It May Be Cold But the Game Goes On!

It may be cold to me but not to these soccer players! They love it! Okay, they may love it more if there wasn't a gusty cold wind and a bit more sun. But sadly this summer/fall has left that sun thing a little on the lacking side!


Lexi played for a while but thanks to a loan of a second blanket from our friends she also was able to cuddle up and hide from the elements when needed!

Here is Nicolas' team giving him the high fives after scoring a goal. It happened so fast that I wish I had it on photo...

Although this one sure looks like a good action shot. I think this one got guarded by the opposition so it went wide of the net but let's say it was the goal shot for future, kay? (wink) SHHHH! Don't tell anyone!

Field Trip Time!

Nicolas' class takes a walking field trip to the Fire Station. It was a cute... but colder day for the walk. Nicolas had his eye exam that day so we didn't get to walk down there with the kids. (Darn... wink) But we got there by car right after they sat down for the chance to watch fire safety video and meet the firemen.



They got to watch him put all his gear on and then go up and talk to him. I liked that! They were all pretty freaked out to actually touch his hand. Glad we got that chance to scared of him in a safe fire-free room and not find him to scary at an actual fire. Good learning moment!


Then tried out the emergency vehicle.


Had lots of fun with classmates and friends.

Nicolas wanted to walk back to the school with the class but mommy had to drive the car back. Oh darn! (double wink) It was fun waving at them as they walked by though!

Lexi-rina Ballerina

Lexi started taking dance classes at Premier! She loves it! She was giddy. I was wanting to wait until she turned four but she just begged and begged. Watch out world! Lexi has toe shoes and dance shoes!

Bake Away

This weeks baking seemed to center around cupcakes.


First I made some Thank You cupcakes for Jackie, neighbor, for lending me all her Twilight series of books when I needed a good read in August. I needed a book to get me through vacation before my book club book started about 10 days later. Well, she carried over all four of these and I balked at her. Geez, I can barely get through one book a month right now since the only time I find to read is right before falling comatosed in bed at night. Well, low and behold I got through all four in about 6 weeks. Um... sure I seemed to squeeze a page or two of reading in every chance I got. We won't go into all the grueling details on that but it was a fun 6 weeks.

So Vampire Cupcakes (note two puncture wounds of raspberry filling).

The Grandma Preis was turning 85 and we wanted to celebrate with an open house birthday party. I think of grandma and all her flowers, garden and such. So when I asked my mom if she would let me make Grandma's cake I also thought of flowers. With the open house concept then cupcakes seemed a good fit so people could have dessert at any time.

We stacked cake plates and set the bouquet in the center of the table.

Lots of fall flowers to choose from.

It was a lovely party. Too bad I spent it in the spare bedroom curled up in a sudden attack of stomach virus. Sad I didn't get to visit with all the family but from what I could hear from my fetal position the cakes went over really well.

Happy Birthday Grandma! I love you! Thanks for all the great memories....

Tucking me into bed and pinning the sheets down with the biggest safety pins I have ever seen so that my brother couldn't steal all the sheets at night.

Buying me paper dolls at the grocery store.

Always having a stash of those little tiny boxes of cereal in the flavors we didn't get to eat at home.

Letting me help you ring out towels on those old, old driers.

Taking us fishing.

Picking every veggie in your huge garden.

Always buying us those big chocolate bunnies at Easter.

Making homemade ice cream in your crank ice cream maker.

Fun in the Front!

Well, I realize that we live on a main drag road. And I realize that the "idea" might be a cul de sac. But we do have a lot of fun in our front yard. The driveway is great for matchbox car races. The front has been great for playing baseball due to evening the height of Shawn (pitcher on the sidewalk) to Nicolas (batter up higher in the grass). And again we enjoy a very nice fall day in the front yard.


Lexi loves her big ball. Rolling! Rolling! Chasing! Laughing!

Nicolas gets a good round of football in. Lexi actually likes playing football too. They both like to tackle. That is so funny. And I love when they tear down the goal posts!

Sunday Continues the Fun

Sunday we were off and running again. First to church and then to celebrate cousin Joe turning 30! (puppy)

It was a beautiful day for it too!


Lexi gets a hand swinging from her big cousin Abby.

And then Lexi gives her little cousin Edie a hand with her hair style. Okay, actually Lexi's mommy (that would be me) wanted to see what Lexi's headband would look like on a cute baby head. Lexi got quite a kick out of it. Not sure Edie cared yet. But she will soon!

Shawn and Tim get some brotherly bonding time in during the Washer's Tournament.

Nicolas was teamed up with Daddy. I think they said there were... 16 teams? Something like that. Well, here is Nicolas showing Uncle Rich why he had lasted until the final four teams! Yep, they were actually even winning this one and couldn't hit that final point on the exact count so gave Rich/Tim time to catch up and hit it exact to beat them.
That's my boy!!! (wink)

Another fun and full weekend ended!

Another Busy September Saturday

Wow, September started off what has turned out to be a very busy fall. I think time is not our own. We are going here and there and everywhere. I may complain occasionally but I am happy too as it means we have a full life with family and friends! Very Lucky!!!!

Here is a quick recap of one Saturday now two weeks ago (behind as I am) ....



Soccer kicked us off at 8:30 AM.  Alas, here is a game where I missed catching Nicolas' goal on camera because I was off running to the car for an ice pack and meds for Shawn who had just gotten stung in the arm by a bee.  Sorry, Shawn, in the future you will have to wait until a break for me to run.

I love this photo.  Allison was having an emotional game and was upset that Nicolas wasn't sitting by her on the blanket.  He was over by us.  He realized this and went to sit by his best little buddy.  How cute they are!

Then we were off to get ready for a birthday party at the Y skating rink.  Friend and fellow soccer player, Jack, was turning 6 years old.  Yeah!  I think they all had a good time.

It took a little time but Nicolas remembered how to skate (wow, those lessons were a long time ago).

Shawn and Lexi picked us up from the party and we were off to the Fall Fest at Glen Carbon School.

Lexi got her nails done.

And they all played games and jumped in the bounce houses.  It was a super good time!
Needless to say we were all tired that night!

Educating Myself

Okay, since it seems that I spend SO much time cleaning in my kitchen I thought I would start utilizing my time listening to things that work my brain more then just the radio or Rhapsody.  This was my first one and I really like this video.  It was fun to listen to and I identified with so much!  I am listening to so much right now on redoing our education system.  I believe in our public schools but I believe they can and should be much better!  I believe in our teachers but I believe we can do much better for them, with them and expect better from some of them.  I wanted to share this video.  It is not a quick one.... so when you are cleaning the kitchen (smile) then hit the play button!

Bowled Over for Aunt Melissa

Aunt Melissa turns one year older. My how times have changed. We used to all meet up for a fun adult place to eat and drink. Now all seem to pick places our kids would have fun. That's okay. Our time will come again. And who can pass up the chance to see all these smiles!


Daddy helps Lexi bowl by holding the ramp in place. Take note that bowling attire included big dangling earrings and bangle bracelets!

Nicolas takes a break with his ball. Forced smile? Yep. He was such a trouper! He was tired and recovering from a bout of stomach flu the night before. But he insisted he could bowl. Although it did deteriorate from bowling normal... to laying on the chairs between frames, to using the ramp Lexi was using... and then finally giving in and letting Shawn bowl in his place. Poor little guy! He was a fighter!


Watch out floor! Kai is about to throw the ball. I think the whole place shook. It was funny!


The kids hang out while the dads all bowl the last game.