Lipstick

9/26/09

Applesauce

9/25/09

The kids helped me make applesauce this year, and they actually HELPED! I was so proud of these kids. They helped me for several hours, and I never had to relieve them of their jobs. I basically spent the day cutting and boiling the apples while they turned the crank and mashed the apples into the Squeezo Strainer. Zach thought he was helping, too. I gave him a spoon, and he stirred the applesauce once it was in the bowl.

Thanks for the help, kids!

Niabi Zoo

9/6/09

We decided to take the kids to the Niabe Zoo for the day, and we had a great time!

We spent a lot of time at the swan/duck area. The kids were so excited, and a little afraid, to feed them. They spent a lot of time trying to get up the courage to let the swans eat out of their hands.






This turtle was close to the edge of the cage, so the kids got to pet it. The were a bit nervous at first, but didn't want to leave after they started petting it!

First Day of School

9/16/09

Hannah is taking some classes through the Marion Home School Assistance Program, and today is her first day of class! She is taking some unit studies and a gym and swim class. I just can't believe my baby is old enough to take kindergarten classes!

Soccer

9/15/09

Hannah got to play soccer through the Iowa City Rec Center this year. She was so excited! I think her favorite part was the warm-up and cool-down...she loved jogging on the line!

A few action photos!

Hannah's friend, Cameron, was on her team, too!

I just had to include this picture of Cameron playing goalie!

Wilson's Apple Orchard

9/12/09

One of my favorite fall traditions has been going to Wilson's Apple Orchard with the Miller's every year. The kids love the tractor ride. Here is Cameron, Hannah, Lauren, Aubrey, Zach, and Ellie.

We love to walk through the orchard and sample all of the different kinds of apples. Zach seemed to be working on an apple.

The kids are getting so big...they all wanted to carry their own baskets the whole time!


What a sweet picture of the siblings holding hands!



Cameron was so proud of his new trick!
This is Ellie's basket. We tried to let the kids each eat one apple at a time and keep the apples in the baskets for buying and taking home with us. I guess Ellie didn't quite understand! :)
The kids had a great time throwing sticks over the bridge and watching them float away.

Family Party for Hannah

9/5/09

We had another birthday party for Hannah with my side of the family. She really wanted a "Hollow Kitty" birthday cake (I just love the way she says it!) Thankfully, it was a pretty easy cake to make, but it still turned out pretty cute!

She was also very excited to get to have ANOTHER carnival party! I just love that she gets SOOOO excited about such little things! Grandma Jan did the face painting...she was a lot better at it than I was!

Bobbing for apples...
The Safly's came for the party, too. Here if Alaina digging in the Treasure Chest.
Blake and Hannah both loved the Treasure Chest, because they got to dig for little pieces of candy! It did have other treasures in it, but the candy seemed to be the really important part.
Hannah opening her presents.
After games and presents, we all came in for some cake and ice cream. What a great way to end the day!

I just can't believe that my little girl is now 5 years old! I am constantly amazed at the kind, sweet child she had become. This little girl LOVES her friends and is always thinking of ways to make them feel special. I can't even count the number of times she has given away some of her favorite things to make others happy (toys, candy, crayons, etc.). She is such a generous girl, and I love that in her! She is also very expressive and is always doing something silly to make us laugh. Hannah, we love you so much, and we are so proud of the girl you are becoming.