Pumpkin Patch with Grandma & Grandpa

Mom and Dad were in town for Jamie's funeral - so we were able to share this unseasonably warm October day with them at the pumpkin patch!

Jamie Marie Pavek

My cousin, Jamie, lost her battle with cancer this week. She planned out her own funeral - including having it on a Saturday so her loved ones could make it into town. It was a beautiful, sad, joyful celebration. Lots of love and laughter filled the weekend. We had a spontaneous gathering back at my house to continue our celebration of our family. I am truly blessed to have these people in my life.

Jamie - I think of you often . . you taught me some of the most important things in life . . how to apply eye liner and mascara. . and how to curl my bangs (let's hope I never have to use that one again!!) :) Thank you for being a Big Sister Cousin when I needed it! Love.

Backyard

Our backyard is one of my favorite places to be.

Misty October Morning

So when I let the dogs out this morning - they went straight for behind the garage - and just barked and barked and barked! I figured that damn black cat that taunts them was sitting just out of reach for them . . or else there was a mass murderer hiding back there . . so I got on some shoes to go check it out . . .

There - 3 backyards away . .were the most stunning animals - staring right back at us! They totally knew that Baxter and Bella couldn't come to get them . .so they lazily watched us . .and me, especially I suppose, cuz they didn't know if I could get out of that invisible fence or not! :) I did manage to get back to the house to get my camera . . so here is one of the best shots I could get in the bad light - and so far away. :)

NAMI Walk 2010

Not only did I get to join Heidi and JB at the NAMI Walk to cheer - we had a few Jr. Helpers participating in Service Learning! What a gorgeous day we had for it too!! :O) I LOVE MN in the fall!!

Swimming Lessons

Alice started swimming lessons again. She's in the Puddle Jumpers or whatever they're called. . . no parents in the water . . .no diaper. :) If you can tell by these pics - none of her classmates were huge fans of the water . . so Alice got a lot of 1-1 attention this first session! She is a ROCK STAR in the water . .what can I say?? :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Cousin Leah!

We all joined John & Heather in their backyard for a bbq and to celebrate Leah's 1st Birthday!! :)

Preschool

Alice Mae is starting PRESCHOOL! So we all had to head up to her new school to check out the important stuff. . the playground! We deemed it acceptable! :)

We LOVE the Eagle's Nest!

We love playing at the Eagle's Nest! :)