Funny Kids

Avery says to me the other day, when we were on a walk and a "Doritos" delivery truck drove by..."Mommy, are there chips in that truck?"
"Yes" I replied.
"I wanna drive a chip truck like that guy when I get big...that is the best job ever...I love chips."

And Bryton tells me that during recess, sometimes he has "meetings" w/ a few other kids. I asked him what he does at these meetings and he says "well, we talk about stuff...just us...and its fun. Isn't that what do you do at your "meetings?"
(Brian and I have used this term since Bryton was little, to refer to events he doesn't get to go to, without having to tell him exactly what we are doing, so that he doesn't feel left out....and I guess he's caught on!)

Lena Fall Festival

We survived another exciting year at the Lena Fall Festival :) Bryton and Avery rode all the rides there...with either us or friends. Zero Gravity was Bryton's favorite (this I would not ride, and neither would Brian, for fear that we would puke). The Paratrooper was Avery's favorite. Lena's parade was great, as it is every year...long and full of candy! The firetrucks continue to be Bryton's favorite part of parades...and Avery enjoys watching the marching bands.
The rest of the weekend was spent outside w/ friends and family, enjoying this beautiful weather we've been having, and catching up on "to-do" stuff that accumulates during the work-week.

Friends Visit

We have Brian's friends Rugby, Nick, and Brent...and 2 of their significant others, Jamie and Nicole..staying out here w/ us in NW IL this weekend :) They travel our way from Chicago and Milwaukee, so we keep hearing about how quiet it is here, how much wildlife they see, and how windy the gravel roads are! Our holiday weekend has consisted of bon fires, boating, hiking, archery, and golf so far...as well as good conversation (lots to catch up on!) and home cooked meals. Its lots of fun entertaining this group, when "coming to the country" is such a treat for them :)

Meet Miss Elizabeth Mary Rife

Can't wait to get my hands on our new precious little niece :) For now, pictures have to do...

Avery's First Week of School

Avery has her first week of preschool under her belt...and she's doing great! She wakes up in the morning ready to go. There are usually a few tears, right before the bus gets here, but those quickly go away and she hops on the bus with her big brother :) (thank goodness for his help!) Her teacher and teacher's aides say she's a happy, well behaved girl in class...soooo...hopefully that continues.

Needless to say, she's tired by afternoon and its early to bed for both of them, so that they don't have to be dragged out of bed each morning.

Jesus Visits the Gym

The kids and I were walking into the gym the other day, and Father Max, the priest here in Lena, was walking on the treadmill. He grinned at us and said "Hello."
As we were walking back to the playroom, Avery ran up behind her brother, and very excitedly whispered, "Bryton, Bryton....Jesus is here, Jesus is here!!!"

Monkey'n Around w/ Nana...

...before Dad built the "fort" in this tree...and it now has a beautiful view, a ladder, and a rope swing included in its accommodations :)