James Star wars

Here is James getting his ride!



Such an awesome Dad! 

Isaac Star Wars ride

Patrick has been giving the boys Star Wars rides before bed time for a while now --- I may have even posted earlier versions of these before - but given the new movie release and the complete joy you see from both boys it was totally worth sharing again!

I guess they are listening!

I caught these two having a great conversation about Jesus. I love that they are getting some religious education at CLM and at Sunday school.



Isaac came home the other day from school so joyful because he received a Christmas card from his best buddy. "Momma, Daddy - I got a PRESENT from Beckett!"
He was over the moon about this gift but then was quick to again say that Christmas is not about presents, it is about Jesus. I hope that these simple ideas and sweet words stick around for many years! 

Thanksgiving and Eric's Birthday

We were pretty excited to have the chance to host Thanksgiving in our new spacious kitchen this year! And having the weather be sunny and warm made the day all the more fun! 

The kids and Corey (with the help of Niki and Charlie) made their traditional gingerbread turkey

Okay, maybe Charlie didn't help that much if he wasn't in the final picture! 

So proud of their work... which was promptly eaten within the next 30 minutes! 

Niki and I had thanksgiving themed Moscow Mules! 

Remember the warm weather I mentioned? 

We had appetizers on the deck with the turkey cooked on the grill! 

Corey was the Turkey man --- a role he has embraced over the last few years - he did learn from a master! 

And I am grateful he is taking the time to pass along his secrets to his Godson! 

Wow - that looks delicious! 

Turkey selfie! 

carving up the bird! 

Look at all that space! 

This kitchen worked great for the holiday - plenty of room to cook and eat and spread out! 

The second half of the weekend was spent celebrating this dude! 

We had a great time celebrating Eric's 40th and a Badger win! 

Plenty of family and friends at Buck's Bar in Mt. Horeb --- 

they pour the drinks strong there .... 

John and I might have had more fun than others --- gotta love those party animal in-laws! 

Lisa's 40th Birthday

We celebrated Lisa's 40th birthday in Chicago with some awesome ladies! 

The weekend was heavily focused on food, friends and football --- 3 of Lisa's favorite things! 

We started downtown for brunch and some shopping. 

Then we went to Ghirardelli for lunch dessert! 

I had no idea they had so many chocolate choices! 

After a yummy brunch - the last thing we probably needed was a HUGE dessert - but it was delicious and why not! 

We posed with some Lego ladies in Water Tower. 

After an Uber ride north of the city to Evanston (and possibly a short nap in the back seat...) 

We arrived at the incredible Knoepke tailgate! 

Matt and Diane put out an amazing spread and since Diane was with us, Matt was on his own. 

He stepped up to the challenge and greeted us with warm drinks and delicious food including freshly fried bacon and onions for our brats and burgers! 

I wanted to wear my Badger hat to the game, but that didn't appear to be a welcome idea - so I stuck with my packer themed hat. They gave me a coozie and attempted to convert me... I happily stated that NU was my second favorite Big 10 team... and was happy to call them my own on this night! 

We saw a great game (NU crushed Purdue!)  including a spectacular Veteran's day halftime show including fireworks and smoke! 

The weekend ended with Sunday brunch -- Lisa enjoyed her favorite stuffed french toast and hot cocoa! It was an awesome weekend filled with fun - here's to the next 40 being even more fun than the last! 

Isaac's Buddies

There are only 3 little boys at Rainbow South this year and they have become fast friends! 

Isaac, Beckett and Noah. 

I have a feeling that Isaac s often the ring leader - but they certainly have a good time! 

Here they are at Halloween --- love this picture! 

And Jimmy and his buddy Avery.
Really love these great families!