Da Bears

We had an exciting weekend in CHICAGO - finally time to go to DA BEARS game!! Instead of staying downtown this year, we stopped in Naperville for the night (such a cute little town) and went to their Children's Museum. They have all kinds of cool exhibits, the one below is where Cooper had the most fun - in the water - followed closely by the bubble-making room. I think Randy had just as much fun as Cooper playing with all the toys.

The town has a cool riverwalk that we strolled in the evening. I took a TON of pictures of Cooper but he's in the stage where he has NO TIME to look at me and smile for the camera, so this was the best one...

And the next day we MADE IT to the game. AMAZINGLY Cooper lasted the ENTIRE time. He and I had a snack break during the 2nd quarter, but besides that he just chilled with us in our seats while we fed him every treat imaginable. Ironically, the next day was his first dentist appointment.

Couldn't have asked for better weather at 65 degrees and sunny, plus it was an EXCITING game against the Vikings. Next year I'm afraid Randy will have to find a buddy to take with him, so.... let me know if you're interested!!

Check out the HILARIOUS video fro SNL on DA BEARS and DA BULLS - makes me laugh EVERY TIME.

PS. Here's the Belly progress from last week...

Fall Brings in the NEW

We went a little crazy, with 3 kids soon in our future, and bought a new Honda Odyssey! Randy is laughing at me because I won't drive it (or insure it, why waste the $$) until we sell his car and are back down to 2 vehicles. It's a GREAT van, many of our friends have the same, but I NEVER thought my FIRST NEW vehicle would be a MINIVAN! Ahhh, to embrace motherhood and all its perks! Here are Cooper and I with our salesman, Patrick:

We REALLY lucked out because Aunt Beth and Aunt Ruth drove all the way from Utah to our neck of the woods on a little sightseeing adventure. They spent 2 days spoiling us with playmates for Cooper, goodies at the Kalona bakery, and more from Amana Colonies. We were all sad to see them leave. Thanks for the fun time!

We wrapped up the weekend with a day-trip to Dubuque - beautiful drive this time of year with the leaves changing. Our neighbor told us of the steepest railway west of the Mississippi, so I had to check it out. As luck would have it, the town was also hosting their annual Chili Cook-Off, not so good for my super-sensitive sniffer, but it came with games for the kids. Cooper LOVED the bouncy house. He threw a MAJOR fit when we had to DETACH him from the fun.

I HAD to take a pic of this chili booth for all you Chuck Norris fans, not sure how true their claim is, I'd bet my money on Chuck anyday:

And finally we made it to the railway. It was a little shorter than I thought - ok, a lot. So good thing for the chili or Randy would have been SOOO disappointed.

Sweet September

I've been lazy (and a little sick) so I've slacked on the highlights of our September. Here are a few things we did...

We started eating out A LOT because I can't get over the smells in the kitchen these days. Randy's been so good about this and Cooper's become a pro at coloring. THANKS BOYS!

I ran a 10k with a few friends. L to R : Jen, Heather, Katie, Amy. The race was fun, Katie whipped us all by a few minutes. I ran with Heather and Jen the whole race and then sprinted the last few blocks because I saw my boys cheering for me on the side and just couldn't help myself :) I can't wait for next year!

Not to be outdone by me... Randy participated in a sprint TRIATHALON. What a show-off! A big group of ortho residents/attendings participated. Let's just say there was plenty of trash-talking before the event. Here he is before the swim.

And now the bike...

and the BIG FINISH!

Great job RANDY!

Randy, Todd and Will all ran the ENTIRE triathalon.

We were lucky enough to get away for a weekend to travel to Dearborne, Michigan and attend the wedding of a good friend, Ryan Atkin. Of course we had to stop along the way so Cooper could play.

We spent time with a few southern Utah friends. Here is Randy with Tyler and Ben:

And me with Cicely and Heidi:

Thanks to the Goodman's and Truman's for such a fun time! I think Cooper's favorite part of the weekend was when we let him roam in his diaper after the reception - can you say Risky Business?

Coming Soon...

We can't believe it either, but that's right - we're getting TWO for one!! Randy and I are still trying to wrap our heads around this, but it's official. The babies should arrive SPRING 2009. Officially they're due April 11th (my little bro, Mike's, birthday) so if we last until mid to late MARCH we will be excited. What a great 30th birthday present that would be for me (March 23rd)! Any advice you have on multiples?? I'll take it all. And yes, they make great TRIPLE jogging strollers. Love to all!

Danes' Family Farm

We went to the ORTHO playgroup this month and got a little messy... ok, a LOT messy! Wet, freshly mowed grass does not work with little kids. But the humiliation was soon forgotten.And it was on to see the animals. Here is Hannah, Cooper and Katelyn waiting for us to get in.

Then Porter and Aspen showed up... and they got a little more restless. Coop didn't want to be left out so he tried to climb as well.

This lamb below had a little house it was hiding in and Cooper kept trying to go in and get it. No FEAR I tell you! I think he was prepped from our visit to the fair.

All animal poop and sprained ankles aside, a BIG thank you to Darci for planning such a fun outing! All you moms: If you haven't done this yet it is such fun with the kids and they give you FREE ice cream after the petting zoo at their dairy - yummy.

FAIR PLAY

We made it to the Iowa State Fair this year, it's suppose to be the best in the nations so, of course, we HAD to check it out. First thing was first: Randy had heard about the food so the boys went in search of the "good stuff".

And I think they found something...

A plethora of goodies were consumed this day - let's just say that Randy would gladly pay $10/each next year just for the chance to eat.

Then on to the animals where we saw the biggest SWINE and BULL of the fair:

Both were well over 2,000 pounds - now THAT is some SERIOUS Iowa dieting.

This little calf was adorable with Cooper. He started licking him all over his face and hands which honestly grossed me out, but what do you expect at the fair... can I say SHOWER TIME!

Yes, the fair was a big HIT. So to all of you who STILL have not come to visit us, yet another exciting attraction IOWA has to offer that will leave you saying, "Let's make Iowa our vacation destination EVERY year!"

Sweet baby girl

She's ADORABLE, as you can see. I'm not biased or anything- he he. My sister, Cindy, gave birth to her on HER birthday, July 22nd. You ROCK sister of mine! Happy (late) birthday, I love you soo much!