Finished with birthdays...for now!

The big day came and it went, Quinn is now 4!!! She had a great day and loved all of her presents, even though she couldn't remember, when asked, what exactly it was that she got! Thanks to all who sent cards and gifts, she loved them all and really enjoyed, I think, spreading out her birthday surprises! Quinn was also happy that her "best friend", Connor, was able to attend the festivities! Next on the docket...October birthdays!

Dogs and birds, birds and dogs...

This past week we've had some pretty interesting animal encounters. First, last Weds. evening as we are rushing to get Owen home from school and off to soccer practice, this little blue jay decides to check us out...literally! This bird was practically in the van! Then he flew over to the deck railing where he couldn't have been more than a foot away from me! Gavin reached out his finger to touch the bird and it pecked at him like he was a worm. This funny little thing stuck around for awhile, unfortunately, we were not able to stop for long and play because we were on the run!

Then, this morning I was standing at my kitchen sink drinking a cup of chai when this little brown dachshund appears along the neighbors fence line. I had never seen this kind of dog in our neighborhood before so I figured he was lost, and also that something was up with him because he kept bumping into the wire fence. We brought him inside and he was the nicest fellow. Not one bark, not on the furniture, tolerated the kids...perhaps a message to us from higher powers that we needed an animal? I called all of the appropriate authorities, went out and bought him a can of food and came home to a message from his owner. Aparently, "Bubba", who is blind...was forgotten about when she let her other dogs out this morning. The kicker...he lives across the street from us! The only house that I don't know who the neighbors are. In fact, if I didn't see the mailman delivering mail there on a regular basis, I wouldn't have thought anyone lived there. Small world...and perhaps a sign that we are not meant to have a pet?...yet!

Go Brewers!

This last Tuesday, James and I took the our "boys" (including Curtiss) to a Brewer Game courtesy of BBBS. It was a good time, a first for Curtiss, and we got to do some different stuff. James took us early so that we could experience batting practice! The boys thought it was neat and all three of them got autographs from one of the Pirate players (specifically, Freddy Sanchez). Then we ate and took our seats in the usual location, nose bleeds, which were along the third base line. The game started out well with the Brewers taking the lead in the first 2 innings and then it went downhill. We stayed long enough to see the Oscar Meyer Weiner Race but then hit the road because it was a school night. As we pulled into Manitowoc, the Prince Fielder hit a 2 run homer to win the game! Bummer that we missed it but a fun evening just the same!

We would like to wish the Brewers luck now that they have won their seat in the playoffs! Go Brew Crew!!!

Race day and Birthday all in one!

Today we did a lot of celebrating! First, James completed his first 1/2 marathon in something like 1 hour 50 minutes 18 seconds! The conditions couldn't have been better: 60-65 degrees, slightly overcast, no wind and lots of fans! He was really pleased with his time and we all are super proud of him! Thanks to all who phoned in their support and took time out to attended the event, it really meant a lot to our family! For more on the race and video clips see our running blog...


From there it was on to C.E.C.'S, for the princesses birthday! She had a wonderful time playing lots of games, winning lots of tickets and eating pizza! Quinn even got a picture with the mouse himself! Special recognition and thanks needs to go to Aunt Janie who saved the day and won like a million tickets so that Quinn could get the prizes "she really, really wanted"! I believe a good time was had by all and everyone went home tired!

Beaches, school, flowers and Birthdays!

We spent labor day weekend in Two Rivers enjoying a day at the beach and a sky full of kites. I didn't get many pictures of the beach because the batteries in my camera died, however, I know that mom got a ton which are posted on her flicker.


From the beach we went to the first day of school. The day itself went well, and the boys are adjusted and I think having a good year so far. Owen has Mr. Lehman for 4th grade and Gavin has Mrs. Cavanaugh for 2nd grade. Quinn was very sad when all of her 4 year old friends moved on to 4K, but because her birthday falls at the end of September she didn't make the cut off for her age. Oh well, I think that I will be happy she is a little older for her class someday. For now I have to try to find things to occupy her and keep her busy. The whole "Connor, the next door neighbor" is working out better than I thought!

Speaking of Quinn, her flowers finally bloomed and we have had fun watching the bees visit them on a regular basis. I am not sure how you harvest sunflower seeds, but we will try once the plants dry out a little more.


As everyone knows, Quinn's birthday is coming up(not as soon as she would like). Since Aunt Meg sent her birthday gift early, Quinn decided she couldn't wait and wanted to spread out the celebrating, so she opened her gift! She had a wonderful time trying on each dress and will look fabulous in the spring! Thanks Aunt Meg and Uncle Matt! The next big celebration takes place on Saturday where we are meeting up with the Maurer's and Seilers and going to Chuck E. Cheese. Wahoo!