Security Guards

Our guys decided to go on a security patrol of Nan and Gran's house while they were in China. We couldn't resist snapping a few photos. The sunglasses are courtesy of Uncle Ben.

Cousin Time

The Wilhelmi Boys and the Elliott Boys love each other like brothers. They are really 3rd cousins, but we won't point that out to them. They always have a great time hanging out. This time was no exception. While I was participating in the 3-day for the Cure, the guys were having a little cousin time.

3-day for the Cure

J's mom and aunts decided to do the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure this November. This cause is near and dear to their hearts, as they have been touched by breast cancer twice within their immediate family. Annie Klein, their mother, lost her battle with breast cancer in 1991, and Trish is a recent breast cancer survivor.

J and I decided to join this lively group for the Dallas walk. Our childcare situation changed, and I became the walker for our family. I was honored to walk with them. What an experience! We raised over $15,000 for breast cancer research and learned so very much along the way. Thank you, Ladies, for allowing me to join you. It was the best 60 miles I ever walked!

Halloween

Halloween was fast and furious. It seemed like we were rushing to get ready, rushing to join friends for trick-or-treating, and rushing to get ready for bed.

The boys certainly enjoyed themselves, and K had the candy to prove it. After we were back home we had to have a chat about being a polite trick-or-treater and only taking one piece of candy at each house. He says that is what he did, but his candy tells another story!

Here's to hoping next year Halloween will move at a slower pace.

Boppy's Birthday

Mighty still LOVES his Boppy. At times Boppy takes on a human persona and other times he is just a blankie. For his birthday this year, Boppy was definitely a participating member of our family.

On October 28, Boppy celebrated his 2nd birthday (he is really 3 and we have no idea when his "birthday" really is). We had a birthday celebration complete with candles and singing.

Happy Birthday, Boppy!

Guys Read Meets Phil Bildner

The 4th and 5th grade Guys Read members were invited to have lunch with Phil Bildner for the second year in a row. It is always fun to watch the boys interact with such an energetic and fun author.

Pumpkin Patch

Fall is definitely one of my favorite times of year, and our trip to the pumpkin patch always brings a smile to my face. Some years are more trying than others. This year was awesome for several reasons. Our boys are getting easier to photograph. The pumpkin selection was good...everyone got a pumpkin exactly the "right" size and shape, which made our trip a quick one. Life was good.

See Jane Run...Or Not

A group of my friends decided to train for and run a new half marathon in the Austin area. We trained and were ready for the big day. Unfortunately the first rain of the draught arrived on the morning of our race. The lightning and thunderstorms brought our running plans to a quick halt. The race was cancelled.

Leslie had planned on having a runner celebration at her house that night. We just had to change the title. It was a "We Tried to Run a Half Marathon" party. Sweet Rachel, 5, made medals for us, and we wore them proudly.

A Good Night's Sleep

Mighty fights sleep every single night, but when he is out, he is out.

All I Want for Christmas...

Have you ever seen a happier boy about losing a tooth? JC is a late bloomer on losing teeth. Most of his classmates have lost 7 or 8 teeth, while our guy had only lost 3. Lots of people make comments about wanting two front teeth for Christmas, but I think he is content just like this. All he wants for Christmas is a Lego Star Wars set.

2nd Grade Musical

I wish we had taken more pictures of JC's musical. He loves to sing and dance, but he never wants to perform in the school musical. This year he took us by surprise...he sang, danced, and smiled the entire time. Next year we'll do a better job of capturing the moment.

Anniversary Shoes

The week of our anniversary I mentioned to the boys that they would have a sitter on Saturday so mom and dad could have a date. Mighty was full of questions. When I told him it was our anniversary, his face looked a little worried. He said, "Mom, I'm going to need some new anniversary shoes. My old ones don't fit!" It took a little explaining for him to understand the difference between weddings and anniversaries. Luckily, his "anniversary shoes" can wait until the next big family event.

The boys did, however, get dressed up to serve us an anniversary meal. Too cute!

Mighty's 1st Day at COP

One week later, Mighty kept the tradition. One finger for the first day at his new pre-school.

1st Day of School Traditions

For us, the first day of school is all about traditions. We always take a picture on our front porch. The boys hold up one finger to indicate the first day of school and the other hand shows the grade they are beginning. (Not sure what we'll do when we move beyond 5th grade!) We also have a two year tradition of making first day of school cupcakes. This is one I look forward to and hope we continue for many years. I get the cupcakes ready while the boys are at school. We have cupcakes for an after school snack and talk about the day. Just writing this warms my heart. Thanks, Boys, for the memories! I love you!