Perfect 10s

We spent our morning at our favorite portrait studio today. We hadn't had "real" pictures of the kids in almost 2 years. We meant to do it this summer, and, well, that just didn't happen. The kids cooperated beautifully and we were well prepared with a whole spreadsheet of what we needed, what we wanted, and the package sizes to get it all done!

Go Blue!

Todd has played rec soccer at IBM for as long as I've known him. When we were first dating, I used to drag my girl friends out to the IBM field to sit in the freezing cold with me (when we should've been studying). We'd hang out, watch the guys play, and go to Blues for drinks afterward. Over the years, I've met many great friends on this field. We've all gone from dating, to being excited over engagements, planning weddings, talking each other through miscarriages, and watching our sweet babies grow up from tiny little babies to the excited, spirited, running kids that we have today. It's always fun to go to these games - we almost always know another family, and the ones that we don't know, we get to know. Tonight was no different. There was a sweet little girl, probably a little over a year, that couldn't wait to play with our kids and their soccer balls.

We [heart] fall

While I worked on Saturday, the kids and Todd went to the pumpkin patch. This pumpkin patch is always on the corner near our house every year. We've been waiting patiently the last few weeks to see when the big blow up pumpkin was going to be out, signalling that they're ready for visitors!

The kids had a great time... they even brought Brett's class pet, Lips the fish!

Fire it up!

Last weekend, around weddings and babysitters and soccer games and birthday celebrations, we threw a little party to break in our new firepit... 20+adults and close to 30 kids. Luckily, this celebration also included a keg and other adult beverages. And s'mores. What else do you need???

Camera girl already had a buzz... sorry for the blurry picture!

IBM kids

"Look at my marshmallow!"

More IBM kids

Duck, duck, goose, maybe?

Kate's hiding from the camera

These rocks were big hit

Sarah must've lost rock, paper, scissors judging by the water in her hand

These 2 adults braved the party even though they don't have kids

The twins were insisting that they were having a sleepover here... I think this was the only way they were getting home!

Kickin' it

The soccer season is definitely underway. The kids are starting to get used to the routine and they're actually playing like a team. Well, at least as much as you can expect 3 and 4 year olds to understand the "team" concept! Kate has completely pulled herself away from it all - she doesn't even want to go on the field for the drills and practice, so Todd and I decided that we just aren't going to push her anymore this season. If she decides she wants to play next year, then we'll go from there, but right now, she's done. Dealing with her is taking away all of my attention on watching Brettt enjoy the game. He definitely loves the game!

All smiles!

Coach tells them to space themselves out, so they put their arms out like airplanes

Don't let the pink shorts and frilly bow fool you - this girl has some serious speed!

Waiting on throw-in instructions from coach

Picture day - luckily there was a professional photographer there too because my camera batteries died after this less-than-stellar picture!