"The Outdoor Experience"

Every year Fort Ben has what they call the "Outdoor Experience" where a bunch of vendors involved in outdoor activities get together.  There were tons of booths and activities for the kids.  The longest line was the rock wall.  The kids really wanted to do it so we waited and therefore didn't do much more.

Aly got about half way up.

Tobe went about 2 steps up and that was good enough for him.

But our little Janey Bug wanted to touch the top.  And after a little encouragement from Daddy, 

she did!!!

Donuts and Cider

I wanted to start October off festively!! I had read on Nie Nie's blog that every year on October 1st, they watch Sleepy Hollow and have donuts and apple cider.  It sounded so perfect.  Blogs always do:)  My kids weren't even hungry for the donuts, they didn't like the apple cider and the movie we chose, Nightmare Before Christmas was too scary!!  Oh well I tried:)  These pictures make it look perfect so let's pretend for a moment that is was......

Jane invited her BFF Ashlee!!

There-doesn't that look perfect!!!  Hee Hee

Mounds State Park

I really have no excuses for not blogging.  My kids are all in school now (and I can't for the life of me find their "back to school" photos.  I'll post them when I do.)  It's so quiet here at the house with all of them gone, but I think I do enjoy the break and they need the break from each other.  Everyone wins:)

Over Labor Day weekend we went to Mounds State Park.  They have so many state park here in Indiana.  We've visited quite a few of them.  The boys always have their annual "Fathers and Sons" at Mounds but us ladies had never been there.  It was a beautiful day and we were able to have some fun just before the rain hit.

Such a beautiful place to live!!

Aly's 5th Birthday-Sending Balloons to Heaven

July 26th was Aly's 5th birthday.  She woke up to balloons in her room, the Happy Birthday Banner, and her present from mom and dad.  This year she got a lunch box, lip balm that she covets every time we are in the check out line of Target, and her very own IPod shuffle.  She felt like the luckiest girl in the world.  

She then chose to take 2 friends to Build a Bear for her birthday party.  She invited Savanna and Kate.

After we got back from Build A Bear we invited some friends over to our HOT house (our A/C went out that morning:) to have ice cream and cake.  

We then had a slumber party in the cool basement to escape the heat.  The entire day Aly kept thanking me for making it the "Best Birthday Ever"!!  She's hug me and kiss me and say "Thanks for making this birthday the best".  Oh it is times like these that I love being a mom!!

Speaking of Moms..... my wonderful mother went to heaven the day after Aly's 1st birthday.  I wish they weren't so close to each other.  Aly's birthday always reminds me of the last day I spent with my mom.  She never really got to know Aly and how silly she can be.  I know she would have loved her spunky personality.  I know she watches her from above and for now that will have to do.

On July 27th we sent our messages to heaven on balloons.  I love to read what the kids and Brett write. I always give her an update on my life and the kids.  The kids truly believe she reads them and I think I do too:)  

We love you Mom/Grandma Kathy!!  Continue to watch over us from heaven!!!

Last Day in Utah

On the last night in Utah we celebrated Aly's birthday and played Minute to Win It.  Here it is in pictures.....

Oh and Jane lost her tooth.

Then we said our good-byes and the fun was over:(  It was a long, fun filled month of parties, day trips, swimming, eating, shopping, laughing, playing, and most of all FAMILY TIME!!!!  Oh how I love our summer trips to Utah.  Now my cup is filled to last me 11 more months. Until next time......