Happy Halloween!!

I am not sure how to get them in the right order obviously, but we decided this was like a redneck reception at the DQ!!

Nora is the bride and Tucker, her friend, is the groom. They decided this all by themselves, they both have rings, flowers and the whole works. They were sick of pictures, and wearing their rings and basically each other by the end of the evening.

Barb is Mother Goose if you are wondering and William couln't figure out why she didn't look like a goose. He was very confused.

Even Grandma got into the spirit and wore a mask! This was Shelby's first year of not really trick or treating. She helped Grandma at the community Halloween party and only went to Grandpa's and Grandma's and a few places after the party.

Pumpkin Fever!!

Here they are proudly showing their work!



These are out of order, but we carved with the Schwarz's. Getting everyone to smile at the same time is not easy! This is the best of the four pix I took.

We are excited for Halloween, will add photos soon!

Fall Activities

Had to share the dress-up shot! Do you remember these outfits anyone? Miss Sophie was too embarassed to be in the photo!







VB shots are hard to get, but here she is! Only 12 year olds look good in those shorts!!!






We go to the orchard each year for wagon rides and apple treats. A quick fun and inexpensive activity.







Thought I should update the blog! Evidentally blogging not my big thing, but nice to share some photos easily.

CHICAGO!!

We sure had fun in Chicago! We had tea at the Drake hotel, and we went to the Shedd Aquarium. This is the water water that is, I believe, a veteran's memorial. This is near the aquarium and the Chicago Stadium. All you sports folks will just have to get over the fact that I do not know the name of it! :) We went for the Americal Girl Doll Store and had a great time eating lunch in the cafe, shopping, buying, etc. We can't wait for the store in the MOA so that we can take the Zimmerman girls! I am sure Sophie would love it! We swam in the hotel, walk along Michigan Avenue. We got to see Lake Michigan from the top of our hotel (the 48th floor). All in all a great trip!

Nora

We went to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. What a fun day. Long drive, but worth it. We all got our photos with the an eagle. They are four or five. We watch one eat a half of a rabbit. That was cool and gross all at the same time. They have binoculars, and long lenses to view eagles outside. Probably it was too much for the kids, but as adults it was very cool. They had fun learning stations for kids. Nora wasn't too brave, but McKayla agreed so Nora went along. I think she is glad that she did.

William

Nora suggested that I bring a pig to school to show her class so while I was there the two pigs and I visited William's class, the Kindergarten and both 1st grade classes. it was an interesting and somewhat poopy morning! :)

Shelby

It has been awhile so thought I would add some things!

This is Shelby and her friend Noah. They and two others put together a Gettysburg re-inactment project. It was a great project and a perfect day for it. They did the project on their own with no parental involvement.

All that is left is some finishing work. Trim, backsplash, caulking, etc. I really need to find some better curtains too, but I am still working on that. Cliff is going to build some shelving in the little closet to the left of the shower. Not sure when this will all be done. Cliff is vacationing and so is Doug from O'Connell's. I am "patiently" waiting! :) Ok so I am just waiting... Oh and we have to choose drawer pulls. All of these things are not stuff I enjoy doing and Rick has lost interest. His monitor for the planter has arrived therefore his house brain is on vacation! :)

(still haven't figured out how to turn photos)

MEXICO

Wow! Fun in the sun! Warm, sunny, humid, breezy, relaxing, people watching, napping, wading in the ocean. All wonderful things! I so want to go back again sometime!! We didn't snorkel or anything. The first day we were lazy and getting used to no responsiblities. The following two days it was too breezy for being out on a boat, etc. We did have a massage on the beach which was great! Listening to the ocean for real as opposed to listening to it on tape was wonderful. Here are is a fun shot! Will update the bathroom project soon so keep watching!

Things are Coming Along

The toilet, sink & vanity, and flooring are in. Fixtures, trim, etc. need to be done yet....Mexico is looming and the BR is not done! Electricians are scheduled for tomorrow.! Maybe I would feel better if I just pack my suitcase and not look! :)

We Have Color!

We we are painting now! The flooring should go in next week. It seems like things are coming together! Sure is interesting. Mostly we are thinking about Mexico. We are watching the weather reports this week!

We chose two colors. I color matched one of my scrapbook papers and picked a color from the color swatches. I really like it! Can't wait to show everyone the finished product!

It's a Band!!

They marched around the house for quite a while changing instruments and having a good time!

Snow Fun!!

We went tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch! Yes, even I tubed! It was very fun! That would be a fun family event sometime when you are all home. There is a warming house with fire and tables etc. Maybe we should wait for Baby Z2 to get a little older!!

More remodel photos

The tub is in!! The sheetrock is going up. We are painting later this week then flooring. The vanity will be in next week. Lot to happen before Mexico!! Sorry didn't turn the pics before I uploaded to blog so you will have to just look sideways! :)

Remodeling!!

The bathroom remodel has begun! I can't believe how different it looks already. Can't wait to get all the new stuff in. We picked flooring today and have to choose the lighting stuff yet, but then the choosing part should be done. That is my least favorite part. I thought I would post one shot for John...I know how he likes plans and projects. The floor area that you can see the most of is where the tub was.

Snowmobiling Trip

Rick just got home from a snowmobiling trip in Ely, MN. He went with Greg Schwarz. They had a good time. Only a few pictures. I decided to add one of Rick at least. The others are really not too exciting! :)

No Peaking

Just had to share this one of Michael. It is so cute. I have all the Christmas photos uploaded to a website for photo ordering. If any of you want I can give you the code and then you can look or I can order you what you want.

Welcome

Just thought that I would branch out and try blogging for a change in 2008. Thought it would be a fun place to share pix with the fam!! Happy New Year everyone! Wish me luck on my blogging! I give it until February! :)