9/20/08: Subdivision Picnic

We had our 6th Annual Dallman Village Subdivision Picnic today. The theme was a Mexican Fiesta with tacos, pinata, and the works. The festivities always start with a parade down Riverview Drive and around the circle. Each year the parade becomes more of a spectacle. It's quite the sight, but so much fun. Braden was very excited to ride his bike all by himself.

We had to keep a close watch though because he rode so fast that he was starting to pass the lead van!

This was Dylon's first parade, but he was content to just hang out.

He was much more excited about trying to find a way to drink Daddy's beer!

The picnic was alot of fun this year. Braden is old enough to participate in more of the activities. He enjoyed the pinata and collecting his share of the candy. He was very excited when he heard the sirens and saw the local firetruck driving down the street. He loved climbing aboard and being able to drive "Red" (this is the firetrucks name in the movie CARS).

Our two little firemen ...

Dylon only lasted for a few seconds before he quickly tried to remove and eat the hat!

Our subdivision also has a sign that we add each child's handprint too. This was Dylon's first year at the picnic and now he is a permanent addition to the neighborhood!

Dylon's hand (smear) is the light green one on the left side of the tree.

Braden's is the yellow one in the middle, just slightly to the left.

9/19/08: Apple Pickin'

Today we went Apple Picking with a playgroup from the neighborhood. It was a first for us. A tractor pulled wagon ride took us out into the orchard. Then we were able to walk along and pick either cortland or macintosh apples. We picked mostly cortland this time, since the owner told us they were a sweet-tart combo and would hold up better for pies and such. I'm planning to make some bags of pie filling, dehydrate some, and maybe try to make some canned cinnamon apples or something like that. We picked and bought about 1/2 bushel, so I have a little work ahead of me.

Braden loved being able to look for the red apples on the trees. And, of course, loved the tractor ride. Dylon was content to hang out in the backpack and try to pull branches and twigs off the trees to eat. He was NOT very happy about the tractor ride and cried while we were on it. Braden had to try an apple out as we were heading home. All I heard from the backseat was "crunch, CRUNCH, mmmmm, cruch, MMmmmm, CRUNCH, MMMMmmm!!!" By the time we got home (about 10 minutes), all that was left was a very small piece of core. Much longer and I think that would have been gone too.

Dylon was a little tired as he missed morning nap for the adventure. He was probably also a little jealous that his brother was eating and he wasn't.

(9/26/08: I finally got ALL the apples canned and frozen. We have 2 batches of dehydrated apples, 3 bags of Apple Pie filling, 7 pint jars of cinnamon apple slices, and a dozen apples to eat!)
Dylon is also busy teething again and trying to get his molars through. He has lots of toys to chew on, but decided that the cupboard knobs were much better. Poor guy, he must really be hurting to resort to this! (09/18/2008)

Braden helped me decorate for fall. He loved putting out the leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrow. I think he might have made a new friend while we were at it. (09/18/2008)

9/16/08: MOPS Starts

Today my MOPS group at church started. I am co-coordinating again this year. It's been alot of work to get ready, but was well worth it. It is so fun to see all the details fall into place and the excitement of the moms as they return for another year. Our theme this year is "Adventures in Mothering". I hope that the moms will learn to treasure the day to day adventures and moments in life as they go by way too fast. I also pray that they will grow and learn more about Christ and become better moms and wives.

I was feeling "adventurous", so I tackled a cake project yesterday. I actually had to make 2 before it was over. The first time, I used "I can't believe it's not butter" ... don't try this in rice krispies becasue they end up falling apart. Unfortunately, I only discovered this AFTER I had decorated it and put the cake together. I was able to salvage the base and made another ferris wheel with Braden's help after naptime. So, all ended well.

I'll have a picture from our skit today to share later on. I can't quite believe that I willingly went up to talk in front of 70 women dressed like that ... but someone had to clown around a little bit!

Good Night Prayers 9/14/08

Tonight as we tucked Braden into bed, here's what he prayed:
"Jez' nacks. Peaz help Papa leg better. DadDy new job. And Momma baby."

What pure joy to hear our little guy pray and present his requests and desires to God.
And no, there is no news to share about any new babies in this house. But, Braden assured us that is what he wants! Maybe some day down the road a bit.

Sept Starts

Here's some pictures from the beggining of the month:

Sept. 3: Braden was quietly playing with his cars and planes when I discovered him and ALL his hats!

Sept. 4: Coloring is one of Braden's favorite pass-times. "Draw peez Momma". He is so focused on what he is doing.

Sept. 4: Somedays (ok ... everyday!) this little face just melts my heart. So much baby and yest so much little boy all at the same time. He was going a little retro today in Daddy's old sweater. Always on the go ... climbing anything and everything ... and loves toys that open and close.

Sept. 7: Our small group from church met at our house. The kids were outside eating popsicles and icecream for dessert. Good thing we have two benches and not more kids!

Sept. 10: Braden was playing in his room while I was getting ready in the morning. When I came in to check on him, this is what I discovered. A bunch of the farm toys -- lined up by size. Hmmm, think he takes after his mom?

Sept. 11: Can you see the airplane? Quite the artist.

Sept. 13: "dOh Big Wed!" My Husker Boys ready to cheer for NE against New Mexico State.

Labor Day Weekend

We spent Labor Day with some of our best friends - Conrad and Megan Gilbertson. This has become an annual tradition. Since we moved to Wisconsin, they have faithfully made the drive each year starting in 2001. But, since they are expecting (YAAA!!!) Baby Gilbie in November, we decided that it was our turn to drive. So, we loaded the 4 of us, 2 pack-n-plays, an exersaucer, LOTS of snacks, more clothes and shoes than needed, a stroller (and maybe even the kitchen sink) into the van and off we drove.

Thursday night: We overnighted with Uncle Josh in DeWitt, IA (Aunt Kristi decided that New Zeland was more exciting than we were ... go figure?! :) Fortunately, Uncle Josh is a sound sleeper because our two little guys tag teamed and were up much of the night. Braden finally went to sleep on a blanket in the corner of our room.

Friday: We stopped in Omaha, NE for Chad to do an interview (nope, didn't get the job). We also got to have a suprise few minustes with Ma DeGuilio (as it turned out that she was driving through to Sioux City, SD for a wedding). The boys were very happy when we finally got to Uncle 'Rad and Aunt Megs house. Dylon, especially, was so glad to be down and on the go.

Saturday: We drove back to Omaha (just in case we hadn't been in the car enough yet), to go to the Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. This too, is an annual tradition, when we are together.

Braden had so much fun watching the fish (they came right up to you!), playing on the kid structures, building flowers, and climbing the stairs with Daddy and Uncle 'Rad (You could almost hear the Rocky music).

Both boys were mesmerized by the trains and "tree" village. All the houses, bridges, and buildings were made out of branch and twig pieces.

Braden also enjoyed seeing the "choo-choos" up close and personal. "BIG" "Go way up HIGH". Seeing life through the eyes of a little boy gives you a much different perspective. After the gardens, we enjoyed a yummy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Braden was excited to feel Baby Gilbie kicking around. He also thought that Uncle 'Rad's needed some help with his desert. These two are going to be such great parents!!! Sunday: It was fun to go to church together. After some of the changes and struggles at our church right now, it was a refreshing service. Braden was excited to make new friends; but couldn't wait to find 'Rad afterwards -- as I'm sure the whole church heard him yelling as we walked up the stairs. We were able to meet Ma and her friend for lunch as they drove back through NE on their way home. And Chad got to introduce them to Lazlo's and the BEST french dip anywhere! Yummy!After some splashing in the fountain and climbing in the trains,the time came much too quickly for Ma to continue home. What fun to have had this special and unexpected time together!!! Monday: We helped Megs with a suprise bday party for Conrad. After we managed to stall them in the morning, Chad and Braden went with Conrad out to see the nursery where he works. Braden had so much fun watering the flowers and driving the dozer. I'm pretty sure he thinks this was the best place ever. Chad said that when he first started to drive, he was almost in a trance. When they got back to the house, he was so excited! For about 10 minutes, all I heard was "Momma, scoop, drive wheel, scoop, go, drive" and so on! He was one happy little boy! And the suprise party was definately a SURPRISE! Conrad had no idea ... even after we stalled him on the drive home with a request for a Sonic Cherry Limeade and a stop at the store for Fruit Snacks, Green Beans, and Tampons.

Tuesday: We headed home, much too soon! Time with dear friends is never long enough.

The drive home was fairly uneventful and even with 2 little boys, we only stopped once for lunch and gas. We've learned that there are 3 things that make long trips possible ... reclining carseats, portable DVD players, and the 8th seat so Mommy can climb back and sit next to the boys!

We can't wait for next year and the fun that we will have with all 3 of the kids together (not ours ... remember, Conrad and Megs are expecting!)