Lessons in HIstory

We were reading about Charles I of England and the text said that he was a tyrant. Garett was very curious about what that word meant. I explained that it was someone who had total power and control and ruled with complete authority. Before I could get to the rest of the definition- he blurted out, "Oh, like you and Dad." He was totally serious.

The boys had a friend over to play this week and they decided to play war. Tate was a captain for Italy, Garett was a general for Poland and they were trying to attack Germany. I thought it was very cute.

Marissa came waltzing into the bathroom looking, well, just like me. It was hilarious. So, I made Tate take a picture of us. It might be the only time in history this happens- she will one day be too cool to look like me!

Tate was very proud of his two step word problem that he color-coded. He wanted me to take his picture and then save the dry erase board to show to Dad.

We got to go on a tour of the police station in Crystal Lake, IL. Oh, super cool! We got to visit the call room where all the 911 calls are received. We also visited the evidence room and the prison cells. I love field trips!

Tate is a sweet boy who will do whatever I ask. This is a picture of him reading to Marissa.

A picture of our family at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Garett's expression was a little less than happy because he was "thirsty".

Garett, wearing his new hat that Momo gave him, gives Marissa a ride at the zoo.

Mom and Andy came to visit last week. This is a picture of them with the kids at Outback.

This is Garett, Number 1, running through the "Breakthrough Banner".

Tate got to be the first to run through the "Breakthrough Banner" at Homecoming for the Bulldogs. He was actually a little nervous about it. It was so exciting. They have loved football. They were the only undefeated team until Saturday, when they lost their first game. They were good sports.

A rubber band gun for Garett from San Antonio.

Dad brought Tate a bow and arrow as a souvenir from The Alamo.

Dad brought MissyLou a cowgirl hat from Texas.

Marissa is getting great at writing her very favorite name...her own!

My friend, Dawn, came in from Colorado. This is a picture of us eating in downtown Chicago at Maggiano's.

"Don't eat my pickles!"

Garett and Marissa going to HEART together. This was Marissa's first day. Garett is holding a picture that he wanted to show his art class of an Egyptian pharoh that he did last year at Young Rembrandts.

Marissa, after having a "Mommy Makeover". You can see her sparkly eyes, right?

Marissa peeling her apple with an old fashioned apple peeler.

Marissa eating an apple at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Crystal Lake on Saturday. The little boy is her friend, Ben.

Free piano

My free piano to anyone who wants it. It needs a home on October 11th.

Grandma Button with Tate and Garett

The kids went to our pear tree and plucked off every edible pear to make the most fabulous pear crisp. Here is a picture of them enjoying it!

Marissa made her own birthday cake. It was as yummy as it was beautiful. Tate really felt like she needed a "5" birthday candle- so he bought her one with his own money as a birthday gift!

This is Marissa holding the teddy bears her "boys" got her for her birthday!

Threats

I was typing on the computer and Marissa decided to attach her arms to my arms (while I'm typing) so that I'll stop typing and get her a snack. She realized this was not working to sufficiently distract me. So she finally said, "Well, if you don't get me a snack I'll fart right here." Am I raising a lady or what?

Driving to the lake

Garett holding our homemade cinnamon rolls which were fabulous.