Chicago!

Brett and Rachel headed out for a 4 day vacation trip last weekend to attend Brian and Lauren's wedding.  Needless to say, the groom's dinner, wedding and reception were fabulous!  The wedding was at the cathedral downtown, while the reception was at the Navy Pier.  We also enjoyed getting to hang out with Brett's sister Julie and her boyfriend Seth, between wedding events.  It was great to have some time to relax, and have conversations that lasted more than 4 minutes, without kid interruptions!

Seth, Julie, Brett and Rachel at the Groom's Dinner

Bill, Brian and Ginger at the Groom's Dinner

Seth, Bill, Ginger and Julie at the Reception

Brett and Jules at a traditional Chicago Style Pizza Place

Actually dressed up and enjoying the reception

Welcome Gus!

Very early this morning, Becky and Gregg welcomed Gus William into our world.  At over 8lbs and 21 inches, he is the biggest baby in the family yet.  And also, the one and only boy!   We are so excited to have you as part of our family Gus!

the new fam with big sisters Millie and Olive

Dad of 3

Ambre's Bridal Shower

We were able to host Ambre's bridal shower at our new house- and it worked out well.  The shower included our side of the family, plus Ambre's mom and hopefully it was fun for everyone.  Great conversation, several appetizers to choose from, and gifts were the staples for the afternoon.  We are so excited to celebrate with them in just a couple of weeks!

Labeled Towels

Ambre and her gifts

Mother of the Groom Stacy, aunt Kathy and friend Deb

Ambre with both of Jesse's Grandmothers (Betty and Carol)

How Do I Measure Up?

Since moving and trying to settle into our new house, we have had quite a few projects going on.  One of the first on the list was to measure and mark how tall the kiddos where.  At first, we were going to mark each closet, but Shay decided she would like to be by "Lyssa", so now both measurements are in Lyssa's closet.  Its been so much fun to see them make the rooms their own, and they are loving playing with all the new (okay just out of the truck they have been packed in for 6 months) toys.

Measure me Dad!

Marking the spot

Shoot, Shay is still taller

In case you didn't know where my belly button is, I can show you 

One of Mom's favorite pics

The Bee and Duck say Hello

This year was Shay's first year she really went trick or treating- and she LOVED it.  Brett and Gregg (and a few other dads from the neighborhood) took the girls out and Millie and Shay outlasted everyone, trick or treating for over an hour and a half.  Alyssa on the other hand made it to one house and decided this candy stuff wasn't for her and spent the night at Amma's house with the grandparents and toys.  A bit later Olive decided to join Alyssa and just play.  Shay and Millie got enough candy for everyone to have plenty!  We were able to celebrate Halloween 2011 by eating pumpkin shaped pizza, getting dressed up and hanging out with family and friends!

Cousin hugs before costumes

Thanks Amma for a fun night

Dads, Daughters and a Dog

Making Scary noises

Olive the Witch (4), Shay the Bee (3), Alyssa the Duck (1) and Millie the Witch (2)

Not too bad make-up job from Mom

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Themed Weekend

To try and fully enjoy our first full weekend in our new house we decided to go to or have a party each night.  On Friday night, Brett and Rachel headed off to the neighbors after Alyssa went to sleep and while Shay had fun with the babysitter, to celebrate Oktoberfest.  We got to meet a bunch of new neighbors, along with catching up with some old (now new again) neighbors.  It was nice to have some adult conversation and it was a great way to be welcomed back to Stonehedge!  On Saturday our volleyball team (plus kiddos) came to our house for a potluck and pumpkin carving.  Morgan, Faith, Shay and Alyssa had a good time playing together, and the adults had fun in between all the chaos.  Sunday we headed over to our other neighbors house for a chili get together and another pumpkin carving with 4 other families.  Whew!  We are now warmed up for trick or treating tonight!

Morgan and Alyssa getting reacquainted

The dads- Rodd, Brett and Josh

Baby Morgan

Taking a break to eat with Faith

Heidi occupying Faith and Morgan during pumpkin carving

Brett occupying Shay, hmm

Kristina, Rodd and Josh hard at work

Shay's carved pumpkin

Final Products!

Our New Pad

We moved into our new house this past weekend!  Although all the big stuff is in, we are definitely not unpacked.  Friday the movers came and Brett, Rachel, Jean, Bill and Ginger all helped throughout the day getting everything out of the truck and trailer and into the house.  Saturday Mark and Stacy came down and we spent the day organizing the big items downstairs, setting up the TV and other electronic equipment, putting together storage shelves, hanging shower curtains and getting the girls rooms put together.  Yesterday we relaxed a bit as a family, went on our first walk and stopped at the park between unpacking boxes.  We are so thankful to Bill and Ginger to let us live with them these last 6 months and are grateful to be in our new house.   Hopefully many happy memories will be made!

Great Room

Living Room/Great Room

 Kitchen

 View from Screen Porch

 Alyssa's Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

 Shay's Room

 Great Room