Sign of the Times

Adam caught Riley playing on Conor's new laptop. These kids love computers, and I don't think we even owned one at our house until I was in high school!

Cool chick

Riley loves to wear sunglasses...and sometimes she will even rest them on the top of her head like mom.

Yummy!!

In honor of Sept 11, we got some red, white and blue Starkiss bars from Dairy Queen. Here are the aftereffects!

We Will Always Remember

The events of 9/11 are something that will never be forgotten. At first, I had chosen not to watch or listen to many of the memorial events on television or radio, because it is just so hard to relive and recall the emotions and fears and to be reminded of the devastating personal stories of tragedy. It seemed easier just to think momentarily here and there about that awful day and the way it has forever changed our world, and move on with my own day to day activities. But it is hard to avoid. The magazine I read before bed. The homily at church about forgiveness. The TV. The radio. It is everywhere and now I can't turn it off...just like that day when I couldn't avert my eyes from the news. Who could forget where you were and what you were doing when you first heard what happened? I pray for peace and healing for the families who suffer this loss every day, for the children who never met their parents killed that day, and for our country. May we never forget those who became heroes on September 11, 2001 and remember to cherish those we love, find inspiration to live our lives to the fullest each moment, and feel proud to be an American.

Firezone Playdate

Our friends Madelyn and Noah invited us to a playdate at a place called Firezone, complete with firetruck, ambulance, firefighter jackets, firefighter pole, and dispatch center. It was a great playtime, and educational too.

Here is Conor giving the dummy CPR while Madelyn prepares the meds and Riley sits ready to assist.

Other Minnesota fun

We followed the NIU football game, all dressed up in Huskie gear (well, at least Daddy and Riley were since they were the only ones who packed appropriately).
Aunt Laura has found a great playground with a splash park near her new apartment that we were able to check out. The kids had a blast, and didn't seem to care that we were starting to get a taste of some cooler fall weather. Can't wait to spend lots of days there with you next summer, Laura!
We also made it to see a softball game of Leah, Andy, Laura, and Nick's. Again, the kids had more fun playing in the dirt than anything else. And a late night at the ball park made for some good naps on the ride home the next day.

This year, our trip to MN was a little different. We extended the trip to a week to allow me to have several job interviews to prepare for our big move. It was extremely overwhelming and stressful, but I was able to make a decision and feel relieved to have one more step behind us towards the next step in our life journey.

Minnesota State Fair!

It has been a tradition since the early years of our marriage to spend Labor Day weekend in Minnesota for Adam's fantasy football draft and a trip to the MN State Fair to spend all day walking off the junk food we stuff ourselves with. The day has changed a little since the kids have arrived, allowing more time for rides and pushing a stroller hoping for naps. It was a blast as always.
Conor couldn't wait for the footlong corn dog...and ate the whole thing by himself!Singing at the giant karoake area...so fun
Free Kemps Ice Cream IttiBitz
Sibling LovePhoto shoot with the Twins
Conor really enjoyed the entertainment. Here he is dancing at one of the music shows. He also has been practicing his ventriloquist act in the days since the fair. Ask him to show you sometime.

First Farewell Party

We have already had our first of several going-away parties. The doctor I work for along with our team of nurse and medical assistant as well as several of my fellow physician assistants were invited to my doctor's home for a pool party and social gathering. We had great weather, plentiful food, and made some great memories to take with us. Although I am preparing myself for our new chapter, I feel fortunate for the friends and coworkers I have here and will miss them. Thanks for the good times.
Riley wanted to get out of the pool so she could just walk back in right off the edge....over and over and over!!
Conor jumped off the diving board all by himself...something he was too afraid to do even earlier this summer!

Something special...

There is something so special and pure about a love between a father and daughter

S-T-R-E-T-C-H

Stretching with Daddy before he goes out for a big run...they did this on their own without being prompted.