One month ago we were enjoying this view from our balcony
Enjoying flip flops & shorts in Hawaii!

This is what we saw this morning. Gotta love Iowa in the winter --- NOT!

Flipper

It was a sad day at our house tonight -our beloved Flipper died today. We'll miss you buddy!

The Infamous Cast....

Cade broke his wrist 2 weeks into the football season. He was so bummed that he had to get a cast and miss the rest of the season... Although, he did try to convince the Dr. that he could bubble wrap the cast and continue to play. She snickered and told him good try, but no deal.

Such a serious face.
He had to get Clipper blue! He liked the cast for about a day, now he's ready to be done with it. He did try his best to get it off early - not sure how many kids actually break their cast, but Cade did! Unfortunately for him, they patched it instead of taking it off! Can't say he doesn't try!

Pumpkin Patch!!!!!

My four pumpkins!
Playing on the hay bales!

Take the picture already.....

Two sweet girls!

CHEESE!

Ready, set, go!

I think this is the way.....

Um - what is that thing crawling?!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy 9th Birthday Karsy-Belle! My how you've changed....

First Day of School!

It's better late than never! Here are the kids on the first day of school.

Cade - 5th Grade
Karsyn - 3rd Grade

Kaylee - Pre-School

GG, I know you are in heaven having "happy hour" with Gramps now. We love you and will miss you dearly.

Photo Shoot!

We took the kids out to Kent Park to snap a few shots - they were less than thrilled! I think they turned out good - I can't wait to try again in the fall!

Karsyn 8 1/2 years

Cade 10 years

The whole gang! Cade was really concerned that Kennedy might bolt and fall in the water.

Kaylee 4 years

Kennedy 2 years

All the cousins!

Walking down the path - even though they really wanted to run away!

Hangin' with our Cousins

Allison & Austin came down to visit for a few days. Aunt Kristen took them to the park to hang out and run off some steam.

Adventureland!!!!!!!!

We went to Adventureland - we pulled in the parking lot and it started to rain. We spent the first 45 minutes riding in the rain. The kids thought it was great. After the rain cleared up, it was a perfect day. The lines were short and the temperature was tolerable! The Log Ride was definitely the Stratton family favorite - even Kennedy loved it!

Kaylee & Kennedy enjoying the airplanes.
I'm going to get you mom!

Riding in the jeep!

Kennedy rode the Frog Hopper for the first time, it was also her last ride on the Frog Hopper for the day. She was not a fan!!!

High atop the Ferris Wheel!

Cade & Karsyn loved the Inverter - good thing they were able to ride by themselves. I got sick trying to take this picture!

The Ladybugs are always a favorite!

Teacups with Dad!

Riding the Train in the rain!

Talking to the puppy while we were trying to stay dry!

Kaylee & Kenna

Our sweet baby girl is growing up fast - she is such a funny little thing. She knows what she wants and won't back down until she gets it. A great quality for later in life - not so much when Mom & Dad want her to go to bed.
Kaylee started swim lessons in June. We wondered how it would go -she's so shy we figured she would sit at the edge and not even get in. Much to our surprise (and maybe because of a small bribe!) she got right in and was swimming around in no time. Now she can hardly wait to go see Emilie!
A budding make-up artist????

We spent a day swimming at a friend's house. When we got home Kaylee wanted to have a snack - I came back into the kitchen 5 minutes later and this is what I found! Poor thing wore herself out. :-)

It was a big month for Kenna Jo - she moved out of her crib and into a "big girl" bed. She does a really great job of going asleep by herself and staying in her bed until morning.

Checking out her new bed!

Sugar High!!!!! (not sure what is up with Kaylee's headband!!!!)