I recently took a trip to DC for work, just thought a photo of the George W. digs would be a nice intro to this update. Things in DC were like I have never experienced before with secure surroundings, awesome food and drink, and educational experiences. I was so happy to return home to my precious girls. Thanks to Grandma Em for taking such good care of them for me so I could have this experience!!!!

A trip to Lendt's Pumpkin Patch is a family tradition by about 8 years I believe, this always proves to be fun for all. This year we were joined by Grandma's Carol and Emilie, Auntie Christie,and cousin Sadie. This year was much warmer than last if I recall the hats, mittens and bitter wind and cold. We followed the event with lunch at the China Buffet and a little shopping.

Maddy, Allie and their cousin Sadie play in the corn bin at lendt's, this is a new and very exciting addition for the kids! Soon after this Allie helped drag Maddy out and there were a few tears involved.

Maddy had chosen her pumpkin during our trip to Lendt's.

Maddy exhausted after a morning in church, Mommy wishes she too could take a nap after last night.

The big kids had a little fun saturday night for Halloweeen too.

Saturday the 27th we attended the annual Halloween Costume Contest for dogs in N.B. I took the opportunity to dress Maddy too as I am a Halloween lover!! Grandma Carol, cousin Sadie and TAS the dog joined us (not pictured).

Allie is pictured here with Sam the Fire Hydrant claiming their 3rd place ribbon in the costume contest. After 4 years of trying this is our first win other than obedience competitions.

Happy Day!! these are Maddy's new words and she repeats them often. Here she is at the Halloween Dog Show at the N.B. fire hall sat the 27th.

Welcome Fall

Hi Friends, with the change in weather comes new discoveries and fun for the girls. Maddy turned 16 months old and is learning so many words and immitating more and more animal sounds, she is soooooooooo cool and Allie is so grown up and taking on new roles and responsibilities. Amazing days hardly gives them justice. Smiles and love to everyone. This is Cashie, one of our family cats, there is always a critter that wants to join in the fun and we love it.

Allie playing in the leaves with Maddy after working hard to rake them all up.

leaf piles are fun for all ages!

Maddy found her first caterpillar, not to be touched though. She watched it crawl for about 10 min.

Allie in action riding Max at the end of her Speed Dash event, she took 3rd place in about 20 riders.

Here is the gang at a horse show Al recently rode in. Allie is showing her Max, her friend Taylor is on her horse Easy. Travis rode Max too, all three kids took many placings and had a great time. JB and Mad Dog are pictured with them.

Maddy and her friend Gracie at the Apple Festival, only 5 weeks age difference! Don't worry Gracie, Mad Dog will take care of you, the N. B. school system can be tough.

The girls at the Apple Festival, this is the highlight, not the most exciting thing we have ever attended but with great people. All the grown up girls and kids met at Almelund, and later some Daddy's showed up too. Allie is the World's Best sister and is always looking after Maddy and finding fun things to do with her.

Hair down for those of you who have only seen the ponies, making for a much more mature look than her 15 month age at picture time.

Mad Dog is ready here for her first bicycle rid with Mom at some friends home in Hinckley. Mad Dog loved the ride and nearly fell asleep in the cart. Note the pony tails out the top of the helmet.

Mom and Dad after a motorcycle ride, it was about 400 miles and took us 131/2 hours. The ride was to benefit and support fallen souldiers and their families.