Backyard Ice Rink

You may remember this picture from Brode's birthday in September:

Brode got a backyard ice rink from Grandpa and Grandma for his birthday. We have been waiting and working on in ever since as it has many steps to it!

Frist the boys needed to order some boards and paint them. I got pictures in a text message while I was working.... this looks dangerous.

Next steps meant measuring out the rink and finding the most level spot. Easier said than done. We spent 2 afternoons perfecting the measurements this past weekend. A rectangle should not be that hard, but really it is.

Once we found the best location we put in all the braces and boards: 

Our weekend project was finally finished and we've not got a backyard ice rink just waiting for cooler weather. Once it freezes and snows we'll put our liner down and fill it up with ice! Brode can't wait!

Get out your ice skates and come on over!

Catching Up: Fall Fun

Fall has been very fun. Brode could NOT wait for the first leaf to fall and rake them up. We raked many times and he jumped again, and again, and again.

The weekend before Halloween we carved pumpkins and got Brode's party snacks ready. Brode helped pull the 'guts' out of the pumpkin and separate the seeds. He chose to do Lightning McQueen on his pumpkin!

He went Trick or Treating as "Lightning McQueens Pit Crew" this year and was SO excited. The past few years he just hasn't been excited and this year he told everyone what he was and said Trick or Treat and thank you at every house!

Catching Up: 4th Birthday

Pre-Warning: Picture Overload!!

Well Hello! We've been around, just very very busy. Free time is rare so catching up on here has clearly gone to the back burner! We have had a few big things happen the last few months that I will post in a series of catch-ups.

Up first is Brode's 4th Birthday Party! We had a birthday party at Monkey Joe's with his day care class. The kids jumped, ate pizza, Brode opened presents, and we all had cake. See below for our fun party!

Brode's actual birthday fell on a Wednesday so we celebrated with dinner, presents, and cake at home. Brode got this life size Mickey to play with, lots of games, and keep reading to see what he got from grandpa and grandma.....

.... Brode got an ICE RINK for the backyard! Bring on winter!

I can't believe little man is 4 years old! He is moving up in car seats, he is still as curious as ever, remembering everything, and eager to learn! I just can't get enough of him (when he is in a good mood!).

Watch tomorrow for another catch-up!

Around

We have been around. Very busy, but around. Here is a quick catch-up to things going on around here:

Fish tank cleaning day - a big project! The fish needed clean water and Brode helped to make sure the glass was sparkling.

Nerf gun fight - The rule in the house states Nerf guns are not to be shot at people. These balloons with faces served as great "bad guys" when they bounced back and forth. Thanks Pinterest!

Go Karting - We took Brode go karting at the beginning of the summer and he would NOT get in, this time he loved it!

Star of the week - Brode was very excited to be star of the week and turn pages during story time, help with the calendar, be line leader, and show off his poster of favorite things to his friends.

Six Flags Great America - Last weekend we used up our Six Flags tickets. It was a beautiful day and wasn't too busy so we were able to get on a lot of rides. Many of the kids rides spin, but Brode loved the smaller roller coasters as well!

State Fair

My last post's title was "August Already?", is it wrong that this one could be titled "September Already?". The months are flying by and summer is just about over!

August was busy and fun for us. As always out weekends were booked full and we were running between day care, work, swimming lessons, and wedding planning appointments during the week.

We did get a fun afternoon at the state fair:

Brode loved the rides, the big yellow slide, and the trampolines to jump on. Dane and I however preferred all the fair food, expo hall, and cream puffs!

Wedding planning is moving along and keeping us busy! 10 months seems like a while now, but I know it will come up quickly.

Brode is doing great. Lately we have been working on writing letters, he was recently signed up for his first year of hockey, and he said "kapeesh" to me the other day in the car. He really does change every day and he is more entertaining every day. His attitude flares, but we have had a fun summer!

I'll keep working on making my posts more regular again. Hopefully as the weather cools our schedule will slow!