Cousins!

We took a road trip for Thanksgiving and headed to Dallas. We were welcomed by Dave's brother and family. It was a fun time together and the cousins all had fun playing together. And look...they all match! Our little supermen. Love all of them.

First snow!

And it snowed! The boys went to school on Friday and were dismissed at 11:00. I was so glad because by 3:15 when I would have had to get them it was nasty out. Friday was an awesome snow day! Huge flakes fell all day. They say we got about 13 inches. Saturday dawned clear and sunny. They couldn't wait to get outside to play in it. It was about 10 degrees but that didn't bother them. I think they were out for over an hour. Some was spent shoveling with Dad but play was also done.

 Micah taking a shoveling break.

Mommy's Birthday

 Another year has come and gone. Happy Birthday to Mom! She got a shopping weekend to Sioux Falls and came home to dinner, birthday cake, balloons, birthday banner and flowers from her 4 boys. What a blessed Mom! I think they like me just a little bit. =) 

Fall leaves

We took advantage of a nice cool fall Saturday (a few weeks ago) and did some outside yard work. The boys enjoyed raking leaves and then jumping in the pile. We took about 7 big bags of leaves to the dump. We thought we may be raking again but as of this weekend it is no longer needed as we now have inches of white stuff all around!

Family selfie...and Ethan sharing a handful of leaves.

Rochester weekend

The boys had Friday off of school so we took a long weekend and headed to MN. It was fun to be at Grandpa and Grandma's over Halloween. Brian was also there as he was in MN for work. The big boys helped Stan with deck building. The little boys had fun exploring and climbing trees.

Halloween

We had a fun halloween this year. We were in Rochester at Grandpa and Grandma's house. 

 Ethan was Darth Vader

 Micah was a Star Wars man with his light sabor

 Levi was Lightening Mcqueen

Apple Orchard

Fall means apple orchard time! I was able to get a few photos before the camera batteries died, next time I'll make sure the batteries are charged. Anyways...on Saturday we headed to Fairmont for the apple orchard. We went with some families from our church. There were many activites and fun things to do. It was a little cool and windy but still a nice afternoon to be out. 

 Micah and the bounce house.

 Ethan and the big slide.

 How big is Levi?

 This was the hit, literally! An apple sling. The boys loved it. Nobody managed to hit the sign to get a free pumpkin but they had fun with it anyway.

Levi's big boy bed

Big boys all around in our house now. Levi has a twin sized mattress...aka big boy bed! We went last week and it was ordered and today we went and picked it up. We also went and bought new bedding and of course...Star Wars was the hit! He loves it. Daddy is working on the plan to build the frame but he can still enjoy this for now. He is also potty trained and doing really well. No more diapers, crib bed mattresses or sippy cups. We have moved onto the next big boy stage. Bittersweet!

Clay county fair

Before we moved to Iowa we heard from many people about the Clay county fair. Well since we are here now and only 25 miles from Spencer we decided to head over on Saturday and check it out. It was a beautiful day to spend outside. We enjoyed many rides, food, exhibits and also checked out the 4-H animals. We have discovered that Micah is our wild child and isn't afraid of too many rides, a daredevil! Levi and Ethan are a little more cautious like their Mom, although Ethan did really like the roller coaster.

 The boys are on the left in the bright green shirts.

Adventures with Dad

Dave has been able to take each boy on a boy/Dad adventure this summer. Micah and Levi picked to go camping and Ethan picked a kayak trip. Fun was had by all!

SCHOOL

A new adventure has started...public school! Tuesday was our official first day but we were able to go to school on Monday for a tour and meet both teachers. Both of the boys are excited about school starting and meeting new friends. They had a great first day. It is different and bigger then they are use to but are both giving it a good shot with great attitudes. We are so proud of them. We are excited about the year and we'll see what it all holds for us. Levi and Mom had a good day but he was ready for the older two to come home.

 Officially E-Hawks

 Ethan and his teacher, Mr. Geelan

 Micah and his teacher, Mr. Bjustrom

What a triple pair...can't leave the little one out. 

New paint!

And we are no longer the eye sore on the block...the painters came! It took about four days to transform our house and we all like it so much better.

Murdo

The boys and Mommy made a trip to Murdo last week. Daddy had some traveling with work to Denmark and we didn't want to stay home without him for a week so we invaded Papa and Nana's house. It was also the week before school starts so kind of an end of summer trip. It was a fun filled week. Here are a few pictures that Nana captured...

 Three boys and their dog, Bush. It works great to have a dog to visit but don't have to take care of.

 Levi and Papa out for a little ride.

 Ethan practicing his shooting skills. We have a BB gun but don't really have a place to shoot at home so we brought it and they had some target practice. They were both getting to be pretty good dead eyes.

 Micah taking his turn at the BB gun.

One little boy and his favorite toy! No, we didn't let him drive on his own. =)

Bunk beds

And they are done! Many weeks and work have gone into these beds and they are done and being used. Thank you Grandpa for cutting and sanding the wood. Mommy did the stain and varnish and Daddy and the boys put them together. This gives Ethan and Micah a lot more space in their room and all are enjoying them a lot. Carlson built bunk beds...nice and sturdy! Levi has been asking for his bunk bed. Our next project once life slows down a bit.