Geelan Update

It has been awhile since I posted anything to my blog. Not much has been going on though. Work has been really busy for me as we are going through a software transition. Marty has been busy battling the weather (snow and cold). I am looking forward to next week as I have taken the whole week off (except for Monday). Last night we braved the weather and went to church afterwards, since the kids were all dressed up I decided to finally get a Christmas picture taken. I have new respect for photographers as getting all 4 kids to look at the camera and smile at the same time was challenging.

Afterwards, we had supper and of course Connor didn't like what I made so I gave in and made him his favorite, pizza. Below, is a picture of Connor and Braden watching the pizza cook in the oven.

Our Goddaughter - Emily Schaben

Over the weekend our niece Emily was baptized. Here she is in her baptism gown that was made out of Marty's mom's wedding gown. She did a great job during the ceremony and didn't cry at all.
And Rachel holding Emily, what a pair of cuties!

Happy Halloween

We went Trick-or-Treating on Friday after I got off work. Amy Malm (our daycare) let us tag along with her and her kids in Emmetsburg. The kids got way more candy than they need. Marty was busy in the field so this is the first year I didn't make him join us. See photos of the kids below:

Rachel:

Tim:
Connor:
Braden:

Our group:

Saturday at Jamie's

The kids and I went to Jamie's on Saturday. (For those of you who don't know, Jamie is my big brother.) It was his weekend with Noah (my nephew) and they were having a fall fest at the nature center there so we decided to go. The kids enjoyed painting pumpkins, making pine cone bird feeders, pumpkin bowling, and other activities. They also released a red-tailed hawk so we got to see that. After the activities there, we headed back to Jamie's for lunch and then went out to Nancy's sister's farm. They have horses there and the kids got their first taste of horse riding. They all loved it except for Braden, he was terrified of them. Tim even asked Marty if we could get a horse and of course we all know what Marty said....."We don't need a hay burner." Ha! Below are some pics of our outing.

Tim turns 7

Well, I am a little behind in getting this posted. But last week, Tim had his 7th Birthday. It was a Friday, so we took the kids to the E-hawk Football game, then after the game we came home and Tim opened some gifts. On Saturday, he had a friend over and then on Sunday Grandpa Gary and Kaitlyn came over to celebrate. Can't believe how fast they grow up.....

Family News

A couple of things to write about. First and most exciting, is Marty's sister Amy had her baby yesterday. They had a girl and named it Emily Kathleen (Kathleen after Marty's mom for those of you who don't know). She weighed 6lbs, 15 oz. and was 19.5" long. Congrats to them.

Next, yesterday Connor went to the doctor for his preschool physical. He is doing just fine. He is in the 50th percentile for weight and 20th for height. The doctor said that if he stays on the same growth curve, he will probably be around 5'7". So, that's not so bad.

Not much else going on here, just busy with work, homework, etc. We plan to go to the Clay County Fair tomorrow. We will take the kids after school and give them a chance to ride some rides (they love it). So stayed tuned for some pictures.

Connor Goes to Preschool

Well, Connor is off to preschool. He has been looking forward to going for quite awhile now. He loves it. It was a nice change taking someone to school for the first time and not having to pry them off your leg and run for the door like we did for Tim. My kids are growing up. I know I've said this before, but I can't believe how time goes by so fast.

Connor's First Day at The Little Irish Preschool.

First Day of School

Rachel and Tim hard their first day of school on 08/20. Rachel is in third grade and Tim is in first grade.

Rachel

Tim
Rachel & Tim outside the school
Tim in his classroom.

Birthdays

We were on vacation August 10th when Braden turned 2. So we celebrated when we got home. Connor turned 5 on August 14th. We weren't able to have a party on that day so we just celebrated with our family. Then on the weekend my Dad and Robin came over and we celebrated again with them.
I can't believe how fast the kids grow up. Everyone always tells you that and I don't think you really appreciate it on a day to day basis but looking back, it is definitely true.

Braden blows out the candles.

Connor with his Spiderman ice cream cake.

Connor plays the guitar!!

Vacation 2008 - Dave & Susie Lund's

After leaving St. Louis, we headed to Milan Illinois. Marty's aunt and uncle live there. They have a pool and we had a great time swimming and hanging out with Dave, Susie, Tara, and Chris.

Vacation 2008 - St. Louis

Well, it is always great to go on vacation, but it is also good to be back home. We went to St. Louis and did some sightseeing:

The first day there, we went to Hard Rock Cafe for supper. While we waited, we strolled around union station.

Day two in St. Louis, we headed down to the arch. It really is an amazing structure. To get up the arch, they load you in these little round elevator like things. There isn't much room in these, so if you are claustrophobic, it probably isn't for you. Then when you get to the top it is an amazing view. The kids thought it was awesome. Then you load back in the elevator things and head for the bottom.

After visiting the arch, we went to a place called "City Museum". It was the craziest thing you have ever seen. The place is several mazes and climbing areas that are all made out of scrap metal and junk. I think the kids had a great time there. There was an old junk airplane that the kids could climb up to, slides, and other climbing areas and mazes.

The next day we went to the zoo, it was hot and a lot of walking but it was a nice zoo.

The last day in St. Louis, we went to the children's museum, called The Magic House. They have a separate play area for little kids, so while Marty and the older three played, Braden and I went to the little kid area. Then, outside of the museum, they had a "beach" area set up and the kids played in the sand.

Boating with the Schabens

We had a great weekend with Marty's sister Amy and her husband Eric and their son Nick. They brought their boat home to Ruthven so we spent Saturday out on the lake. It was Braden's first time on a boat and he was a little scared at first but I think he got used to it after awhile. I went out with Rachel, Connor & Braden in the morning and then in the afternoon, Marty went out with Rachel, her friend Mary, Tim, & Connor. I stayed home with Braden and Nick while they napped. The kids had their first experience tubing. I took Rachel and Connor in the morning and Marty went with them in the afternoon. They really enjoyed it. Next week we are heading on vacation to St.Louis. So check back to see some pictures from our vacation.