Forget-Me-Nots

Just wanted to jot a few things down before my diminishing memory prevails once again.

Ella will now sleep ON TOP of her bedspread at night because she doesn't want to "mess it up," while I am thinking the only reason she does it is so she doesn't have to make her bed in the morning.  =)

Brock wants to be "hot" like Justin Beiber because "all of the girls think he's hot," and he doesn't know what makes him so "hot."  *sigh*

And last but not least, I love the way the kids sing along to James Taylor when we are driving, and they always ask for me to play JT whenever we get in the suburban.  Their love for James is just as strong as mine.   

Oh, and Ella punched Brock in the eye tonight because he was teasing her.  Wait...I mean, hitting is wrong. 

Apples Everywhere!

I have a set of magnets on the fridge, and the kids know not to mess with the pretty magnets.  When Ella was trying to get something from the top of the fridge, she accidentally knocked a magnet down and broke it.  I was working in our bedroom as she came in with crocodile tears and told me what she did.  She was so sad, and I told her that it was okay but just to be careful next time.  I told her to put the pieces on the counter and I could glue them back together.  When I went downstairs, I found this:

She taped the magnet back together the way it was supposed to go and put it back on the fridge.  I contemplated taking off the tape so that I can glue it, but I think I prefer the taped version better.  What a sweetheart. 

Our Apple-Themed Projects

Apple Smiles
(Hey, Left Corner -- you got somethin' in your teeth!)

Apple Trees

Apple Rolling

This is what the kids look forward to doing each morning before school:

They ride their bikes on the deck chasing each other to see who can get the baby out of the back of the bike.

First Day of Dance

Today was Ella's first day at dance class.  She has been talking about dance class for the last year and a half.  Now the moment has arrived, and she is so pumped.  She absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back.

The Way to My Heart

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

My slice always has to be huge with LOTS of whipped cream!

Chad's friend at work makes cheesecakes, and he was ever-so gracious to make a vanilla bean (my fav!) for Chad.  After work on Friday, he came home and surprised me with the sweet treat.  Needless to say, it only managed to last three days until I was scraping at the container.  So delicious!  Thnx, Honey! ❤

Brock's Accomplishment

On September 6th, Brock finally got what he has been dreaming of for so long...

The Tooth Fairy left him a dollar under his pillow, which is a far cry from what he was expecting. 

Brock:  "I bet the Tooth Fairy is going to leave a million bucks!  Or maybe even a DS 3D!"

I guess the tooth fairy is more generous than he/she was in my day when a quarter was left under my pillow.

Big Belly and Little Baby

Catchin' Toads

Brock found two keeper toads -- Big Belly and Little Baby.

 

They have become part of the family (even though they are still in a bucket that stays outside).  Brock makes sure he finds them food on a daily basis.  He also ensures that they stay clean and have clean bedding.  He is in the midst of "training" Big Belly.  

Brock:  "Mom, I really love my toads."

Ella takes care of them while Brock changes their bedding.

Bath Time

Brock and Big Belly

Finding Food

Papa's Surprise 60th

For my dad's 60th birthday, the Hiller family planned a surprise bash for him in honor of his glorious 60 years.  The party was a success, and a big THANK YOU to all that helped in the planning process and for those of you who attended. 

The Surprise

(Papa's exact words were, "Holy sh*t!"

The Decor

We had the Husker Tunnel Walk playing as he entered through the tunnel in the garage.  It was a sight to see with all of the guests clapping and cheering. 

The Cakes

Velcro Shoe -- We Adore You!

The Gifts

The bottom pic is of Papa throwing Maddie's confetti that she had made for him.

It only took one breath.  I think we were all surprised by that.

 

The After Party Begins

The After-After Party

By late evening (or should I say the beginning of morning), everyone had been thrown in the pool, had a boat party on land, did A LOT of Indian wrestling, and had cake and frosting thrown at them in one way or another.  Excellent party!

The Next Morning

Sophie:  "Don't mess with me!  I'm tatted!"

The Kids "Swimming"
(It was cold)

Milk Forget-Me-Not

When Brock came home from a friend's house, he insistently had to tell me about their refrigerator and how cool it was because of the external buttons for water and ice.  In the most serious voice, he says, "Mom, there was a button for ice-cold water and TWO buttons for ice."  As his expression saddens a bit, he says, "I wish there was a 'milk' button."  Keep in mind that his drink of choice is milk (not chocolate), and he always comes home from school wishing he could have two cartons of milk for lunch.