Cheesecake time again...

...which can only mean it is Troy's birthday!  The only time I pull out the springform pan is in September.

With his change of careers, Troy had the day off for his birthday, which he rather enjoyed.  Although he did try his hand at teaching Sunday school as he subbed in a fourth grade class.  After church we went out for  as a family.  That usually brings us to remember why we don't usually go out as a family.  (Not that the kids were bad, but they aren't very patient, they want to eat lots of chips and climb all over the seats!)

After nap time, we journeyed down near the riverfront for a scooter ride/ trike ride/ walk.  The weather was beautiful and it was so much fun just being outside.  We stopped in the aquarium to say 'hi' to the sharks before heading home to presents and dinner.  The kids each drew a special card.  Timothy drew a picture of a coffee cup--he knows his dad!  Teresa drew a whale because everyone should love whales!  Dinner was Troy's pick, so we had salmon (which I noticed from reading last year's blog was what he picked a year ago too!).

It was a good day for a good husband and father.  We love you Troy!

A beautiful day to celebrate life and stroll along the river.

Showing off their birthday cards with daddy.

Clearly we have a Cubs fan in the house.  Gifts from Troy's mom.

Riding the trike and apple bobbing

Today was bike day at Teresa's preschool.  In the last few months she has learned to peddle the trike all by herself.  Her legs are finally long enough to reach the pedals.  While we waited for Timothy to arrive home from school, she showed off her new skill.

A girl on the go! (with kitty of course!)

Last weekend we went to a little Octoberfest.  There were not many people, and not a whole lot going on, but the kids LOVED apple bobbing and painting pumpkins.  It made the whole night worth it to see their joy in sticking their faces in cold water and biting apple stems.

Teresa goes in for a bite.

Timothy takes his turn.

This doesn't really capture it, but Teresa is giving a big clap because she is so excited about the apple bobbing!  She was jumping around with excitement!!

Celebrating...baptism and 1st day of preschool

It was a big day for Teresa.  It was her 3rd baptismal birthday and her first day of preschool. It has been a long two and a half weeks since Timothy started school.  Teresa has been anxious to start her school and to celebrate her first day.  Finally it came.  Just like her bother she picked her Iowa shirt to wear.  She wanted her done in two braids and two ponies so it would "be pretty."  She was up early and had chosen sprinkle pancakes for breakfast.

After breakfast we did a little baptism celebration and she opened a gift or two.

Then it was time for the traditional first day photo.  You can notice that her backpack is nearly bigger than she is!

Of course Timothy wanted to be in at least one picture too.  He was a kind big brother letting Teresa wash her hands first and showing her how to put on her backpack--things like that.

She was a little sad upon arriving at school only because she insisted on reading a book on the way to school, but the book had fallen on the floor.  When I parked and handed her the book, we were no longer driving and she was not happy.  After a few minutes I had her calmed down and ready to go.  All the kids were sitting down for a story.  She got her name tag and joined right in.

She was the first one dismissed.  I was greeted with a huge smile and a running hug!  She had a fun day learning about germs and how to share.  She said her favorite part was the story.  What a big girl she is getting to be!

At dinner we had a special prayer and blessing for Teresa's baptism day.  And after dinner..the first day of school cake!  She has been waiting for this too.  same cake as Timothy, but with a whale and an orca.  Yummy!  We also did a little water balloon play outside.  Water balloons was our water related baptism gift. :-)