Chuck E Cheese's

We took the kids to Chuck E Cheese's a few weekends.  It was really just because we thought it would be fun but told the boys it was because Nathan earned a special prize for always going on the big boy potty! 

I wasn't sure how much Grant would get out of it but he had a blast and the best part was he was happy without us even having to put a token in!  

Tyler usually eats at least two pieces of pizza when we order some at home but he only wanted one piece because he just wanted to eat and go play.  He didn't factor in that we required him to wait for everyone else to finish.  #mayIbeexcused

So excited! 

Smile, dad!  Doesn't he look thrilled? 

Always happy! 

This was Nathan's favorite game/ride.  He stared at this horse the whole time we were eating.  

 

Photo op with Chuck E

This was Nathan's face when it was time to go.  

He is still talking about "last weekend" when we went to Chuck E Cheese.  It was more weekends than just one ago, but it continues to be "last weekend."  

Nathan, you earned it and we are proud of you!  

Morning at the Movies

I took these three kiddos to see a Saturday morning movie while Grandma kept Grant and Brody (Kyle and Maggie were on vacation). Jeff had gone into the course to check on a few things and then met us there.  The movie was Hotel Translvania since is was the week before Halloween.  It was really cute and the kids all did great!  We made it through the entire movie.  I found out from Maggie just before going that this was Hadley's first movie.  She acted like a pro and even told me when she had to go potty...which was right after I had taken Nathan potty, but whatever works! :) 

I promise she really was excited...just blinded by the flash! 

Nathan just wanted daddy to arrive so we could get popcorn. #priorities

This guy LOVES the movies and was very excited.  

We got popcorn and lemonade.  The movie was cute and a good time was had by all!  

Pumpkin Patch

Nathan didn't want to wait for the tractor.  He wanted to go on the Gator, hence the pouting face. 

It was Grant's first pumpkin patch experience.  

Grant (aka Elmer Fudd) was loving the tractor ride. 

I got some cuddles with Nathan on the ride.  

Our attempt at a family selfie...not so successful.  

After the hayride it was off to the hay / slide barn. 

This cutie loved exploring. 

In a different barn, they had hammock chairs.  Tyler asked for one in the backyard. :) 

A huge corn bin with tractors is a huge hit with Nathan.  

To have a blog post titled Pumpkin Patch with no photos of pumpkins a bit ironic but they don't really have a patch you get to go pick them from.  We didn't get any pumpkins but did want to experience all the fun stuff that goes along with pumpkin patches.  

You can see our previous pumpkin patch visits for: 

2013

2012

2011

Cardinals Post Season

We LOVE our St. Louis Cardinals and may get a little used to them playing baseball into October.  It was fun run this year before we lost in the NLCS to the Giants, who ended up winning it all.  We were hoping for a repeat of the 1985 I-70 series...just with a different outcome.  It didn't happen but the Royals had an exciting season.  We expect the Cardinals will be right back in the mix next year! 

These are the three cutest Cardinal fans I know.  

I may be a bit biased! :) 

Legos

Tyler was very fortunate to get 5 or 6 Lego sets for his birthday.  

He had some and would occasionally play with them but the new sets have created an obsession.

  

Here is his completed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles van.  

He is a master at following the directions!  Jeff and I are super impressed. 

This is our game table downstairs in the playroom where he must keep his Legos so Grant cannot get to them and eat/choke on them.  This afternoon he told me he didn't need to nap with the little kids and promised to stay quiet and work on his Legos.  I allowed him to win that negotiation.  It was fun to just play Legos with him the whole time the little boys were napping rather than laundry or some other productive house chore I would have normally been doing.  

We now have a Lego binder to keep all the directions in sheet protectors so he can get out his instructions any time.  I have encouraged more "build your own" designing that is growing on my Type A child.  

Random iPhone Photos

This little dude LOVES football.  He constantly wants me to play which consists of me chasing him and tackling him.  He will then give me a chance but gets mad if he cannot tackle me within the first 30 seconds.  

Tub time!  

I really wish I had more bath photos because they are so gosh darn cute, but needless to say it is pretty busy.  Every bath (pretty much every night) I pretty much have to clean the entire bathroom -floor as it gets soaked.  These three get water EVERY.WHERE! 

Other than the water everywhere, it is a grand time! 

Nathan is in big boy undies full time now (has been for about two months)!  He is doing great and gets to start at "school" with Tyler at the first of the year!  

Loving Power Rangers.  The giant one was a gift from Mike and Jeanne.  It is a prized possession at our house!  :) 

Grant is pretty fascinated with football too! 

Goofy kid with a turkey hat at Target.  

(No, we did not purchase!)

Jeff and I took the kids to the first half of the WHS Homecoming football game.  The Homecoming dance was our first date umpteen years ago!  

Can you tell Nathan loves football? :) 

Mr. Smiley!  

#happiestbabyever

Nathan has really enjoyed working puzzles lately and is getting much better! 

Grant is great at chewing on the pieces and loves this train one as it makes train noises.  

Tyler wanted to stand by the Halloween decorations Ms. Brenda had on display early October. 

Grant has been practicing with a sippy cup for several months now since I take the bottle away on the first birthday.  

I sent this photo to Jeff one morning when Tyler was talking back.  

He requested I then send this one to let dad know he was being good and wouldn't be talking back anymore.  

More football.  Nathan is often pant-less when we are at home. 

Grandma and Popo Francis got this Iron Man mask for the boys. It is a hit.  

Nathan loves to have Tyler read to him and Tyler loves to read so it is a win-win!  I am sure I have posted a similar photo before but I just want to make sure I document these sweet moments. 

Ready for a rainy day!  

I had to drive into the office for two days in early October.  I only have to go in for two days once a year, but this traffic was an EXCELLENT reminder of why I LOVE to work from home...in my sweats. :) 

It is never a quick trip into Lowes as we have to stop to "ride" the tractors.  

Grant enjoys socks.  I always leave socks until the end to fold...but by then they are everywhere!

These two were playing in Grant's room one morning and had created a road out of hard back books.  

Then they asked me for some music to have a dance party.  

Grant was not too happy they were taking over his room. 

Fun in the Halloween department of Target. 

Grant often is carrying at least one ball in his hand.  

Practicing writing his numbers (and letters) with some cool dry erase cards.  

When Tyler uses markers, Nathan thinks he should get to use them too. 

More football...

Tyler got a cool magazine from Krista for his birthday called Spider.   It has fun stories and activities in it.  He also loves to get mail! 

I am a little caught up on some of my random photos. :)  Sorry for the extremely long post.