Most Random

 It's not quite birthday time but we remembered to plan ahead to send a card to Chica so hopefully we can see it on tv on the big day!

 Chica better come through for us.  Taylor asks each day if it's time to look for it!

We had the first game of the soccer season this past Saturday.  The Hammerheads were not quite as aggressive as the name might suggest but they had a good time.

 #3 in action! 

Kaleb played right after Chase so we got to watch a little bit of his game.  I'm pretty sure these 3 didn't even know there was a soccer game going on!  

We went to Landon's 5th birthday party and the kids got these cool turtle costumes as party favors.

 Of course, they were way too shy to put them on at the party!  They both asked as soon as we got to the car to put them on.

 They have provided hours of entertainment!

 Taking a swing at the pinata.

 Tossing water balloons!

 Ballet class is going well.  I'm pretty sure they've accomplished more in two weeks than they did all of last year!  (Taylor is in red.)  Those girls love some tap shoes.

 My happy helpers cooking dinner at Ronald McDonald house.

 Someone is always this happy when it's time to go to school.  How long will that last?

 Taylor was thrilled to see that Uncle Ronnie finally gave in and started making pink sprinkle donuts!  Now Dunkin Donuts can stay closed and she won't even know it!

Sibling love.

We took Bryce with us to pick up Chase one day last week.  It is Chase's favorite afternoon surprise to see Bryce.

 And ice cream only makes it better!

This one was for the kids and Great Granny Hoeh - I helped out at a fundraiser last night and Ronald was not taking no for an answer when it came to pictures!  And accessories were required.

Fishing & Apples

The good news is that school is going so well this week, I don't even have to take pictures of sad faces anymore!

 This past weekend the weather was perfect.  My pictures are in somewhat backwards order, but it doesn't much matter.  Sunday we made our way to the river for some fishing and a picnic.

There was actually one fish caught.

 And a few minnows.  It was fun and no one ended up in the water, so I was happy!

 The Barbie fishing pole was in full action.

 Friday evening we had a cookout at my grandparents house.  The kids lined themselves up in height order by accident for the singing of "Happy Birthday"!

 Don't worry, she read them all.  She tells quite some tales without ever blinking an eye.  We are in for it with her!

 Max was apparently not getting enough attention, so he plopped in the middle of the laundry and was not interested in moving.

Dance classes started up again this past Friday.  Taylor has 2 girls from her last class with her again and the same teacher.  This year they get to do ballet and tap.

Saturday with made an early trip to the apple orchard with the Smiths.  We were thinking it would be warm since we were going in mid-September but it was perfectly cool.  Josh is still whining about not having long-sleeves on!

 Taylor drinking "coffee" - it was apple cider and it cold apple cider at that.

 The boys being boys.

 Donuts!  We had plenty.

 Chase the worm.

 Taylor the worm.

 Good times.

 We finally stopped eating donuts and picked apples.

 Serious apple picking face.

 Taylor always enjoys the company of her daddy-poo.

 Reaching for a high one!

 Typically, the apple picker comes in quite handy.  As you can see, it was completely unnecessary this year.  We still had to use it just for fun!

 Chase offered to hold his sister's hand.  Take a picture quick! He's all about "being a good citizen" since he started school.  Hope it lasts!

 Running off some energy!

 Buddies - smiling while they're choking each other!

 Hayride.

 The family.

They could have played like this all day.

And Dave would have sat like this all week!

Preschool

 Taylor started preschool yesterday.  She could not have been more excited.

We dropped Chase off at school and she thought I was taking her right to her school then.  An hour seemed like eternity to her.  When I told her it was time for pictures, she marched to the porch.  She knows the drill.

Her school specifically requested a tote bag and I bet you at least half the kids brought backpacks.  So of course she wanted to know why she couldn't have one too!  I told her she was just better at following directions.

 She was so happy when it was actually time to go!

I pulled up in the car line and she hopped right out without blinking.  Never looked back!  She asked if she could go back today!