNTED TUNNEL!!!!

They had a ball!! No offense to Papa and Nonnie, but the Wild West Town is so much better in the Autumn. It is decorated up so nicely. There are pumpkin decorating contests, no bees, no sweat, pumpkin picking and everything else that is available during the summer (including the show and canoe rides!!!)

There are two different train rides depending on the time. One takes you through the HAUNTED TUNNEL (insert spooky music here) and the other takes you out to see the Indian Chief. When we first arrived, we were given beads to wear (in case you thought we were at Mardi Gras - Auntie Lauren kept her shirt on the whole time). When we go to the Indian Reservation we were met by an Indian Guide who explained that the Indian Chief (who did not speak - he only used sign language) would be happy to trade pumpkins for some treasures. Each child had to go up to the Chief and present him with the beads. He would then inspect them and allow them to pick a pumpkin. Ryan really wanted a teeny, tiny pumpkin (as he does every year) but they only had large ones. They both let their pumpkins wear their hats for pictures.

After we left the Wild West Town, we stopped at a smaller pumpkin patch and Ryan got his tiny pumpkin (it's on his lap as he is sleeping - gotta love fresh air!!!). The boys had a great time and I think Auntie Lauren had fun too. She had never been there before!!! Deprived child!!!

SOX WIN!!! SOX WIN!!!

You can put it on the board....YES!!!!!

SOX WIN!!! SOX WIN!!!!

And Pat isn't grumpy....YES!!!!!

We are still here!!!!!

Yes...we are still here!! School is in full swing for both boys and all of the activities are starting. There isn't much time to just sit and type away!!

Cale is in Cub Scouts again this year. That's on Tuesday nights and a parent should stay there (Pat conveniently has school through the end of November on Tuesday nights...) He also has "Sunday School" on Wednesday evenings followed immediately by Tae Kwon Do. Not to mention all the additional Cub Scout "outings" and we really should be going to the Saturday morning Tae Kwon Do classes...I mean they are free!! One day we will push for it. He did just get his blood drawn for next week's appointment. Fingers crossed for a good A1C!!!

Ryan is loving preschool now. He actually told me to leave the other day. WHATEVER!!! Just remember who you need to wipe your butt young man!

Pat is busy with work (thank GOD!!) and school at least two days a week after work. Poor man gets home around 10:00 p.m. on those nights and has to be up for work at 4:00 a.m. But it has helped him miss the layoffs going through the company AND he is one of three foreman that know what the heck is going on in the commercial industry.

I am "just taking it one day at a time..." Keeping the house going (not clean, just going), being a chauffeur for EVERYTHING, selling my beloved baskets on e-bay (making some good Christmas money!!!) losing my mind and NOT LOSING WEIGHT!!!! I am also keeping track of how Team Cale is doing for our Step Out Walk to Cure Diabetes on October 18th. As of today, we have raised $1,990. Not to brag, but we are the first place team and still have more coming in everyday (hopefully). AND only 1-1/2 weeks left until my Mom, Lauren, Chris and I go to the Mall of America for the weekend. I can't wait!!! My only problem is shop or sleep????? I've got it...sleep in the car and when the mall is closed and shop the rest of the time. No one bugging me (except Lauren). It is seriously the happiest place on earth!!!

Well, I will keep everyone updated when more happens. Later!!!!!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!!

Happy Birthday Lauren!! We hope that you have a great day and that you get to eat as much cake as you want!!! Party on girl!!! You are the princess for the day (although is that any different than any other day???) Have fun and we will see you soon!!!

Ryan's 1st Day of Pre-K

It is finally here...and as much as I thought I would be in heaven, I actually had tears in my eyes as I left him. Ryan's first day of Pre-kindergarten. I was convinced that he would cling to me and not want to stay - JUST LIKE HE DID EVERY DAY LAST YEAR!!!! But, instead he held my hand until it was his turn to wash his hands and then gave me a kiss and was off and ready to play. He didn't even look back!!! I just stood there in shock!!! My little man...getting to be a big boy!!! Now I know that I will enjoy my quiet time, but today bothered me more than I ever thought. Next year I may just bawl my eyes out when the bus picks him up (at least for a little while!!!). Too bad my tubes are tied (Ha-Ha!!!).