Just found more summer pics!

 The Sandy Pines visit...apparently I was too busy visiting this year because I did not get many pictures! But we did get the group shot:)

Some wonderful people my sister knows offered to give us their swingset. Of course, I jumped all over the offer. But Bud was the trooper that had to go and tear it down, take it back to our house, and rebuild it. He did an AWESOME job and the kids have so much fun on it. Hope it was worth it honey!

 Owen's first play date with Titus. They are only a few days apart in age.

 Kezzie was the flower girl in Cousin Ryan's wedding. This was her friend for the day, Abby. The girls had so much fun.

 The great thing about being four is that when one friend has to leave, you can always pick right up with the next one. These girls lasted a long time at the reception!

 Owen's first birthday party!

 And somehow Kezzie raked in the presents as well!

 Thanks Aunt Julie for another awesome birthday cake. One of the few sounds Owen could make on his first birthday? The tractor.

 The next day...playing with the goods.

 Owen's favorite time.

 Some quality video time together.

 Does it matter how many times I say no? Not really. Boys will be boys. And this one sure likes to eat his mud. It amazes me how many times he can fill his mouth with fistfuls and still seemed shocked at the disgusting texture. He should have a good, strong immune system!

 Kezzie was not quite content with Owen's tractor cake. The wonderful bakery lady allowed her to go back and pick out all sorts of crazy things to put on her birthday cake.

 She got a surprise from Grandma and Grandpa Beeke when we went out to eat with them!

 The finished product. Pretty snazzy. I think this may have increased our property value. Next goal: try to make the back fence look as nice as the playset!

 The man of the house...working away. Poor Bud has too many talents. He has been working away at the basement. Here is the bathroom after he ripped out the old tub and shower.

 I am amazed at how much ugliness that drywall hides! Way to go Bud the Builder.

Fall days

 Watching Bud unloading after another Lowe's trip. He came in the house beaming away and chirping "Who needs a truck when you've got a van!" He had the tub hanging out the back door and the walls strapped on to the roof. 

Below: I have a hard time catching Owen for pictures.

 Making popcorn. Someone was pretty excited to be helping. This was a great way to spend one of the first cold Sunday nights!

 The horse-drawn hayride and apple cider at Robinette's.

 Night-time is great for cuddling with Dad!

 ArtPrize

 The Children's Museum. This may be Kezzie's new favorite place on earth. She was so excited as we entered that she looked at the mosaic on the outside wall and said "Wow! And what do we do with this?" "Um...well, we look at it and enjoy it." Not sure that was a satisfying answer for someone ready to dive into some serious playing.

 Fall clean-up

 Our first weekend at the cabin. Well, Kezzie had been there before, so believe you me, she was an expert on the place. She gave us a grand tour as soon as we arrived. On the way home she said she loved the cabin so much that she wanted to move there!

 I'm not sure Owen felt the same way. Especially when he discovered that the river was not for swimming in. He was very persistent in his attempts to escape back to the river.

 Their first taste of the deer-blind. I think any deer within 30 miles heard them, so there was not much chance of a sighting!

 On our way up to the cabin Bud turned to me and said "Oh, did you bring the camera?" I was so excited. Here my husband was thinking, what a great time to get some pictures of the kiddos this weekend. It warmed my heart. Until I realized the only reason he wanted to make the trip at all was for this picture. We drove through the town of Luther, much to his delight.

 I can't seem to get a great picture of him smiling. So you will have to settle with one of him eating chalk...without his pants on!

 Another of Bud's nieces was married in October. It was a really fun wedding. Look at how grown-up and beautiful she is!

 Kezzie, Jacob, and Bethy...so fun to play with cousins!

 Kezia spent most of her time finding out what tree each leaf came from.

 There's a bit of a smile...guess I know the key!

 I'm pretty sure Sandy does not appreciate Owen's toddler love.

 Ready to go tubing again. This year she knows exactly what to expect.

 Bud's mom has a natural talent for story-telling. She can take the most mundane event (a trip to the grocery store, filling up with gas, mowing the lawn) and create such a magical story that you feel you have really missed out on something special. I love hearing Bud giggle (yes giggle) when he is on the phone with his mom, listening to the stories. Kezzie is now old enough to start listening to "Marie Stories." Marie stories are something special. Every grandchild knows them, but they never get old. Mom claims she only has about three stories that she keeps repeating, but I don't think it's the plot line, I think it's the way the story is told that makes you want to listen again and again. As you can see, Kezzie was quite enthralled with her first taste of "Marie Stories."

 Lounging around with Grandpa.

 The only way Owen knows how to do things: up close and personal.