Outstanding October Activities!

Parker's preschool hosted a family picnic complete with a fire engine, carnival games, and a hot dog dinner. We weren't sure if it was a good sign that every teacher and assistant knew Parker by name. But since they said hello to him with a smile on their face, we decided it was a good thing.

I enjoyed a good laugh as Tony prepared to chaperone his and Parker's first field trip. Here is a picture of Tony's group. You can tell he had everything under control.

Snack time at the Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch Adventures

It is becoming a tradition to celebrate John and Carol's birthdays two months after the fact. Even though we're late, we still love getting to celebrate with them!

Boo at the Zoo!

Parker had to put on his new sunglasses - just what every hamburger needs!

Hammin' it up!

Parker was excited to meet up with his favorite princess, Jillian!

Parker was especially pleased with his new ear warmers. Since it was a little chilly, they were a welcome treat!

Trunk or Treat!

Fireman Jonah!

The Hamburger, Cinderella (Jillian), The Queen (Lucy), and Spiderman (Steven)

Parker loves Abby (the young lady in the back). She helps her mom teach in Kids' Community on Sunday mornings. Spiderman and Ariel also love Abby! Did anyone see Gracie at Trunk or Treat?

The rootin' tootin cowboy is Wells! He has stick 'em up down pat!

Lainie, the Pink Lady, and Tristan, Indian Jones with the Hamburger

I cannot believe October is almost over, but my body is saying "You better believe it!". I have Parent/Teacher conferences this week so I keep telling myself that as soon as they're over, I will go into complete baby mode preparation. A lot of friends and coworkers have shared that they don't think I am going to make it until November 20th. As much as I would like to go early, I need every day to get ready!

Fall Fun

On my never ending list of things I would like to do but haven't taken the time to do it was pajama storytime at the library. After being on the list for a year, we finally made it! It helps that Tony is finally home at night to enjoy the fun with us. Each month is a different theme. September's was apples which was perfect since Parker had just finished an apple unit at Pre-K. He was so excited to wear his Speed Racer pajamas to the library!
Tony and Parker worked very hard to make their apple out of CDs. Sometimes you find a worm in one!
We were excited the weather held for Well's 3rd birthday party! Marcia outdid herself with a farm theme at Susson Park. Unfortunately,our batteries were on the verge of going out so we didn't get to take as many pictures as we would like. Regardless, I think if given the opportunity, Marcia would be the next HGTV star with all her clever decorating and party themed ideas! The party was adorable and everyone had a great time! Happy Birthday Wells and thanks for iniviting us!


Fall would not be complete without a visit to Eckert's. Between the tractor at Wells' party and the tractors at Eckert's, Parker is convinced we need one so he can mow the yard. I told him to talk to his Grandaddy since Grandaddy has always wanted a riding lawnmower and that was as close as he would get to having a tractor.

Parker hard at work picking apples.
Enjoying the fruits of his labor
I love a man who can multitask!

I love fall! Don't you?

Good-bye Summer....Hello School!

We tried to squeeze in as much fun as possible as our summer days were winding down... We made it to the zoo with Jillian which is always a good time!
We got to sing Happy Birthday to the big 5 year old Jillian at her birthday bash at the Magic House! Thanks Jilly for a great time!
Benny and Parker were quite pleased with their GQ look at church one Sunday!
Parker started Pre-K. He loves it and is full of important information every night at supper. Ms. Marie is his excellent Pre-K teacher. He already loves her.

Even though we are back in school, it doesn't mean that we don't have time for a jam session with Mr. Keith. Parker even got his first guitar lesson! We are so happy to welcome the Ubelein family back to St. Louis! Now that school is back in session, the countdown to Baby Girl is getting serious! We don't have a name or anything ready, but we still have got time, right?

Super at 60!

My mom's birthday week has come to an end, but it was a lot of fun celebrating her big 60th! We started by heading to KC last Friday to celebrate with family there. We hit some of our favorite restaurants including Houston's and Andre's. If you like chocolate and Swiss food, you must stop by Andre's for lunch. My mom has been eating there since her single days....

Tony and Parker had a blast at their very first 3-D movie. We saw Journey to the Center of the Earth. We're sure it isn't going to win any Oscars, but it was a lot of fun in 3-D!
A heat advisory didn't keep us from heading to Theater in the Park. My brother and the star, JB, was in Titanic, The Musical. Parker only made it to intermission. I have no idea how my brother and the cast didn't keep from fainting between the heat, the lights, and the period costumes.
We were able to worship at Red Bridge Church of Christ, my growing up church. It was good to see my friend, Lindsey, who I grew up with and is expecting her second child, a baby girl who is also nameless, next week. While we there, I was reminded of God's faithfulness and love. I saw people who have known me for a long time and missed the faces of people who have passed on or moved away. I was so thankful that my parents were committed to making our church family an important part of our childhood. I also thanked God for the family there who made me feel, even as a child, that I was a vital part of God's family. It is the same feeling I hope Tony and I communicate to our kids at McKnight. I want them to grow up feeling that they are part of something bigger and that their family at McKnight lifts them up to the Father. Sunday afternoon, Mom headed back to St. Louis with us for more fun! Well, fun is a relative word. We managed to squeeze in some shopping and lunch out between working in my classroom and Parker's first dentist appointment. Hurray - no cavaties!
Friday night's weather was so beautiful that we headed to the zoo! Parker loved showing Grandmaw the dinos! Saturday night was Munchin' With the Martins. Then Sunday, it was time to head back to KC. Happy Birthday, Mom! Thanks for all your help this week at home and at school! We love you!

Busy July!

I cannot believe July is almost over! I keep asking myself where did it go! Then I start reviewing: Tony's family was here, Parker was sick for a few days, got ready for VBS, had VBS, did Munchin' With The Martins #2, recuperated from VBS, and here we are! Time does fly when you're having fun! Parker and I did have some fun today when we took Maddy, along with Mommy Marcia and Wells, to the Magic House to celebrate Maddy's first birthday. Parker loves both Maddy and Wells, but he is fascinated with Maddy. He loves to make her smile! Happy Birthday sweet Maddy!

Look Closely!

I looked out our kitchen window and thought for sure a squirrel had died on top of Parker's swing set. I immediately texted Tony about it. He reassured me that the squirrel was just taking a nap because he had seen the squirrel do the same thing a couple of days ago. When I went to take the picture, he did open his eyes but when back to sleep when I went inside. I guess he knows how to beat the heat!

A House Full of Company!

Gamma (Tony's Mom) arrived on the 24th from Austin! Parker took her to the Magic House and showed off his fishing skills.

Then Great-Grandmother (on the left) arrived on the 2nd from Hot Springs, AR. Then Great Aunt Nan and Great Uncle Carl arrived on the third from Arvada, CO. We were glad to be their layover on their way to Paducah, Kentucky for a high school reunion. They left this morning and will return Sunday evening to spend the night again. We can't wait to hear their stories! Then everyone heads home on Monday. Our house is going to seem very empty!