Looks a bit like a Graeve Christmas. A gathering of some college friends and many offspring!

Snow, lots of snow! And again. Ken might get to ski to work again, and our snow mountains are growing.

Here are a few more fall pictures. Fun in the leaves (Evelyn was quite helpful with raking, the others with jumping), a plant collecting walk, Owen ready for trick of treating, and the girls riding around the house in whatever they have decided that basket is that day. Lots of fun!

Nora told me that I needed to get some pictures on the blog, and she's right! She and one of her Kindergarten friends had a nice little chat about pictures on facebook and blogs. "is your mom going to put that picture on facebook? no, i think on 'the blog'." Anyhow, as the five year olds know, I better get to work!
Evelyn in the wagon is from when Ken was bringing plants in for the winter, and the happy smile from watching Owen do something crazy.

A Great Fall Hike!

The colors are beautiful around here. We enjoyed a nice fall hike, the river was flooding so we could see lots of underwater trees. Evelyn spent lots of time putting leaves on the dog, while Nora and Owen played "house" in an old tree and scared all the hikers above with their roaring. Ken and I hid.

1st days of school!

Nora started Kindergarten and is already trying to break the uniform rules (can I wear a sparkly headband?) Owen is very happy about preschool and bringing his (empty) backpack with him everyday. And as you can see, Evelyn seems ecstatic to have them gone for a few hours!

Ken and Evelyn give us good reasons for cake!
Evelyn learned how to smile after the word "cheese" just in time for all the pictures. She loved her baby! Nora also likes to help her with her babies in her new "resting room".

August activities:jelly making, deck staining, basement painting, outside playing, and babies for the baby

some fun summer gatherings

Progress

The deck is coming along...and turns out puddle walking is the thing to do when it rains on your building project. The rain has also helped Ken's boulevard prairie planting...much to the dismay of the neighbor across the street with the sprinkler system for his.

Swimming

The kids had fun swimming last night, Evelyn enjoyed the sand...and lotion is not quite the same as mayo. Ken was pretty excited to get the picture (and yes, we do pay attention to our children).

Owen with his new mitt for T-ball, and Nora and Owen practicing up in the back yard.

Dessert--a bowl of fruit and a big carrot. What did they eat the most of? The carrots. I wonder if we can pull off giving them broccoli for dessert next time?

Evelyn (9 months)

Here are some shots of Evelyn. She is thrilled to have the quick crawl under her belt, which is especially helpful for catching up to her best friend, the dog. She thought it might be a good way to get away from her siblings, but as you can see it has just added her to the list of moving jungle gyms.