Monkeys

Kate bought us this tree when Ben was two. It has grown into a beautiful climbing tree. Ben has his little perch on top that he climbs with a notebook and pencil to draw. Max is content on the lower branches.




Finally a leaf pile!

Lunch with Uncle James

There is nothing like being carried and getting a big bear hug from Uncle James.

The tickle is coming.


Watching the STL Blues practice at the Mills.


We took James to get a tire for his car and then went for lunch. We ended up missing our exit on 270 so we got off at the Mills Mall exit to turn around and decided to eat around there. We went to Bob Evans and both James and I were surprised at how good it was. I don't think I'd ever eaten there and the only time James had was with mom and they had a bad experience. James, Max, and I got breakfast. Ben got chicken fingers. James tried to convince Ben to start a chicken finger blog since that is what he orders every time he eats out. After breakfast/lunch we went to the Mills Mall to walk around. We ended up watching the Blues practice for awhile. The boys spotted all sorts of things they want for Christmas at the mall. I'm not ready to be in Christmas shopping mode.

Uncle Danny

The other day Max came out of his room dressed and looking like my Uncle Danny. Uncle Danny always wore white tennis shoes, jeans and a sweater. Max also has that soft dark hair that comes down over his eyebrows. I got out Uncle Danny's picture and told the boys about him. That day we were picking up Uncle James for lunch. He is very much like an "Uncle Danny" to the boys. When I mentioned to him what Max was wearing he totally agreed that he reminded him of Uncle Danny too. I love moments when I'm reminded of those who I love that are no longer here.

Anniversary

View from the bluffs/Centennial Trail

Almost sunset

Bottle of wine we had with our bread/cheese/salami appetizer.


Charlie telling me the story of how he and the boys got lost on the trail and ended up almost in Elsah. Maura and I ended up picking them up along the river road. They were covered in tics.


After our hike we went to dinner at the Mississippi Half Step in Grafton. The food there is delicious. I got scallops with artichokes and mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Charlie got the beef tips and tomato bisque soup.
Next year we may close the cottage a week later so we can come here for brunch on Sunday. They offer brunch November-February during the months the bald eagles come to the area for the winter. Their brunch menu looks delicious too.




Charlie made breakfast using the left over beef tips, port salut cheese, and eggs. After breakfast we got to work getting the cottage ready to close up. It always surprises me how much time it takes to get everything done. It is sad closing the cottage especially when the weather is so beautiful. Now the count down to reopening the cottage- 139 days!

Pumpkin Carving

Final Products: Ben, Max, Maura

Trinity Fall Festival

Petting Zoo

Bounce House

Pony Rides

Science Experiments

Craft Activities


Thanks to Mae Mae for being the photographer today :)

Overnight at Mae Mae and Pae Paes

Max has always wanted to spend the night at Mae Mae and Pae Paes. A few weeks ago the two of us stayed overnight. He thought it was absolutely fabulous. He was able to play his dsi for however long he wanted, Mae Mae made him any food he wanted, he got to stay up late, and he didn't have to share the mom attention. I slept on the couch and he slept on the cot next to the couch. When we woke up I asked him how he slept and he said good but there were different sounds in the city. Karl was playing the guitar around midnight, a couple of car alarms went off, and people were out talking on the street in the middle of the night. But by the way Max described it you would think we live out in the country. In the morning Pae Pae went to McDonalds and brought home breakfast. Max said it was a perfect night and morning. Now Ben is on me about his turn. I'm sure Max will want to be in on that overnight too.