Getting in the Spirit

 Watching "Home Alone"

Christmas Lights Cruise

Baking Grandma's Christmas Cookies

7th Grade Band Concert

 They played a few songs and sounded very nice. Claire and I liked Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Carol of the Bells.

I told him the secret "I love you" signal was tugging his ear and HE DID IT!  I wanted him to get a nice haircut and tuck in his shirt but that didn't happen.  But I got the ear tug! Oh yeah.

We will be festive, holly, jolly and singing Falalalala until Christmas around here

WI Trip

 The kids and I went to spend some time with Carly and Samone in WI.  Super quick but super fun getaway. Can't wait to see them at Christmas!

Buck Hunter

 Charlie got a nice 9-pointer with his dad!  Nick said he was shaking like a leaf after he shot it and with a blissful smile plastered on his face he said, "I am just so happy right now."

Now he'll have a real rack to hang his hats on instead of the one Claire and I bought him last year when he only got a doe.  He plans to get a European mount.

Halloween

 Halloween party

Carving pumpkins

Halloween night

Youth Hunt

 Charlie went hunting with Grandpa Dan this year.  He shot at a doe the first day and missed.  Then saw absolutely nothing until the last day.  Apparently when it's the last day you shoot anything.

He's excited to go hunting with his dad and the big boys next.

Wild Game

 I took Claire to a Wild game since Charlie is busy hunting.  It was fun to hang out with just Claire even though they lost.  We also went thrifting in the afternoon.  It was her #1 MEA break request.

New Spot

 I dragged the kids away from their electronics to take a hike at Isaak Walton Wetlands.  Of course they gave me grief at the beginning but had a good time once we were there.

Softball Tournament

 The 10U Lightning team got a bye for the first round, won a game and then went to the championship game.  They came up just short losing 5-3 to Red Wing.  Claire made great progress this season and emerged as one of the best catchers on the team.  She spent a lot of time behind the plate and seemed to like it for the most part.  

Each player got to pick an emoji shirt with her team number on the back.  Her coaches were awesome!  Hopefully she can play with them during summer season.

School Pictures

 Always a little awkward and questionable quality but it's a must have for the memories.

7th

5th

THIRTEEN

 We have an official teenager in the house!  It's such a bittersweet feeling that Charlie is already this old.  He wanted a friend sleepover with pizza and junk food.  We played cards and the boys played video games.  He chose to play baseball on his actual birthday.  The team won the championship for fall ball.  We ended the big day with his meal of choice- steak and mashed potatoes and gravy.  It was a great weekend celebrating the birthday boy!