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!