Daddy's Home

YEA!  Daddy is home.  It was a long week with Daddy so far away.  The children were so excited (so was mommy) to pick Daddy up this morning from the airport.  We surprised Daddy by coming into the airport to get him (instead of just staying in the vehicle and meeting him outside).

So, we sat in the chairs and waited.

Then we ran up and gave Daddy big hugs!

Busy Bee and Little J couldn't wait to be in

Daddy's arms and hold his hand.

Biker Girl

Busy Bee Loves riding this bike around.  She does a really good job and really enjoys it.

Police Station Field Trip

The kids enjoyed going on a field trip to our local police station.

A highlight was standing in a jail holding cell.

They also got to go sit in the police car.

Fun Dress Up

Pumpkin Carving

We enjoyed carving a pumpkin today.

Big J thought he was funny

being "pumpkin head."

Trip to MN - A little time at Grammie's

On the last part of our trip, we drove back to Grammie's to drop her off.  Before heading home we spent a few hours at Grammie's house.  The children were very excited to put together their new Lego sets.   

Trip to MN - Mall and Aquarium

The next day we headed to the Mall and enjoyed spending some time at the Aquarium.  

For school this year we are studying sea creatures.  So, we called the Aquarium ahead of time to see what the rates where.  We were surprised and blessed to find out that it was homeschool week at the aquarium, which meant a large discount on a rate and also a few extra activities for homeschool children.

The favorite part of the aquarium field trip

was walking through the tunnel with the animals 

swimming all around us.

The kids just loved this part.

It was so sweet to hear all the excitement

in their voices...even if it was quite loud at times.

Busy Bee fell IN LOVE with the stingrays.  

She could not get enough of them.

She was so certain we could take one home.

She said she would put it in our small pool outback.

And when I asked her what she would feed him,

she said she would put him in Little Brother's highchair

and feed him yogurt.  Big Sister said they eat fish, 

to which Busy Bee said that her and daddy would

go on a hike and catch some fish.

I can't believe how much this boy is

growing up.  He looks so old in pictures any more.

The aquarium field trip was a hit.

Since the mall was extremely busy,

we did not do too much else after the aquarium.

The kids all rode on one ride and then Grammie

put some money towards each of them getting

a new Lego set.  They were more than excited.

Trip to MN - Play Area

We were blessed to go on a trip to MN with Aunt K, 

both Cousin J's and Grammie. 

Little J stayed at home with daddy 

(he also got to spend some time with Aunt A and Grandparents). 

 He had a wonderful time!

The first evening in MN the children enjoyed 

playing at the play area that is connected to the hotel.

All Ready for Winter

I thought I better pull out the winter gear

and see what items the kids have and what 

items they have out grown.

For some reason I couldn't find what Big J wore for 

the winter at 1, but thankfully Cousin J 

had an old snowsuit he wore and it looks

like it will work well for Little J.

I am not sure we will make it out too often this

winter being that I will be over 30 weeks pregnant.

But, if I know Little J and his personality, if his

siblings go out, he is SURE to want to go out too.

No More Training Wheels

Purple Girl has been working off and on this summer on riding her bike without training wheels.

In September Dad took her to a near by basketball court and she just had it.  

More Sister Love

This Big sister was also more than pleased

to play with her little brother.

Sweet Older Sister

Little J has two amazing big sisters.  They just love him so much and are always there to take care of him.  This little lady was more than pleased to sit and read with her little brother while I was making lunch one morning.

It was so sweet.  I later looked over and they were "singing" together, rocking in the 

chair, leaning their heads together. I wish I could have gotten a picture, it was adorable!

Trip to Nebraska - The Swings

The swings Uncle put up are a highlight 

now when we visit.

Even daddy enjoyed seeing how 

high he could get.

Little J pointing at the excitement of the day.

Trip to Nebraska - The View

Sorry this picture is side ways, 

I can't figure out how to turn it.

But you get the idea and how very gorgeous it is!

Trip to Nebraska - Rides

One of the highlights is going for rides around the land on the

 tractor, ranger, or four wheeler when we visit.

This little lady loved sitting on her daddy's lap and helping drive.  

We can still all fit on one ranger.

Purple Girl is all about speed and having

her daddy take her for a "fast" ride! 

She sure loves the farm life!

Little J loved going for a ride on the tractor with his daddy.

He is gripping in one hand his ball.  

He is all about balls these days and just

wants to carry one with him everywhere he goes.

Trip to Nebraska -Helping Out

The men were able to help out around the farm a little while we visited.

This little boy would have helped

out if he could have.

He did enjoy playing in the dirt!