One more visit?

With a project in DC we couldn't let September be the last visit when their final flight is scheduled for 5 November.  So I got to go back.  One last time.  They were even getting packed out those 2 days.  Boxes everywhere (of color coded tape - where has that been all our lives?!?!)  The fact that they still welcomed me says so much about them.

The fact that this is my Uber says quite a bit about my driver that night.

While I beg to treat them to Sweeto Burrito for dinner, they had friends wanting to show their love as well.  The 2 meals by their dear friends and neighbors were AMAZING and the fact that I got to slip in there was a bonus to me.  

Thing to note here - how frequently we seem to dress alike.  birds of a feather.

I am pretty sure I asked for this photo and will tear up writing this as I got to treat them to breakfast burritos.  We sat down and watched the release of the Star Wars preview.

When C3PO says, I want to look on my friends one last time, they were enraptured by the preview and I could't stop the tears.  Argh! 

 How different our lives may be when we all get to be with each other again.  Moment cherished.  Thank you Star Wars for really driving it home.

You are all going to do great things and yes, maybe it is best to share you with the rest of this world.

Fall and Soccer

The boys do love their time on the soccer field and while I enjoy watching them compete.....

The back drop here is something to capture as well.

Columbus day fun with the Briggs

Columbus day weekend an evening to savor with the Briggs at their lake house.  The falls colors are ideal right now and we loved seeing them on the lake

We had an evening of puzzle doing and chilling waking up to the beautifulness that is mountain biking at our new favorite place.  Pretty sure you can't see it in this photo - but Shane scored a sweet new bike for his birthday.  Remember the last ride that he didn't complain, but probably should have.  Happy Birthday Shane!

As we take a moment - lets look at this feature.  I find it something to behold.  I want to note, Asa ROCKED this and terrified the rest of us.  Fingers crossed my kids do not attempt it.  There were several others, but none as nutty as this one.

Maybe this was a video??  

Great evening and crazy to go to work that afternoon, but completely worth it to have the morning of feeling free with our friends.

8 is Great with Drew -

That is our motto - 8 is great!  he is such a fun, smart quick little guy - when you separate him from the pack you get the full package.  Today its all about him and he loves a good dinner cooked RIGHT in front of him.

Yes, and airplanes, airplanes too!

Dinner is under construction

Thankful for the birthdays that bring us all together - 

Catching the other side of the table

His gift opening continued at home - see anything especially adorable about that smile?  Remember that wiggly tooth from the first day of school??

Anyone else rushing out to get this best seller?  Drew was thrilled to have it and happy to bring it to school too - They loved it =)

Sunday afternoon post soccer birthday party!  Life has been a bit crazy so I never even looked at the weather.  They are calling for rain - WHAT!?!?  Stay outside until that happens.  First up, this rather impressive bottle launcher and lots of wheeled vehicles

Next up, neighborhood scavenger hunt!

See all their treasures?  Red leaves, large sticks, golden rocks..

What its raining?!?!  Time for some minute to win it games - this one is my favorite!!  It was oddly quiet!

All birthday parties made delicious by the birthday boy himself!  Home made ice cream cake - not a trace was left behind!

New Family game time - Sushi Go!

My effort in capturing our everyday life too - thank you to the McCullough's for great family games.  Once we figured it out, this one is a hit!

Oktoberfest

'Tis that time of year!  

Wearing my mom's Drindl from just a few years ago, while with my handsome husband reminding me of years past that we celebrated this festive season.

These 2 did their best in German apparel - not too bad!

I gotta give hats off to the Therberg's  They have hosted this rocking party for 3 years now (after the first one they committed to making in annual)  well they JUST moved into a new home, they were barely settled, but still rocked it.  Such an awesome evening of folks just getting together and having a beer.  Makes everyone so happy.  Beer I mean - Ha!

Here is the winning flip cup team!  Love all the festive dress and yes it was rather chilly, so originally we planned on warm sweaters and jeans, but last minute we just couldn't shake the German attire - so here we are!

Seriously, this was a blast - nice to feel a bit young again!

Birthday Season begins with Shane

Our Boo Boo bear is a great kiddo and turning 10 this year!  He is a kind soft spoken child who wants to blend in and be part of the team.  He doesn't complain much - (even when cycling up a hill on a crummy bike we should have upgraded him with years ago.....  )  It was a rainy evening and while still getting a soccer practice in (he was thrilled to have soccer on the schedule for his birthday)

Dinner choice - Pork Friend Rice at Mikado!!  Susie Smith was up visiting with my folks and joined us for the festivities.  Shane's first gift is a Bogati from Drew - keep up that gift giving Drew and maybe we will see a real one in a few years?

A - the much awaited fitbit!  As if he needs to stay fit - he is in a state of knocking it out of the park consistently!

How lucky we are to be together - 

Shane's Birthday party was a crew of ACTIVE boys on a chilly night - The plan was flag football first, pizza in the middle, finish the night with glow in the dark capture the flag.  We had a fire place going for the chilly evening and the boys loved it.

Favorite gift alert - this new basketball for our newly minted travel basketball member!!  Frankie - you know our boy!