The Sound of Water

Lately I've put Emmit on the potty chair before his tubby. He barely talks, but has shown a few signs that potty training is in his future. (Maybe I'm just hopeful the training comes soon so we can be done with diapers. And yes, Emmit got underwear in his stocking - you can never start that tradition too soon!) He has yet to go on the potty, but I figured it doesn't hurt to get him familiar with it. It is also a step stool (it was made w/ dual purpose) so it is always in the bathroom and at times Gerrit threatens to use it! Tonight when I said 'tubby' to Emmit, he started to get undressed (in the kitchen) and once his clothes were off, he headed for the stairs. He went right to the potty chair and tried to take his diaper off himself. He stood up on the stool and turned on the water for the sink, lifted up the lid and sat down as if he were to go potty and even pointed his penis down (I've got him trained in that area already!). 

I had to laugh. 

You might ask why the water??? 

Well, from experience, if the sound of water (or any liquid) can aid in going to the bathroom. I've used it with Gerrit when I want him to go, even if he says he doesn't have to go - and it works most of the time. So I thought I'd try and 'help' Emmit go as well. It hasn't worked with him yet but the fact that he turned the water on himself cracked me up. 

I hope I haven't started a bad habit for him in that he thinks there needs to be running water in order to go potty!

Christmas in Z-town

 Saturday night started off with this:

  

followed by this Sunday morning:

Santa had made an early stop at our house because we will not be here on the 25th. And Santa did not disappoint - Gerrit got his MSU football uniform (next year he's hoping for a Lion's uni!), and Emmit got his own set of football guys (no more fighting over Gerrit's!).  (Oma made the Santa sacks and they looked so cute by the stockings! Gerrit even asked if Santa wanted the bags back!) There were some other gifts from mom and dad and everyone enjoyed the morning of opening presents. I think Gerrit liked some that Emmit got and Emmit liked some of Gerrit's! I guess we should just get them the same thing in the future????

Following a busy morning of opening presents involved a busy morning at church for the Christmas program. No, Gerrit did not wear the sweater vest but looked hansom in his tie (thanks again Oma - lots of compliments). He sang and cooperated even if he did not cooperate well at home! He started out looking like the photo in the bottom left which had me wonder if he would cooperate but he did great! Emmit, well, he had to be removed from the sactuary (luckily it was after Gerrit was done singing with his age group).

We had a special visitor come to Gerrit's program too - Uncle Travis! He brought the boys their Christmas gifts too - Emmit a football and Vikes jersey and Gerrit got Lego stuff (which he was not excited to get but when we assembled it, played with it the rest of the day!). 

And to end this post, a picture of the family:

This picture doesn't show it well, but Emmit had a matching tie to Gerrit's and Gerrit's vest was the same color of Emmit's sweater (if only we could get it over his head)! Emmit looked so cute in his sweater and tie! I didn't get any pictures of just him (and I'm kicking myself for this) but will put him in it again and for sure get pictures. (He cooperates better than his older brother when it comes to clothing so I shouldn't have a problem getting the sweater on him again.)

The afternoon was spent assembling the Legos and Playmobil stuff as well as playing with the new toys. I think my fingers will need a break from assembling at the Stremler Christmas party - thankfully Max can take over that duty. 

We like our new little tradition of opening gifts as a family before we head to MI. Makes things a bit hectic getting things ready 'early' but it is worth it. We are able to make our own little family memories and traditions which is the best part (for me anyways - Adam just goes w/ it b/c he knows how important it is for me!) 

New Pups!

Ever since I found out I was pregnant with Gerrit, I've wanted to find him his own Cuddles. The top left photo is of my Cuddles -  he's over 30 yrs old! This is one toy from my childhood I just can't part with (even though he looks pretty sad and Adam threatens to make him disappear). Seeing I couldn't find a Cuddles (other than a Clifford dog - but Clifford has black ears, not white like Cuddles). I came across a pattern to knit a dog and knew exactly what color - red! So this fall I started on Cuddles II and III and finally finished them last night! I needed them done by Sat. night (our little family Christmas is Sunday) and made the deadline! I've got plenty of things to finish up before Sat. or before we leave for MI so getting this big project done makes me feel so much better! I was having a tough time assembling the pups because Gerrit would be around the times I had to sit and knit. He had no idea what I was knitting but if I started sewing them up, he'd know it was a dog. (He even asked me to make him a dog one day when he saw the pattern sitting out.) When Gerrit was up in bed, I was able to get a few pictures of the new pups with Cuddles. I don't think the boys' dogs will be able to withstand as much love as I gave Cuddles because they are hand knit, but if I have to do some repairs or add more filling, I won't mind!

I don't think the boys' dogs will be able to withstand as much love as I gave Cuddles because they are hand knit, but if I have to do some repairs or add more filling, I won't mind! I'm so excited to give them to the boys and show them my Cuddles; I hope they like them (neither boy is really a stuffed animal kid).

Christmas Fun

Last week Santa visited Zumbrota! Gerrit was all excited about seeing him and promised he would not be scared this year. Well, as you can see from the pictures, that does not look like a happy Gerrit! I knew Emmit would not like Santa but I put him on his lap to get a picture (top right). I couldn't move back fast enough to get a good picture before Emmit was ready to jump off Santa's lap! The bottom photos display the struggle I had getting Gerrit to sit on Santa's lap - and you can see who won!

I wonder how many years Adam or I will have to be in the picture with Santa???

The boys have way too much fun playing with the Christmas tree. Luckily, there haven't been too many ornaments broken this year but I often find their toys in the branches. Gerrit likes to hide the Robin eggs and then tries to find them. For some reason on Sunday the boys were hanging out by the window - probably because they could get higher. Emmit even took one of the stools, and set it on the window ledge!

Here's our tree without at night - I played around with my camera settings and got a decent picture!

Kids of Christ Christmas Program

We had quite the start to the morning that was not planned.
1. Adam did not feel well so he missed out on Gerrit's program.

2. I had been working on prepping Gerrit to wear the sweater vest I had made him special for Christmas and even agreed to put numbers on the vest when the season was over. Gerrit thought the vest looked like a jersey which I agreed with him on the comparison until he insisted I put numbers on it like real jerseys. I finally got him to agree to put it on just before we left and we couldn't get it to fit over his head! I was crushed!! (After 2 attempts since this am, I've adjusted the neckline and we are back in business.) So a quick belt and straightening of the tie and that was the outfit for today. (Thanks Oma for making the tie - it looked great!)

3. As I was getting the camera ready while Gerrit was walking down the aisle, the battery died! I was ready to cry after the morning we had. Luckily, I didn't pout too long and spotted an outlet nearby so I quickly charged the battery during the first half of the service! I figured the pictures would be the same regardless of when I took them, so I waited patiently to get a little juice in the battery and snapped a few pictures:

On a brighter note, Gerrit did great! He stayed up front the entire time, sang every song, said all the Bible verses and only played with his tie a little bit. The worst part was him sticking his tongue out as he walked down the aisle! I was a proud momma as this was the first time Gerrit participated in a singing event in front of a crowd.

And the best part is listening to Gerrit sing the great Christmas hymns at home the past few weeks!
We have 1 more Christmas program and one more chance at getting the sweater vest on!

PS - I was told the program was video taped so I will work on getting a copy of it to show at Christmas time.

Changes this Week

Gerrit got his cast off this week! He was pretty excited about the day because he started off hanging out with mom at school for a bit. We then headed for lunch, a few errands and then to see Dr. Schiffern. The cast was quite smelly so the whole family was extra excited to get rid of that thing!
Gerrit was a bit hesitant to let the man use the 'saw' to cut the cast but eventually he gave in and stood still long enough to get the job done. Gerrit walked around as if the cast was still on which I thought was pretty funny. The Dr. said everything looked great and it healed well. It has been a few days since the cast came off and you'd never know he had broke his arm. He is using it to its full capacity as he told Adam tonight he did a pull up to reach something on top of a dresser! Guess he didn't loose too much muscle! We did not opt to keep the cast (thankfully) and will just have a few pictures to remind us instead.

We now have a few inches of snow yet that did not keep Emmit from riding his bike! These were taking the morning of the snow storm (it hit after lunch). We had a light dusting earlier in the week but Emmit did not mind. He would live outside if he could! Every day he gets out of the car and whines standing by the garage door waiting for me to open it. Usually I don't but Sat. was a 'warm' day so I thought he better get one more ride in before the snow! And just as the snow was starting to fly - Adam took off for a ride with a few guys! Guess Emmit has it in his blood!

Jingle Cross Part II

Not much to report that these photos don't say already...

I'm thankful I was dry and clean at home. Our washing machine survived the mud washings it did and Adam's jerseys came clean! Gerrit had a blast and enjoyed a little TLC from Dag - Paul's coach and a friend we've made over the years of racing (he is a former Olympian and his son is racing professionally now). Luke and Paul enjoyed racing and the weekend would not be complete without a colorful race from the single speeders.

Thanksgiving Weekend (Part 1)

Wednesday we made the trek to get our tree. The weather was perfect and the selection was awesome. It Gerrit liked holding the saw and Emmit even held it for a brief time. It is now decorated (thanks to the help from Gerrit) and we are enjoying the evergreen smell and beauty it brings to the living room.

Thanksgiving was low key which was perfect. Travis came for football and dinner. I didn't get to see the Lion's game (guess there was not much to see) due to cooking and decorating but Gerrit was insistent on putting on the 'miracles' (ornaments - not sure where he came up with miracles) before the lights so I had to get the lights done ASAP. I even forgot the garland and had to do that after he left for Iowa! It was such a warm day that after dinner we took a walk to the park. The boys enjoyed getting out and I enjoyed a little exercise after a big meal. We were hoping the 'cool' air would be good for Emmit (he got croup Wed night) but it was so warm it didn't do what we were hoping it would. Uncle Travis enjoyed the zip line which prompted Adam to join in on the fun.  

Friday, Adam and Gerrit left for Iowa with Dave, Paul and Luke. Stay tuned for a few pictures later this week.

Post Dinner Fun

Lately this is what our house looks like after dinner:

Emmit took a beak from the action to smile for me.

Let's Be Honest

The phone rang tonight, and like always, Gerrit enjoys answering it...on the other end is Oma.

Oma: Are you being a good boy?

Gerrit: No, I just got in trouble for hitting my dad in the nuts

This same kid has had the following similar conversation with 2 different people recently:

Other person: is your mom there?

Gerrit: no

Other person: so you are home alone?

Gerrit: yes....pause....just kidding - here she is!

This same kid locked me out of the house at 9pm and sets the alarm off to the Subaru! Luckily my look of death was enough for him to unlock the door so I could deactivate the alarm! 

Love the kid but if this is any indication for what he's going to be like when he's a teenager...I'm doomed!

Batman and Robin Sighting!

Halloween was extra special this year because Oma and Opa were here! We had a quick dinner and then it was time to put the costumes on - Gerrit had been asking all day to put it on! We headed out to the neighbors first. Shorty was sitting on the wall awaiting our arrival. Emmit was a quick learner - he had no problem getting candy from the bowl and filling his pumpkin with as much as he could before we pulled him away. (Thankfully he's cute so he didn't look like a greedy kid!) At Garry and Shirley's (the other side of Nick and Shorty's), Emmit stuffed 7 popcorn balls in his bucket before we had to hide the bowl of popcorn balls! We made a quick stop at Langley's before heading over to Dahlen's where Luke took they boys up and down his street (with Adam's assistance). I stayed at the house with Oma and Opa and enjoyed an adult beverage (my kind of trick or treating!). Gerrit lasted only a few houses before he wanted to go home. Emmit on the other hand was knocking on the doors and helping himself to as much candy as he could get his hands on!

It was a fun night, not a ton of candy which I'm thankful for (so I don't eat it all). Gerrit enjoyed his cape and tried to get it to 'fly' in the wind. Emmit picked off all the details I had glued on to his costume. (Note to self: sew the details on and the costume will last longer!)

I love thinking of costumes for the boys - trying to keep them as a 'duo' of some sort. We already have an idea for next year and we have a year to talk it up and hope Gerrit will agree to it rather than be want to be a football player (again). Until next year - Happy Halloween! 

October Fun

Figured I should get these pictures posted before the Halloween ones! We've been busy lately with Oma and Opa visiting and having a blast.
Luke and Anne came over for the annual pumpkin carving night. We ended up with 4 pumpkins this year from our garden and Anne and Luke brought a few too so we had a lot to carve! Gerrit enjoyed drawing on them and assisted in telling us what he wanted carved (which is why there is an H on one of them).

The other morning, I walked into the kitchen to find this:

Thought it was too cute  not to get a picture of! He loves to 'hide' or sit in the pantry. It makes me nervous because my spice are in there and most are in glass containers!

Following Gerrit's check up he wanted to go to the last basketball practice. We took the little ball thinking it would be easier for him w/ only the 1 arm. He did a little bit of dribbling and enjoyed playing the games without the ball - and the other kids did too! No one told them not to use a ball and before we knew it, they were playing what time is it Mr. Fox without a basketball! Gerrit got a little extra 'help' or attention from his coach when he lifted him up to dunk which made the other kids a bit jealous. I worked with him on the side showing him how to shoot with one hand and before the end of the session, he made a basket! Oma and Opa enjoyed watching and were very impressed with his coordination compared to the other kids. Emmit found the drinking fountain this time (thankfully he didn't find the button to get the water!). He also enjoyed peeking out in the hall where the dance line girls were practicing!

We'll have some fun pictures from Halloween after tonight so stay tuned!

Fun at the Hospital

Gerrit had his 1 week check up yesterday. Luckily Oma and Opa are still here so they drove him to my school and I took him from there. This way I could still teach 1/2 a day. Gerrit came in and watched the kids play volleyball and was disappointed they were not playing football.

We had a little time to kill so we went to the toy store and looked around. This also was a great distraction from eating - he couldn't eat until after the appointment and it was well past lunch time!

Following our field trip to the toy store we headed back to the hospital. It was a piece of cake going the 2nd time now that we knew where to go and what to expect. We headed to get the x-ray done and then went back to the waiting room until the Dr was ready to see us. While we were there Gerrit had the chance to decorate a pumpkin. It was all set up and he could color on a little pumpkin as well as put stickers on it. I helped him out a bit and distracted him from the donut holes and apple juice that was also available.

The start of the masterpiece:

Working on the nose:

The finished product and a happy patient:

This was in his goodie bag he got when he finished the pumpkin. I thought it was hilarious and convinced him to wear it long enough to get a picture! (The scratch under it is real - he fell at the farm last weekend - holding a stick! Luckily he didn't take his eye out!)

I figured our wait this time would be similar to the last time but was wrong. So all the games, knitting, and new toy was not needed! We just finished the pumpkin and were getting settled in for a decent wait and we were called back!

We had to go back for a few more x-rays as the Dr. wanted to see his elbow area as well. Gerrit didn't put up a fuss and did a great job sitting still. He answered all the questions for the Dr. and we had a little time to discuss MSU's big win last weekend as well as the upcoming game vs the Cornhuskers - his Dr. is a Nebraska fan.

Everything is healing well and the alignment with the elbow looks great. He will have his cast off on Nov. 28 - just after Thankgiving. (I think he can race in Iowa if he wants to and can balance his bike w/ one hand as the healing will be done. Will see - he'll be racing the Grinch and he didn't like that last year even when he got a build a bear at the finish line!) The Dr was kind enough to come in on a day she normally isn't at this hospital just for Gerrit. The receptionist said Gerrit must have done something great for that to happen!

Until then, we will count down the days until its off and do the best we can with it on. He's gotten a few new toys out of the situation so I think he doesn't mind the cast!

Gerrit's New Accessory

So Oma and Opa arrive Wed. evening after dinner. Gerrit was soo excited for them to come; he couldn't wait! Luckily we had enough time to squeeze in a haircut before they arrived. We were sitting around the living room talking and having dessert while Gerrit was playing. He was laying over my legs (which were propped up on the coffee table). After too many times of doing this, (it was starting to hurt), I let my legs down while Gerrit was laying on them and he fell to the floor  (maybe 18" drop?). He cried and I said I was sorry and we gave him some Tylonol and left it at that.  The only odd thing was Opa, Adam and I heard a 'snap' and deep down I was secretly hoping it was his hand hitting his arm when he fell. We decided to go to bed and see how he felt in the morning.

Thursday, Adam decided to stay home (2nd day off) due to his nasty cold which was given to him by me! (He lucked out and the worst is over, I'm still dealing with it after 2 weeks - but have meds waiting for me at the pharmacy tomorrow thanks to Dr. Pott!) Anyways, Gerrit woke up and was baby-ing his arm which was not like him. Adam asked him to rotate his arm and he couldn't do it. It was not really swollen either which made us hesitate to bring him in. But, for peace of mind, we decided to make a trip to the cities and find out. Adam stayed home due to his cold, Emmit went to daycare, and the rest of us headed north thinking that after the dr. we would have lunch and hit a few favorite stores and be back for dinner.

11am we had an apt at a different office than our usual place but still connected to the same system. He saw the oldest practicing pediatrician I've ever met with terrible bed side manors. To top it off, the x-ray machine was 'locked' and wouldn't take the pictures and the women didn't know how to unlock it. So I sat with Gerrit crying in the x-ray room for almost a 1/2 hour watching 4 nurses figure this thing out. Luckily they got it to work and after the 1st photo it was obvious he fractured his arm about an 1.5" from his elbow. After 2 pictures and a few phone calls, we had an apt. with an orthopedic surgeon (who specializes in kids) at 3 pm at one of the children's hospitals in St. Paul. No big deal, we would go to lunch and go shopping - Gerrit earned a toy for surviving the visit. The kicker - he couldn't eat or drink until the apt. in case they had to put him under to put the cast on! So that meant  no lunch for the rest of us either. Yikes!

We headed out to the sports store to get Gerrit his football helmets he has been asking for for over a year now (he chose that over a Playmobil toy!). We were able to stop at the grocery store to get a snack for him for after the apt. as well as sandwiches for the rest of us to try and eat when Gerrit wasn't looking. And Gerrit took a nap while we were at the grocery store so he knew nothing of the food that we bought. I secretly ate my sandwich driving and Oma and Opa had to wait till we were called back at the hospital before they could eat - what troopers!

We hit a few more stores and then headed to the hospital. I am always nervous going to hospitals and luckily everything went smoothly with finding where we needed to be etc. We had to wait over a half hour before we were called in but passed the time by quizzing Gerrit on the names of the Big 10 team helmets he just got. It was also humbling to look around and see all the kids in wheel chairs and made me thankful we just had a broken arm to deal with - a minor inconvenience compared to what we saw.
The ortho Dr. was great. She knew how to deal with kids and came up with a game plan that worked for me.

We tried doing the cast w/o Gerrit sedated and it worked! He cried because he was scared and was distracted a bit by Phineas and Ferb on TV. The casting ladies were able to put enough pressure on it to get it back in place and aligned properly too! Luckily it was a fracture so it didn't need to be set. Gerrit had his choice of colors and was going to go with a blue/green combo but then last minute changed his mind to just green - Opa had been prepping him all day to go with green for MSU!

We then headed for another x-ray to make sure it was set properly and I ran into a former basketball player I had coached. She was working the x-ray machine for us. It made both of us feel old but was nice to see her none the less. This x-ray was much faster than earlier so even though Gerrit cried, he did great and we were back in with the Dr. looking at his x-rays on the computer in no time.

At this point I gave Gerrit a cookie without clearing it with the Dr. - oops! Luckily things looked good and Gerrit eating was not an issue. We go back in a week for another x-ray to confirm it is healing properly and it doesn't need to be re-set again. We also have to plan for "Plan B" as I call it - sedation so fasting again! At least this time we know about it and can plan accordingly.

We were planning on pizza for lunch so we had pizza for dinner instead due to the fasting all day. Gerrit ate his whole kids pizza and Oma and Opa just had a snack seeing they had eaten lunch not that long ago! Finally, we were home at 7pm after leaving at 10am!

Here's the brave kid sportin' his new cast:

A silly face - you can see he is busy playing with his new football helmets:

Dad signing the cast (mom signed it first):

Of all the times for this to happen (as flukey as it was) this week was a good one with Oma and Opa around. They were a big help and support seeing Adam was sick with his cold during the whole ordeal and Gerrit was going to preschool only a little bit this next week so he could spend time with Oma and Opa and now with the cast - it will be easier for him to be home rather than at school. He can't play on the playground due to the gravel so for the next 6 weeks is the grass or inside for him. No biking or golfing, both of which he was going to do and he was so excited to show Opa his golf swing! Bummer.
Another bonus for Oma and Opa here - they can bring Gerrit up to meet me for the next apt so I don't have to take a full day off! So handy.

He is adjusting quite well to having to wear it - he stayed inside all day and didn't really try to get outside and play rough with it. He has started to use his left hand a little and realize it is good for some things. He keeps asking if it can come off tomorrow so the whole idea of 6 weeks doesn't quite register with him. We are hoping by Thanksgiving he will not need to have his cast as an accessory any longer! Until then, we will all adjust to his 1 arm capabilities and keep an extra eye on him so he doesn't use it as a weapon on his brother!

Emmit's Turn

Emmit is pretty funny when it comes to football. He will get in the stance and stay there until you say 'hut'! He also tries to sneak out of the house to play football in the yard (he tried this when I was just getting out of the shower - luckily he only made it to the steps otherwise I would've had to run after him in a towel!)

Full Court

Gerrit had this great idea....

next time I'll move the cars so he has more room.

Gerrit's Basketball Camp Video

Here is last week's basketball video. I figured I should get it posted because we were headed to basketball again today! I did not edit it which is why it is long... enjoy!

Microwave 101

When you come to our house, you will have to take a class on using the microwave...

Lesson 1:

You need to learn how to microwave the following*:

celo-bag of fruit snacks

football

basketball

Lego dude

*Or you need to learn to look inside before microwaving anything because you never know what you might find. 

{Emmit loves to use the microwave as his 'hiding' spot and the above items have all been found in the microwave. Luckily the two balls were at the front so they were obvious to spot. The fruit snacks were easy to spot once the sparks started and the Lego dude - well, after melting 3 sticks of butter (for a Sunday School experiment), he was not even warm! Guess Lego was thinking ahead when they decided on what to make Legos out of. }

Lesson 2: you also have to remember to plug it in. 

Lesson 3: you will need to stand guard as a certain little one likes to push the buttons and just might mess up whatever settings you had for your cooking. 

If you can successfully pass the above 3 lessons, you will pass the class and hopefully have a successful microwaved item!

Time Trialin' to Cyclocrossin'

Dahlen's gave Gerrit a time trial helmet that was left at the shop. Gerrit use to wear it all the time until Adam told him he had to wait to wear it until it fit him better. Emmit thinks its fun to wear a helmet even though we don't make him wear on when he rides/pushes his trike.
He hasn't quite figured out pedaling yet but know what needs to be done, just doesn't have the strength. So he pushes like Fred Flinstone and can get moving pretty fast - especially with an aerodynamic helmet!

Saturday was Adam's first race of the season. He used it more of a gauge to see where he's at compared to the competition. Before Adam's race was the kids' race. There were 3 kids and the 8 yr old wanted to do barriers so the route was a little longer than Gerrit would've liked, but he finished. He had a little help from dad getting the bike over the barriers but that was it. He pushed his bike through the sand and had an amazing remount! He took 2nd (the other little boy ran into the fence allowing Gerrit to pass him) and was awarded a neat little medal. He earned his Gatorade after this race and is ready for next week!

And this is how its suppose to be done:

Grandpa Bob and Geri were here for the weekend and came along as did Uncle Travis (he raced too). We did not take advantage of the mobile coffee/waffle van (top, right photo) - maybe next time!

Did You Know...

Autumn comes in a bag?

Gerrit went on a nature walk at school and when I picked him up, he ran over to his cubbie to show me his bag of 'Autumn'. It helped that the letter for the week was "A" so they were learning "A" words such as autumn.

Basketball - week 1

Gerrit started a 4 week basketball 'clinic'. This is how he was for the first 1/2 of it:
finger in mouth, not doing anything:

unless dad or mom was next to him:

He finally warmed up to everything going on and started to participate without his finger in his mouth or mom and dad in the wing.

Gerrit's shot, and of course Emmit had to try it too:

Here's a little "what time is it Mr. Fox"?

Emmit was not shy....

I think next time Emmit goes we'll have to remember his OWN basketball!

A little defense - still working on this one!

Emmit enjoys when Gerrit goes to camp because he can go too!

Here's hoping to Gerrit warming up to camp from the start and Emmit staying out of the way!

Same Ol', Same Ol'

I know I haven't written in a while but frankly, there is not much to write. So I'll give a quick update w/o pictures but know there are some events coming up this week that will be picture worthy.

Gerrit is no longer crying at preschool and actually admits to liking it. He has had hot lunch a few times now and enjoys certain menu items. I learned today that the lighter colored pants have to be worn in the winter when the snow pants cover them up! He was so dirty today.  

Emmit is still a man of few words and lots of screams. 

We visited friends in the cities on Sat., my former head coach Chris and family. Gerrit loved playing with the big boys. I think he wore Joe (6th grade) out playing football in the yard. Emmit entertained us all and almost fell over every time he looked up at Chris when he was standing (Chris is 6'7"). It was pretty funny to watch little Emmit try and look up at him. It had been a long time and great to see them again. Gerrit asked if we could come back before we even left the driveway.

I'm adjusting to high school students and getting a feel for the 'new' school and how it works. It seems 'easier' or less hectic than middle school which is a nice change. And anything is better than elementary!

That pretty much sums up how things are going as of late. We look forward to grandpa Bob and Geri's visit next weekend and then Oma and Opa's visit a few weeks after that. 

Fat Tire Festival

If I knew how to spell the name of the national park where the bike race was held, I'd write it, but seeing the race is also known as the fat tire festival because it is a mountain bike race, I'll leave the title as is.

We spent the weekend in northern Wisconsin with Dahlen's, Dave Langley, and Dave D's sister. We rented a cabin and had a beautiful weekend. Seeing we didn't have daycare on Friday, we left at lunch time so we could enjoy some of the day at the cabin. Adam took a ride, Dave went to get his race packet and I ran off some energy with the boys. We played football, looked for fish from the dock and found the playground. Emmit doesn't like the steps and prefers to walk up the slide which he mastered easily. He did seem to find the climbing rope steps fun too. Gerrit loves the monkey bars and does a great job going across them - he has more upper body strength than his dad! We had dinner the lodge with Dahlen's before calling it a night.

Saturday was the big race. Anne dropped Dave off at his start (he did the long race) and I dropped Paul off at his start (he did the short - he's not old enough to do the long). We have it down to a science and everyone knows where to go and where to meet up and when. Adam took advantage of the trails and did a ride by himself and I picked him up in time to catch the finish. We met up with the rest of the group on the hill of a ski resort where the finish line is located. Paul did great and took 6th in his age group while Dave made his goal of under 3 hours. Emmit enjoyed his ride in the back pack as well as playing with Paul's bike to pass the time. Emmit had so much excitement that he actually fell asleep in Adam's arms. Gerrit did a great job riding his bike up and down the big hill. Last year he just went and didn't break whereas this year he did a much better job of keeping under control. Emmit and Anne took a tour of the medicopter just before he was called to leave. It was quite the site to watch it leave seeing we were so close to it. No one in our group was injured which was a relief as we saw one guy crash and turned his ankle a way no one would want to turn it (it was grose!).

We made it back to the cabin to catch a little football and bloody mary's. We had pizza in Cable for dinner and enjoyed the crisp fall air. It was a busy day and we were all in bed by 9:30! Sunday was rainy so we had breakfast and headed for home.  Even though its a bit of a drive, it is a beautiful area and a great escape from the hustle and bustle of home. We always say we'd like to come back and stay longer...maybe this year???

Set....Hut!

This little cutie patootie has figured it out.

When you say 'seeettttt', Emmit does this:

And will stay in that position until he hears: "hut"! Then you find him doing this:

And he knows he will be tackled by his brother shortly so he ends the play (whether Gerrit is around or not) like this: