I'm concentrating on my work.

I bet you had your money on Owen saying this...nope, it was sweet Walter! He's getting so big and is quite vocal about it these days. He told Owen this in the bath last night as he was pasting his foam bath pirates on the wall and Owen was interrupting him.

We've been thoroughly enjoying the beautiful fall days we've had lately. Yesterday Owen requested going for a walk to photograph 'wild animals'. He took lots of birds and squirrels and was so excited to follow some big paw prints we found by the lake in hopes of finding a big wild animal...no such luck!

I'm sorry if you are tired of reading my thoughts about the gala, but, boy oh boy it is coming now! Yippee and yikes! 

Walter, can I show you how to fix your stance?

We went outside to play and rake the leaves this morning. Owen decided he wanted to play baseball and that he and Walter needed to be on the Twins team. He got them both Twins shirts to put on over their jackets, got on his cleats, baseball pants, batting helmet and baseball backpack which held his glove, ball and bat, and finally met me outside. As I was raking I looked over after I heard Owen say this. I saw Owen helping Walter stand a bit closer to the Tee, encouraging him to bend his knees and hold the bat correctly. My boys are precious.

This afternoon, we took a trip to Frontenac State Park near Red Wing. It was a gorgeous fall day to get outside and go for a hike. The boys loved collecting leaves, chasing one another, playing catch and exploring. Jer showed us how to make an acorn top whistle and the boys were quite impressed and tried hard to copy.

How much longer, Mommy?

We drove to Steven's Point after school yesterday to participate in the Punt, Pass & Kick contest with Jer's work. Owen asked this pretty regularly for the entire 3 1/2 hour drive! 

Jer and the boys have been practicing for this contest for a few weeks now. Owen was anxious to get on the field and get in line as soon as we arrived. He was pretty serious about it. Walter was just excited to get a free football. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed playing around on the football field and track afterwards. Jer and Owen ended the night with a game of Battleship while Walter and I cuddled up in bed. (The boys sleep in the same bed when we are here and if they go to bed at the same time, well, they simply don't go to bed!)

Don't eat it, Mommy.

Ok, so this is a bit gross to the non-parent ear, but oh well...yesterday Walter gave me a booger to dispose of and then told me this. (Now be honest, that made you laugh!)

It was a beautiful fall family day today. We started the morning with a trip to the theater to see Toy Story in 3D. After, we went home and made some cut out Halloween cookies. We then got outside and went for a bike ride, followed by some playtime in the infamous triangle park. It was great to get outside after days of rain and snow. At the end of the day I raked our lovely yard, something we've done quite a few times already this year and never seems like work.

Now Jer and the boys are making dinner and its smelling like its nearly time for me to eat!

Like when you're 18...or 4 or 5.

In the bath tonight Owen told Walter that when he dives its 'quite impressive' and then that Walter could learn to dive once he's 'like 18... or 4 or 5.' I love hearing them talk to one another.

We've had a nice, nearly normal week. Things are coming together for the Gala, so I've been able to do a few normal things around here like play trains with Walter and make books with Owen more easily. We've still spent a fair amount of time at Sunny Hollow, but not nearly as much as in weeks past. Now I just need to take my camera out again!

I forgot to add a photo of my mom's birthday celebration last weekend. It was a treat to be able to celebrate with her. The boys are always eager to help blow out candles, play with balloons, and help open presents!

What is an anniversary again, Mommy?

Seven beautiful years ago, Jer and I were married at the chapel at Augsburg followed by a fabulous party at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. Every year we visit one or both sites. This morning we took the boys to breakfast downtown to Key's (where we ate breakfast with Joe Girardi and Andy Pettit of the Yankees) and then went over to the pavilion for a walk. Its such a fun day to celebrate and our life has certainly grown and changed since seven years ago! We're looking forward to a good 77 more years or so.

See, you need lots of layers in winter, Walter.

We woke up to a layer of white everywhere this morning and Owen was excited. After promptly getting dressed and getting out his snow boots and gloves, he asked for help finding his snow pants, hat and last year's coat. Walter soon followed suit and before long the boys were out playing in the snow while Jer & I watched and laughed from the comfort of our warm house. If only I was so excited to see the snow.

Earlier in the week my mom and I took the boys to the MN Zoo. It was a beautiful sunny warm day and we enjoyed walking around outside watching the animals and playing on the new playground. It was a real treat having my mom around all week. I got a lot done on the gala I'm chairing and got taken out to eat a whole lot. I'm not sure how I'll adjust back to reality next week, but I won't worry about that now.

You making polka dots, Grandma?

My mom was changing Walter's diaper today and when she was using wipes, Walter asked her this. 

After two straight days of rain and being stuck inside, we escaped today and went to the MOA. My mom took us mini-golfing, to the Rain Forest Cafe and then to Nick Universe for some rides. The boys loved it!

This weekend was the Fall Festival at Owen's school, we went to the Children's Theater to see "Bert & Ernie, Goodnight", and had the third annual Armstrong family talent show. It was a great family weekend.

No time to write...I have another Sunny Hollow meeting tomorrow. November 7th is constantly on my mind!