Schnepf Farm Trip ~ Oct. 12th

San Tan offers a field trip extension each fall to Schnepf Farm. This means that if you want your child to go, you also have to go. This was a fun outing last year and so thought we'd do it again. Patrick's best buddy, Evan, was going so that made it even better. We spent about 3 hours there walking around and letting the kids play. Then we headed to McDonalds for lunch and more play time. Patrick was thrilled as he was able to ride with Evan in his vehicle.

Evan, Reagan, Patrick, and Aaron in the Pumpkin Patch.

Patrick, Evan, and Reagan riding on the airplanes. Erika didn't read the sign getting the kids in and thought parents had to go, so she tried to fit into the plane only to be told by the attendent that adults weren't allowed. Needless to say, he got a good laugh!

Notice the looks on Evan and Patrick's faces on the rollercoaster. They were scared to death. They were insistent on riding though. Erika, Evan's Mom, rode right behind them. They had a death grip on each other. Evan was screaming and Patrick too scared to do anything. They actually stopped the ride so they could get off. A lesson learned I guess.
Evan, Patrick, and Reagan each got to pick a small pumpkin (0r punkamin as Patrick calls them) out of the patch on our way out.

A little gathering before we begin our journey on the farm. Tyler, Reagan, Hayden, Patrick, and Evan all stop to pose for a photo.
On the train ride. Patrick, Evan, and Hayden are in the same class at school.

Patrick coming down the BIG slide. This was a hit, although made for some dirty children!
Patrick was determined to try this sling shot game. He didn't do well, but had fun trying.

Aaron is 6 Months Old

Fun at the park!
Daddy's idea of a funny outfit!

It seems amazing that our baby is already 6 months old. He has done so many new things this month. He is now eating fruit, sleeping in his crib, nursing less, and numerous other things. He is becoming a "little man" right before our eyes. He is similar to Patrick but yet SO different. Many say he looks just like Patrick, but he is coming into his own more and more. Yes, there are similarities, but also many differences. He is such a joy! His smiles, "hugs", and "kisses" are absolutely wonderful. He can melt your heart for sure.

420 . . . 421 . . . 422 . . .

Brett Favre. No matter what your team affiliation is you have to respect his accomplishments. His greatest attribute is how much he appears to love playing the game. When he gets inducted into the Hall of Fame they will talk about how much fun he had playing the game. A true competitor. I may be biased but it is not a stretch to say that what Brett Favre has given to the NFL equates to what Michael Jordan gave to the NBA. (Shut up Bear fans - your team is 1-3 so we know you have to over sensationalize your past accomplishments. How many quaterbacks have you had since Brett Favre has been in the league . . . zero. Now why don't you go listen to your Super Bowl Shuffle record again while you wipe the dust off your picture of the Fridge.)



Obviously, my team affiliation is the Green Bay Packers. So this is extra sweet. You can see he has truly motivated this very young team. The best record today . . . 4-0. Will it last ? Who knows but even the football announcers cannot say anything bad about what Brett is doing to motivate these young players. And beating the Vikings in the dome is a sweet feeling. The struggles in that place have never been a secret. Pat E. - when driving across that river to go to work - make sure to wave that big "G" flag proudly. And ask them to put their purple flags with an ugly version of Heidi at half mast.


Too bad for Vikings Fans again. My rivalry with my neighbor continues . . . .

I found this message today. It made me laugh.

Message to Iowa Hawkeye Readers

Here is why the so-called "controversial" call was not really a controversy. Under no circumstances would Iowa have been found to be in possession of the football fumbled by PJ Hill.

Rule of Football regarding Inadvertent Whistle:

"The nearest official typically blows his whistle after the ball becomes dead to alert the players

that the play is over. If the ball is alive and the official sounds an inadvertent whistle, then the ball still becomes dead, but the team in possession of the ball may elect to have the down replayed or take the spot where the ball was declared dead. If the ball was loose from a fumble, then the ball can be put into play at the spot of the fumble. If the ball was in flight from a kick or a pass, then the down is always replayed." (Source: The Rules of Football on Wikipedia)

In other words, when there is an inadvertant whistle while there is still a live ball, the play is over and it reverts to the moment of last possession. That was when PJ Hill fumbled on the 3 yard line. The only controversy is the fact that there is an inadvertent whistle in the first place. If there had been no whistle, the ball was recovered by Wisconsin in the endzone and the result of the play is a Wisconsin touchdown. Even Iowa coach Ferentz agreed with the ultimate ruling. At least he knows the rule.

Message to Kirk Herbstreit - "learn the rules of you are going to announce games!" We know you are still upset about the fact that you didn't get to go to the Rose Bowl in 1993 but get over it . . . you lost to Michigan.

Pine Top

We spent the weekend in Pine Top with my parents and grandma. We stayed in a cabin and had a very relaxing time. Right at the resort there was mini golf, a rec center with a pool, pool table, ping pong table etc. We went out for breakfast and dinner each day and just did fun things during the day. The weather was great~sunny and 80s during the day and cooler at night. The boys had a great time. The trip up and back was good as well as they slept the majority of the time. We traveled after dinner which made a late night for us, but it was a fairly peaceful ride. Aaron had his first ride on a slide with the help of Patrick. He certainly enjoyed it.

Aaron holds the bottle on his own for the first time! He doesn't like the bottle, but can do it. It had juice in it, so that made it a little better.
Hanging out on the cabin porch with Nana.
Watching some football.

The boys at the resort entrance.


You can see Aaron's first tooth and the start of the second.

Hanging out on the pool table.
Mini golf was a favorite past time. Patrick can do really well when he concentrates and takes his time. He wanted to play all the time!
Relaxing in the pack 'n' play.
Having some beer. Seems to really like beer. Not so fond of the "hard" stuff though.

Snuggle time...
The boys and Dobby (aka Great Grandma)
The boys and Nana
Papa "helps" Aaron cross the rings
Patrick is determined to cross the bars/rings, but claims he needs help.

Aaron Photos - Sept.

I can Drive!?!?!?!? We attended a birthday party at Bounce U. Aaron enjoyed himself almost as much as Patrick.

Aaron sporting the PINK sunglasses that Patrick got as a prize from his Phonics class.
More Exer-Saucer fun! Thank you Leigh and Shanon. This is a BIG hit!

Diamondbacks vs. Brewers

On August 22nd we took the boys to their first regular season baseball game. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Patrick said it was too loud, but Aaron didn't have trouble sleeping! I think the D-backs won - I was busy people watching.

Five Months Old!

WOW! It seems unbelievable that Aaron is five months old today. He is accomplishing so many things. It's amazing how different and yet how much the same he and Patrick are. Aaron's first tooth came in Sept. 5th. Tooth #2 is ready to break the skin. He's very uncomfortable! He is eating cereal and veggies and has had prunes. So far his favorite veggies are sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots. He isn't fond of the green veggies at all! He is so much more alert and is VERY "nosey." He is interacting with us more and more. He is such a joy. He loves to be in the pool, swing, watch Patrick, be held, take baths, read books, watch football, and hold onto his favorite toys.

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!

Happy Grandparents Day Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, and Papa! We love you lots and are so thankful for all you do for us. We hope you have a wonderful day.

With Love and Hugs,

Patrick and Aaron