I guess I could recap the entire fall since my last blog was a long time ago. First of all, it seems like we've had a short fall this year since we got some early snow and cold weather that didn't go away. It ended up being very good that harvest was able to start a bit early and once they started they were able to keep going. I even got trained in on the grain cart. I don't think I was much help, but at least I can help out more next year if they need it.

In October Nick and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary and I celebrated my 30th birthday. Two of my close friends from high school and I try to get together every year. Usually we don't go too far from home, but this year we decided to do something bigger since we all turned 30. We went to Boston and a great time. It was the perfect city for us to visit!

The girls had a great time for Halloween this year. Gracie understood what was going on and could have kept going later. Faith on the other hand had enough by the end of the night. Gracie was a fairy and Faith was piglet.

Thanksgiving was extra special this year. My grandma turned 90 two days after Thanksgiving so most of my relatives were able to get together for a big Thanksgiving dinner and to celebrate grandma's birthday. It was fun to get all the little kids together and watch them interact with each other. The downside to the Thanksgiving this year was that the girls got pink eye. Gracie got it a few days before Thanksgiving and got on medication right away so she was able to go with me since she wasn't contagious. Faith woke up on Thanksgiving morning with a very pink little eye so Nick ended up staying home with her. I did bring him home some birthday cake so that made up for it a little bit:)

It seems that Christmas is fast approaching. We begin Advent services this week and I decorated the house some already. I'm looking forward to celebrating Christmas with Nick and the girls.

View of Boston from the bay. We went on a whale watching tour. It was a long and sickening trip out to the whales, but it was a great experience once we got there.

The girls helping to bake Halloween cupcakes. They both love to help out in the kitchen.

The fairy and piglet. Faith got the two things in her hand at the first place we stopped and I don't think she let go of them all night. The one was a candy bar and it was completely melted and crushed by the end of the night.

Nick helped the girls carve some pumpkins.

Nick and Faith getting a ride at an apple orchard. They girls had a blast!

Faith being silly.

Catch Up

Wow, its been a long time since I've posted anything. The big happenings for us: Nick and I took a weekend up in the cities a few weeks ago. We ended buying a new vehicle (Saturn Outlook) and watching a Twins game. The game was great and we are enjoying having more room in our car. Now we're set to take another road trip:) The girls were in swimming lessons the past two weeks. Neither one liked to get wet past their chins, but other then that they did well. We enjoyed some time last weekend at the county fair. We made the usual stop at the pork stand for lunch, saw the animals and got a shake at the diary stand before leaving.

Grace made lunch for Daddy. Faith had to join in, but had a height disadvantage so needed to stand on a bucket. Nick was sitting on Gracie's little chair (surprised it didn't break:) And yes, the sunroon is usually this messy by the end of the day. Lots of picking up each night.

Grace went to Farmfest with Daddy and Grandpa. She was a trooper and got to check out some tractors. When she got home I asked her what she had for lunch and she responded "a pickle and chocolate milk" I did find out from daddy that her lunch was a little more balanced then that.

Checking out tractors with Grandpa.

Visit from some of her favorite people. They brought Minnie Mouse from their trip to Florida. Minnie is now needed every night when she goes to bed.

Faith in the pig barn. She was scared and this was the only shot I got to prove she was in the barn. She clung to me the whole time and wouldn't let me put her down. Poor little girl. She looks terrified.

Faith doing her back float.

Gracie and daddy.

Grace thought it was funny when the pigs were checking out her boots.

Gracie enjoyed seeing the pigs. She had to wear her boots and "farm hat".

4th of July

We had a busy, but great 4th of July this year. In the morning we went to a parade. Gracie had a blast hanging out with her cousins and getting candy. Faith also enjoyed it. She intently watched the parade go by and only scared once by a loud car. In the afternoon we went to Nick's aunt's house for supper. It was nice to see the extended Peters family. They always host a great party. Since the girls had napped late that day we got to stay for fireworks. They have a very good fireworks show each year. No crowds, no traffic, great view!

The girls enjoyed the swing at Aunt Ruthie's house.

Grandma, Faith and Gracie.

Gracie got to do a sparkler this year.

Waiting for the parade to start. She was so excited to sit by her cousins.

Checking out what was coming next. Megan and Samuel were so great to her. They helped for get some candy even though there were lots of kids around to help fight over it.

Birthday Girl

Faith will be one year old tomorrow!! Wow, times goes by fast. She is now taking some first steps. Everyday she gets more steady and brave with her walking. She also likes to climb up on anything she can reach. She is also getting good at waving bye bye, and playing games like 'so big' and 'peekaboo'. She still only has two teeth, but I'm sure it won't be long before more arrive. She is at such a fun age, learning and growing each day. Here are some pictures from her party party that we had on Saturday.

Taking a break from opening presents. She did not like all the attention and it took her awhile to get into her presents.

The birthday girl with her cake. I made strawberry shortcake. Strawberries are one of her favorite foods.

The two girls before the birthday party.

Vacation to the Prairie

I can never get pictures to post in the order that I want them to. So, here is our trip to Wyoming in no particular order.

Don't be alarmed. The truck was off and Nick was right next to her when this picture was taken. She was enjoying a little time out of her car seat while we were stopped.

This was the only bench open when we needed a spot to rest. Gracie kept saying "something is in her mouth."

We went to Chuckie Cheese's in Rapid City. It was one of the highlights of the trip for the girls. Faith climbed up on this game all by herself and stared steering. Grace's favorite game was the slide (she didn't understand that you don't need a token for the slide).

Relaxing in the truck.

Grace in her 'cowboy hat' A cheap pink one from Wall Drug.

At Mt. Rushmore.

Enjoying smores

The big sister helping out.

Our second night of camping.

Chimney Rock.

Family pictures before we left Cheyenne.

Not the best pictures of me, but almost all the cousins were able to make it out.

All the great grand kids. Samuel was busy trying to hold onto Faith. They all did better then I thought they would. At least no one was screaming.

Gracie getting rides in the car.

We camped out at Norm and Denise's place. They have a beautiful spot out in the country and they threw a great party. The girls slept good that night because they were so tired.

All ready to go swimming at the hotel. It was Faith's first time in a pool. She was scared at first, but then almost feel asleep on her tube.

We took our first road trip as a family of four this past week. We went to Wyoming to visit my family. We had decided to have a whole week off and take our time getting out there and getting back. We got in some of the sights in Nebraska and South Dakota on the way home after spending two nights in Cheyenne. It was great to see everyone again and the girls had a good time. They traveled well!

The start of a busy summer

Gracie and aunt Marta. Of course she had to help Marta open presents and sit by her most of the afternoon.

Faith went into her bedroom with one binky in her mouth and came out with three. Of course she didn't want to give up any of them. Apparently one in each hand is helpful in case the one in the mouth falls out.

Our little cutie.

Enjoying a beautiful day outside.

Blowing bubbles.

It seems like every week Faith is getting closer to walking. She has taken about a half a step, but can't keep her balance long enough for a whole step with both feet. She wants to be walking instead of crawling so enjoys any toy that she can walk behind. She is also standing on her own. She finally has some teeth! The first one came through and a few days later the second one arrived. Faith is definitely going to be a climber. She tries to crawl on top of anything. The other day she crawled on top of a box that Gracie had put in front of the chair and before I knew it she was up on the chair. I can't let her out of sight!

We are excited to have Marta visiting this week. Sebastian with be coming the end of the week so we'll get to see him too. It was fun to see her pregnant...she looks great! Gracie was so excited to see her again and warmed up right away. For some reason I am just soooo excited for their little one to arrive! I can't wait to see them as parents and am looking forward to having another niece. We are also busy making plans for our trip out to Wyoming for my cousin's wedding party. We are still figuring out what vehicle to drive, but we have everything else planned. I'm looking forward to seeing all my family and going on a road trip with the girls. All nine of my grandparent's great grandchildren will be together. The next few weeks will be busy!

Busy Grace

What Gracie does while mommy is busy:

Gracie's creation while I was on the phone with a friend. I was in the kitchen and she kept running back and forth with toys. When I got off the phone I finally discovered what she was up to. This was a house and was destroyed soon after her sister got up from a nap.

This one took place while I was going to the bathroom. She apparently made a prison for her little sister.

Another angle.

Close up of her house. She lined up all the toys very meticulously. That's my neat and orderly little girl!

Visiting Great Grandpa

Sitting in the fire truck at the Parking Lot Party. They had lots of big trucks and tractors.

We were pretty close to the dugout at the game.

View of downtown.

View from our seats (Joe Mauer warming up).

It seems like the weekends are already starting fill up! Last weekend I helped Sarah with her garage sale. Everyone was teasing me because I think I came home with more then I brought:) I did get the bunk beds from her that Abby and I used when we were kids. They were originally my dad's when he was a kid. They have gotten a bit worn over the years so I'd like to refinish or paint them and then move Gracie into one of them. She is excited to be getting Megan's old bed. I had a good mother's day. Nick got a me a wall hanging that matches some of the painting I did this past fall and winter. Then we dropped the kids off with my parents and headed up to the Twins game with Chuck and Jo Ann. We had great seats and it was a neat experience. Today we went to the Parking Lot Party for the Children's Museum of Southern MN. We also visited Great Grandpa and Grandma.