We had a busy week and we just didn't want to miss anything. Thursday we celebrated the grand opening of the new Barnes and Noble store at Woodland. IT IS HUGE! You all know we love books SO MUCH! We also had the good fortune to meet Arthur and DW. Christian was enthralled! He couldn't stop hugging them and giving them high fives. At one point during the storytime, Christian went right up and sat on Arthur's lap. It was precious.

Friday afternoon we rested and then headed up to Kettle Lake for their fall celebration. They had a cute "magic show" the kids enjoyed then different booths and events. Scott was in charge of the kids while I manned the face painting booth for an hour or so. Scott came straight from work (dressed in his nicest pants and a dry-clean-only sweater) he was less than thrilled to fight the crowds and be malled by our three kids and their extremely sticky caramel apples! Needless to say I made a trip to the dry cleaner this week. :) The kids had fun and were all sugared-up when we got home. However, we needed to celebrate Scott's bday since we were leaving early in the morning for our weekend away with friends and WINE! Here are some pictures of the kids and Scott's celebration.

Presents the kids wrapped!

and unwrapped!

No cake just a small pan or brownies and trust me---the kids didn't need any MORE sugar.

I wasn't great at manning the camera on our extremely fun weekend on the Leelanau peninsula. We stopped at 8 wineries and had many laughs during our time away. We were all thrilled to enjoy dinner without having to cut up children's food. Even though the dining experience wasn't top of the line the food and company couldn't be beat!

Tailgating half-way through our tour. We loved the variety of wines and the fact

that we didn't have to worry about our kiddos! Mawby's Fizz experience!

The ladies

Sunday morning we slept in, enjoyed brunch, and then took the pontoon on a fall color tour around the lake. It was chilly but beautiful!

Did I mention it was a little wet?

Our cottage on Long Lake!

Carving Pumpkins with the Heyboers

We had a wonderful tradition with our dear friends the Heyboers of getting together for dinner monthly and doing something fun with the kids....well as our families grew and as nursing babies needed us more, we failed in our attempts to connect frequently. But since we now (on our good days) think we have our families of 5 under control, have tried gathering more frequently again. We are so grateful for our good friends and the friendships among the kids. Last Wednesday(the 21st), We had a perfect fall afternoon for playing outside while dinner brewed in the crock pot. I did have to put two leaves in the dining room table to accomodate all ten of us! The more the merrier, right? The kids are getting old enough to entertain themselves (thank heaven's) so the adults could socialize. Brooke and Ella are the best of friends tending to all their girly giggles, babies, and dress up. Luke and Carter scrimmaged around the backyard playing soccer and hanging out on the playset. Colt and Christian played inside. Christian was enamoured with the "baby" and kept bringing him oodles of toys and entertainment.
We carved outside this year--BRILLANT! Kel and I couldn't decide who was having more fun--the kids or the dads? Here are some shots from their creative carving.

Brooke was very serious about handling the utensils safely.

Christian getting a little poke in.
Ah-HA!

Proud Carter

Carter was so proud of the face he thought out on his own.

Luke with his creation.

The finished pumpkins. And the girlies

Spook-tacular!

Can you see our little "ghost"?

Up next: Oktoberfest at Kettle Lake on Friday, Scott's bday on Saturday, and we are headed up north for an adult's weekend of wine tasting and staying in a cottage on Long Lake with friends from church. (YIppeeee!)

Pics

Ok- at the ripe age of 18 months..this little guy is "instigator extradinare"! He is wise beyond his year in his ability to push just the right button with impecable timing for both older siblings. I had to snap these shots...note the headphones-Ella's note the books-stolen from Carter! Sheeze, what a stinker and he is SOOO CUTE in doing so! Cue the evil laugh!........

Playing at the park

"bow-ing"

All hands on deck for this shot. Mom says, "don't let go of him!"

Exploring down by the river

Two of my monkeys

Fun at Wildwood Family Farms

Ella +the kitten + Brooke= inseperable

Ella and Luke picking corn

Kelly and Colton on the hayride

Decorating pumpkins in the warm greenhouse

Sunday at Fallsburg Park

Hi there strangers

I know I haven't been exactly "Johnny on the spot" with posting on the blog lately. I spend time on the computer, just most of it consists of school work these days! The school year is off to a good start, I continue to stay busy adjusting to the new school, new staff, and new students.
I am thankful to say that I am finally feeling better! I am not 100% yet, but it is greatly improved. WOW! I haven't been sick that that in a very long time...thank goodness. I still have an occasional cough and tiredness that creeps up on me. To my faithful readers, you all know that I had set the goal to run a half marathon this fall (actually today) and due to the 'crud' I was sad to miss it this morning, but knew that I wasn't at the level I was this summer. I did have a glorious 5 mile run yesterday. The scenery was magnificent and the temps were a touch chilly! I felt strong enough to keep going...which is a huge improvement.
The family has been busy! Christian's vocabulary is growing leaps and bounds daily. He cracks us up because we all call him our little parrot. He copies the kids now too. His key phrase for the weekend was, "I want it!"
Carter hit a huge milestone a few weeks back. One that any "with it" mom would have paid a huge tribute to by writing up a page long post the Monday it happened. Early one Monday morning (with no prompting mind you) he announced over breakfast that he "weally didn't need his Mac and Paci anymore, cuz I'm a big guy." I went with it! I scooped it up and "package it" for our friend's baby Morgan. He had a few tears that night at bedtime and at one point claimed, " I change-ed my mind!" But with a little encouragement he did it and never looked back. Wow! He is so amazing. Last night we ventured out to his favorite restaurant- Applebee's to celebrate. He was so grown up and matter of fact at the reason for celebration. It was heartwarming to see him so happy!

We had a fun filled weekend of outdoor activities. Friday afternoon we went to a park close by to enjoy the sunshine and colors. Saturday we ran over to the Heyboer's for fall fun---hayride included! Sunday we went to church, had fun making caramel corn and then headed to Fallsburg Park in Lowell. It was a great weekend. I have many pictures to download and I will try to post them soon.
Scott and I are counting down the days this week. Next weekend we are headed up North to enjoy a weekend with friends and participate in wine tasting. Yipee!

Updates photos

Check out our family pictures at chellemoroz.com Click on portraits and then click on the tiny word proofing in the upper left hand corner. Our password is moorlag. We only have a week to decide on which ones we want. Thankfully (and surpisingly) we have many to choose from. Let us know what you think. Have a great week.

The pictures to go with the last post

Here are a few pictures from our Sunday trip downtown, G.R. There were a few people with us. But is was very cool. Except trying to steer the double stroller through the crowds.

One set of paper airplanes being launched.

Falling like confetti

Of course, we had to work our way up to the launching of the purple airplanes.

The "few" people I mentioned.

Enjoying a snack down by the riverwalk.

What a ham!

Table on top of bridge

The very cool, very crowded Lockness Monster