Sisters

The holding-hands thing is new. But I'm loving it!

Etta's First Time Bowling

Last weekend Etta got invited to a birthday party. A bowling birthday party. Which I thought was great because she has been asking to go bowling for a really. long. time. But in the days leading up to the party she seemed more and more tentative. And that day? I had to drag her (well, Bob loaded her into the car) kicking and screaming to the bowling alley. I jest you not. Kicking a screaming. She didn't want to get out of the car when we got there. Didn't want to go in after I got her out of the car. And didn't want to put the ball on the ramp. If you look closely her little fists are clenched and her face is set in her Etta scowl.

First turn. She did NOT want to bowl.

Still not super happy. But warming up. From left: Baby Wicks #3, Etta, Brenna, Ayden and birthday girl Kholoe.

This is Etta's BFF Brenna. They are two peas in a pod. Tomboys and wild women.

She did finally warm up.

Could heft the ball up.

And roll it down herself. She ended up bowling a 94. [Bumpers and a ramp probably didn't hurt.]

Fall Fun

People ask what my favorite season is. So for the last year I have really been paying attention to the changing seasons and when we are fully intrenched in each. After a lot of thought and consideration I am now certain that FALL is my absolute favorite season. The crisp nights, the warm days, the leaves, the smells. Everything about fall is just delicious to me. I am thinking that my kids may agree. 

1. 2. 3. GO!

Jump!

Flip.

Hair full of leaves.

Mae is such a poser. She basically jumped around and hit me with this look when I asked her to smile.

Another fun. I just like how the sun and shadows looked at this moment.

Sometimes it's nice to just sit and enjoy the leaves.

Or lay and enjoy the leaves.

Mae had no interest in laying in the leaves at all. Maybe next year.

Etta even let me bury her to become a "Leaf Monster!"

Fun with Photo Booth

After I took my belly shot Mae & I played around with Photo Booth. Kids really like to see themselves on the computer screen!

Although she wasn't very sure about things seeming to sprout out of her head.

Guard Dogs or Sun Dogs?

After a very hot summer and then sudden cold snap the dogs take every opportunity to soak up some sunshine!

Corn Maze!

Last year we went to the corn maze with Jackie & Rachel. This year we went with Steve & Cathy. It was pretty fun overall. We again used a map, but I let Etta take some free rein and we just left Grandma & Grandpa at intersections to await our return after dead ends and tired legs.

Etta Vandal. Two hay bales meant she didn't need anyone to hold her up!

Mae didn't mind being the bull. But needed a boost. And definitely felt more secure holding herself up a bit.

Etta & Grandma Cathy heading to the entrance. It's pretty much the slowest Etta went the entire time we were there.

You could practice your milking skills. Bob was milking and Etta was...watching I guess. Didn't realize how funny it looked until after I was reviewing pictures.

They had a couple of tractors to ride on. I guess this one was made for big-butted farmers because it was wide enough for two little girls.

Etta is getting so big! I sometimes lose sight of the growth and need a reminder every once in awhile.

Etta roped the cow across the way from her three or four times. I sure was impressed. Just the fact that she could throw the lasso at all was incredible. That she could get it around anything else was amazing!

20 Weeks

Half way there!

I need to figure out a different way to take these pics I think...

Big, Fat Band Post

Pre-game rehearsal. 

Pre-game show leading into combined performance.

IDAHO - upside down and backwards.

Actual pre-game show. Note the slightly larger crowd across the way.

Football players and cheerleaders coming out of the band tunnel.

Half-time sideline start.

They all got to sit down and play! Probably because of the old folks.

Brass.

Chairs!

Laying down a cursive Vandals during the presentation of the Homecoming Royalty. Sitting down to start and laying down to finish. Man, easy day. ;)

Preschool Story

Me: Etta, what happened at school today?

Etta: Zayne scratched me so I punched him!

Sheesh.

The Game

Game? What game? There was football going on Saturday?

By the time we got to the Dome and ate lunch Etta was getting pretty tired. So we cozied her up with all of the layers that we had worn on the brisk morning. 

Bob was a trooper but everyone else was tired.

Thunder sticks are a hit!

Just after the game started - when things got really loud, Mae was about done.

And she finally found a comfortable position.

One of the (not-so) new murals in the Dome. Very neat.

Beautiful Day

We had beautiful weather for Homecoming weekend. Unlike 2 years ago when it was a down pour and we had a six-week old baby. The parade was nice and it was great weather for walking everywhere,  and although we love the Dome, it would have been a great day for an outside football game.

The UI was also celebrating Ag Days and 100 years of 4H. This combine reminded Etta of Erik's.

Even I can't mess up pictures with this to work with!!

When we walked out of the Dome Bob mentioned that this is his favorite view on campus.