Brrr....

After the deathly hot summer the recent cool air was a nice break, but now that we've had a few days of it - I'm missing summer. :)

Today Lucy wore her first "fall" outfit to church. This is her "bed head" look - but her hair is getting so long! She's becoming such a big girl!

Pumpkin Fest 2010

Well the Pumpkin-fest came and went again this year. Lucy went on her first "ride" - the big slide (with mom). Marcus and I, as always, enjoyed pork chops, Uncle Bud's cider, and of course pumpkin ice cream! (Lucy's favorite was the ice cream!)

We live right on the parade route, so we always get excited for the Saturday parade, but unfortunately right when it started, it got canceled due to the rain/weather. Lucy did get a few pieces of candy, so it wasn't a total bust. :)

On Friday, our friends and their son James came down from Chicago. James got to ride his first ever "ride" by himself - the cars - and did a great job! Lucy can't wait to ride it with him next year! James and Lucy are one day and one year apart, so every time I see him I think "this is how big Lucy will be next year at this time." It's hard to believe she'll be telling us in complete sentences what she wants next year! There is no doubt in my mind it will be Pumpkin Ice Cream! :)



These photos were taken by a local photographer that had a "photo booth" at the festival. Lucy was jumping up and down like a crazy woman for most of the pictures, so I'm pretty impressed these turned out as well as they did!

Hello Fall!

The wedding in San Fran was beautiful and it was a fun weekend visit. Lindsey (the bride) was beautiful and everything was so unique and fun!





We were able take a tour of the city as well as a trip up to Muir Woods, and lots of fun things along the way, Fisherman's Wharf, shopping, Trolley cars, good food, etc...




Oh man, and those hills....that is something I can't get used to!




One thing I was surprised about is - it is NOT warm in San Fran right now! There were some beautiful FALL days, but it made me enjoy last few warm days we have been having in Illinois! :)

Today, Lucy and I went on a Mom's playdate at Ackerman Farm in Morton. We learned all about different types of pumpkins, took a hayride, and saw/petted a few animals. I was able to take a few picture of her with her pumpkin hat on before all the other kids got there. I can't believe how much she has changed since last year! But, still the cutest pumpkin in the patch! :)

Traveling Pants

Last weekend we went to Chicago to visit some friends and go to Ravinia for a Counting Crown concert. It was lots of fun! Lucy even came to the concert with us (it is really just a big yard - and people just bring chairs, tables, food and drink) and visited with her buddy James.



This past weekend we traveled back up to Chicago and saw more friends. Marcus had a guys shindig on Thursday night and I stayed with my friend Katie who I hadn't seen in about a year! Lucy LOVED her dog Henry.



Then on Friday, I drove to the city to see my long-time friend Lexie who is back from living in New Zealand! We stayed with her on Friday and went out with Marcus and a few friends for dinner! Then Saturday Marcus played golf and I shopped and played in the city before heading out to the suburbs to meet up with Marcus and go to our friends house for a cookout. We stayed there and got up early for my nephew's baptism on Sunday morning in Bloomington!



Whew! What a weekend. But I counted and I saw at least 17 friends - in one weekend! Really - a weekend can't get better than that!

This weekend we are packing up and flying out on Friday to San Fransisco! My life-long friend Lindsey Boehm is getting married and it is going to be such a great time!

So, lots of traveling and lots of friends! Thankfully, Lucy goes with the flow and is a pretty great traveler! (Although she was a little cranky at times with her first left lower molar coming though.) The next few weekends are busy too, with U of I games and a few weddings, but you only live once right?

I figure, we can relax and stay put at home - in the winter - when it is cold and snowing and we don't want to go outside!

The Gigglemiester

Maggie's Birthday Party

Three days after Marcus's 30th birthday was Maggie's 2nd birthday! We celebrated at the Bloomington zoo. It was lots of fun and the kids loved the animals. Unfortunately, Lucy was not a fan of the carousel. Maybe next year! Here are a few pictures.

Happy Birthday Marcus!

Today is Marcus's 30th birthday! In college he turned 21 at least a year before any of our friends and having such and early birthday was pretty nice, but I'm not sure he is enjoying turning 30 first! :) Just kidding, we both realize we are still VERY young and really do look forward to every year we get - especially with our little lady!

I absolutely adore this picture. I was taking Lucy's picture out in the backyard tonight - right when Marcus got home from work - and I snapped this right as he walked in the backyard. Pure joy! She sure is "Daddy's little girl." There is no question she loves her Daddy - as do I! (p.s. is this curl not the cutest thing you've ever seen)




Happy Birthday Daddy! You are the best!