Autumn Fun

Today we took the kids to Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch. This place was so much fun. They have pony rides, a petting zoo, pig races, hayrides, a corn maze, and of course pumpkins. There are a lot of pumpkin patches and farms here and since I love this time of year, I hope to take the kids to a few of them in the next few weeks. Each kid got to pick out one pumpkin. I think they changed their minds about 20 times each until they got the exact right pumpkin. So much fun!

Some Fun Pictures

Just wanted to share some pictures of the kids over the past two weeks. We have had awesome weather here in Chicago, so a lot of outside time. Also, like I said in my last post, my dad is visiting, so we are on the go doing a lot of fun things.

Kids playing in the backyard

At Shedd Aqaurium



In the city with Papa
At Celtic Fest
Lily's Collage for school

Chicago Sights

My dad is visiting us here in Chicago, so we decided to take the train into the city and spend the day. Here are some fun photos we took of this great city. And, just so you know, we are only here for 3 more months, so if you are interested in visiting the "windy city" and want to stay with us, you better hurry! We love company.

Never Forget September 11, 2001

Again it comes, for the sixth time now -- 2,191 days after that awful morning. I remember exactly what I was doing, where I was the the entire events of the day. I will always remember that devastating day in history. On that day our president, George W. Bush stated,

"Time is passing. Yet for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family who lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children."

May God bless this country and watch over us through the calamities of the world. I love this country and am thankful for all those who fight and defend for our freedoms and safety.

Confessions of A Reality Show Junkie

"Hi, my name is Michelle, and I am a reality show junkie."

O.K., there, I admit it. I started thinking about what shows are going to be on this fall and which ones would make the evening entertainment line up, and I realized every show I was interested in was a reality show. So, maybe I'm an addict? Anyways, here are a few in the line up.

The Hills

Survivor: China



The Bachelor:
Brad Womack, 34, a successful, self-made entrepreneur

The Hills has already started, and thank goodness MTV shows it 20 other times during the week in case I missed the first showing. Drama, drama, and more drama is the theme in this show. Survivor has always been one of my favorites. I guess I just think it would be fun to be on this show. I wonder if I would be one of the "older' women or still be considered one of the "younger" girls. I swear I can do anything they do on that show and better! The Bachelor, well, if they would take my advice from the very beginning, maybe their relationships would last longer when the show ended. I always tend to pick my favorite girls, but the guy always picks a different one. Anyways, sadly, I look forward to the drama these shows bring. Fun stuff!!

Pre-K at Kensington

Lily started pre-kindergarten today at Kensington. She goes from 12:45 P.M. until 3:45 P.M. M-W-F. And, starting in October she start the lunch bunch and an "enrichment class" at her school as well. She'll start at 11:30 A.M. So basically, I'll have 4+ hours with only the boys. I planned on her doing afternoon preschool so that it was while the boys napped. I am so excited about having a few hours to clean, read, blog, etc. a few times a week. The thought of grocery shopping with only 2 kids instead of 3 sounds exciting too. Yes, shopping with 2 instead of 3 makes a world of difference and I tend to get excited about these little pleasures in life. Lily came home from school today excited for the next day. She met a few cute girls in her class. The teachers name is Ms. Hogan and the teacher's aid is Mrs. Shaw. I am so proud of her and blessed to have her as a daughter. Lily, have a fun school year and know that I love you!!