Thanksgiving

Among the many things we are thankful for this year, at the top of the list is my mom beating cancer!  She has done an amazing job along with my Dad who has been nothing but supportive, remained positive and encouraged her as she endured, persevered, and conquered.  Thankful indeed.  

Movember

Fall in all its glory

Jacob 5.5

Look at this handsome boy.  He smells as good as he looks in this picture.  Sometimes when I put him in a red shirt I can't help but think of Charlie Bucket.  He's been busy learning to read, write, and play piano.  He's an awesome big brother but he recently told us he needs some time without Nathan.  Noted and we're planning to have a mom / dad date with him regularly.  We love this kid to the moon and back.

Our not so baby Nathan

Nathan is growing up fast as they usually do.  He is hilarious.  And adorable.  And forcing us to figure out how to discipline when hitting and or biting is involved.  We love a good challenge.  He is an early riser - at 6 am or shortly after he yells from his crib that he is awake.  He's got only one of his 2 year molars left to come in.  Right now "I do it" is his favorite phrase.  And if you pick up something that he intended to pick it up, he will put it back and then pick it up himself and say "I do it."  Nathan is having fun putting together complete sentences and imitates everything his older brother does.  He has moved into 3T clothes.  The jammies above were Jake's…one of my favorites that I found at the Woodbury garage sales.  He almost cried when I put them on him (they weren't his race car ones) but I distracted him enough and he then realized how snugly they really are.  Whew.  I have some good video of Nathan but of course I'm still having problems with my computer skills.  Someday.  Anyway, we love this kid to the moon and back.

3rd Annual Book Club Bash

These pretty ladies (minus 1 member) make up the Yo-Yo Mamas.  Our monthly get together always *ahem* or maybe most of the time, consists of intellectual conversation of chosen book among other very sophisticated topics.  I love these girls!

Staycation 2013

Wild win 3-1

Room with a view.  (Enhanced by Instagram than you very much).  

Wits.  Rhett Miller and Paul F. Tompkins.  So entertaining!  

Jami!  The Downtowner has the best French toast.  

That's a wrap!  Thank you St. Paul for a lovely time.  

Scott and I spent a couple of nights in St. Paul for a late 12 year anniversary celebration.  Dinner at Pazzaluna followed by a Wild game, massage and lunch on Grand, Minnesota History museum, and dinner FujiYa followed by Wits at the Fitzgerald.  Wrapped up the weekend at the Downtowner for brunch with Jami and Jim who happened to be in town.  It was a fun-filled weekend!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair for holding down the fort, fighting fires, removing permanent marker from my desk, presenting minerals and dinosaur history to Jake's kindergarten class, and filling in.  Sounds like you guys were as busy as we were.

We love fall!

Morning snuggles…their favorite time of day.  

My helpers.  With enough jumping we finally got the leaves to fit.

Frankie and Jake at the Leaf for Lupus fundraiser.  

Some beautiful fall weather for construction work.  

Recently...

We ate the 2nd best pizza in the world so far.  (Jake's will always have our #1 spot).  We found Randy's Pizza completely by accident one afternoon.  It is so good and worth the drive to Oakdale.  Not only did we love the pizza, but we got a tour of the kitchen and some great conversation based on the fact that we could speak the same language (such as "sheeter").  If we're staying in town we'll stick to Spiral but you must try this place at some point.  

Nathan has started classes "at school".  He joins 9 other girls once a week to sing songs, eat a snack, create art, learn to listen, and have some structured play time.  He's a big fan.  I have only had to remove him once for a time out in the hallway for throwing a tantrum and chucking his play-doh across the room.  Nathan is teaching us a whole new perspective in the parenting job.  

Jacob is learning to read and write and is loving school.  He takes his job very seriously although his favorite part of the day is play time.  

Sarah and I enjoyed a beautiful fall day with a bike ride followed by dinner.  Nathan and Lydia were quite well-behaved.  You never know what you'll get when you put these two stinkers together.  

Gwendolyn and Nathan had fun jumping in the bean bags and playing silly games.  Tom was away for business and we got to spend some time with Doug, Lin and 3/4 of the Barntsen family.  

Mark and Sue celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary!

Scott and Nikki got to attend a wedding and have a night without the kiddos thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair.  It was a beautiful wedding and we had fun.  Right up until 9:00 pm when we fell asleep watching TV and slept until 7:30 am.  Hmm.  We are SO fun!

Mike, Sarah and Lydia also attended the wedding.  I am pretty sure Lydia danced longer than I did.  

Grandma and Grandpa Sinclair kept Jacob and Nathan busy in Charles City with the Homecoming parade, snuggling during a thunderstorm, feeding the ducks and filling bird feeders, playing toys, the farmer's market and getting all of Jacob's homework and art projects done.  

Whew!  As I sit here looking out on this October afternoon I am watching the leaves cover up our green grass.  It's time to get out the hat, scarf and rake.  Fall is officially here!  

Thanks for checking in and have a wonderful week.

Raising them up

Dear Jacob and Nathan,

I honestly don't  know who this guy is but what he says is quite profound.  We are trying to raise you to be one of those kids that set a good example, have empathy, and connect with people.  We pray that you think, feel, and love with all of your heart and soul.  Please ponder this (and try to refrain from using swear words) when you are mad at us for not letting you do what all the other kids do.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Post blowout bath

Nothing like a post nap bath in Aunt Nikki's sink due to a major blowout.  

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walk / Run

  In the race of life Nathan is quite content to come in last.  He stops to smell the roses.  

All ready!  

Getting ready for the 5K.  

Thanks to Scott, Jacob, Nathan, Marie, Jake, Isaac, Leah, & Ezra for supporting the Lake Julia joggers!