Homestead National monument field trip

Nebraska history class went to Beatrice, NE to visit the Homestead monument. It was a special treat because Alex joined us. He's been traveling to do several advances for the Presidential campaign. The class was tasked with a scavenger hunt to earn a Jr. Ranger badge. The kids participated in staking their land claim, toured a schoolhouse and heard rangers discuss the importance of bison to the indians.

Pooley's pumpkin patch field trip

Discovery group enjoyed at a brisk harvest morning at Pooley's pumpkin patch in Bennington. First we played on the tractor tire swing, the boys tossed a football with the dads, we held Rhode Island red baby chicks, and picked out pumpkins. The corn maze was fun to run through too. Fall weather has been fabulous in Nebraska, we love getting outside.

Lightning volleyball

Hunter got to play Lightning volleyball. The girls practiced hard and traveled around the city to play games. Bump, set, spike is the PAL league way to play. They were all smiles on picture day. Go Lightning! Great job, Hunter #4! We loved watching you play and improve your skills.

Scorpions flag football

This fall Elliot was able to play flag football. Coach Myers put together a team of fine young boys from the Discovery group. Elliot loves to play football with Dad anytime. Being on the team and running plays was super exciting too. At the end of the season the sidelines were filled with cheering fans at the Dusk Bowl. Thanks Coach Myers and other dads for coaching the boys.

October birthdays #3

It's the 31st and we're on our way to Big Lake State Park to camp all weekend. The weather is fantastic, at least 70 degrees, amazing for N. Missouri in late Oct. KC folks are meeting us there. Alex is working, bummer we will miss him. On his way from Iowa to the next advance in Columbia, MO he's stopping by the campsite.
We are celebrating Mom's birthday with carving pumpkins, camp fires, roasting marshmallows, pumpkin pie (birthday cake) and cowboy stew. Bobbing for apples was very challenging and funny. Plus a 10 mile bike riding trip around Squaw Creek to see wildlife. Spotting the bald eagles perched in the tallest leafless trees was spectacular. Grandpa wore us out on that trip. So glad Pat and Mom were driving the sag wagon. Thanks for rescuing us!
Happy birthday, Mom. Thanks for all you do. We love you very much.

October birthdays #2

Alex was able to get off work for Elliot's birthday. Yeah! We traveled to St Louis to see Kathy. She planned a pumpkin patch birthday party. Elliot requested a purple halloween cake and Kathy delivered in a big way.
On our return trip we got to see G & G and Aunt Tracy. Whoa! The nerf guns are so sweet. Elliot is looking forward to many battles. Happy 9th birthday, Elliot. We're so proud of the young man you're growing into. Thanks for making us laugh and challenging us with your questions. Keep thinking and figuring things out. You add so much fun to our family.

October birthdays

We celebrated Alex's birthday when he came home from Iowa. The '08 campaign has been long and we'll be especially glad when it's over. Since Alex wasn't home for his birthday we sent him a birthday e-mail photo to his blackberry. Happy Birthday, Alex. We love you.