Magic Moments

We snuck away for a few days to go see Tom's parents in Indiana. Tom and his cousin had tickets to the Nebraska vs. Michigan football game and they had a great time being together even though Tom's team suffered an embarrassing loss. The weather turned a bit cooler while we were there and we so very much enjoyed that because we are sick of 90+ degree weather. The time spent in Indiana was so fun as it always is. The area has so many fun things. We went to the Orchard, spent a day in Amish Country and of course we also spent a day at the beach on Lake Michigan. We love being at home and the boys get spoiled with Grandmommy and Grandpa and Sage LOVES being with Tucker. That dog is like is therapy dog and it's so sweet. Now we're back home, we're in the routine of our week but still missing Grandmommy and Grandpa and enjoying thinking about all the fun memories we made! Sweet Isaiah!  We met Tom's cousin and his family at the beach for the day ...

Cade is THREE!!! It's hard to find the words to express how I feel about this. A large part of me is thrilled that he's just a little older. Life is getting easier and he's grown up in some ways. But other days I look at him and feel so, so sad that he's growing and changing and our time with a little one and their sweet little ways is limited. It's a cycle of emotions everyday. Cade is becoming a little boy. He plays better on his own and with his brothers than he did just a few months ago. He communicates well and he's learning so much. Sometimes I'm surprised at how he thinks and how well he communicates what he's thinking. He asked me yesterday, "Mama, are we going to Halloween in our car or is Halloween coming to us?" He's VERY excited about Halloween but doesn't quite understand what it is. When I explained to him the ins and outs of trick-or-treating he was ALL IN! Now in his mind Halloween=candy and there is nothing better. ...

Apple Orchards are a fall activity but we don't have any orchards here in West Virginia. So, even though the weather was still hot we made sure we paid a trip to the orchard before we left Iowa. Wagon rides, apples, donuts and cider. We had a great day with Pappy and Marme and picked enough apples to make several apple crisps. I'm still longing for a Minneseota fall and picking Honey Crisps and Zestars, but these memories and the pictures I have make my heart happy. One day (hopefully soon) we'll be back at the Minnesota Orchards.