September Birthday Celebration: Aunt Corey, Nana, Gma Joyce, and Avery

Avery Turns 4 Years Old Today

Avery is 4 today...where does time go??? I remember this time 4 yrs ago, when I was preparing to go in for a routine check up, only to find out we'd be having a baby on this day :)

She has grown into our little ray of sunshine...and we are so very proud of her.

Jerod's Last Visit Home

Country Pics

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 :)