Surprise Party

During our Colorado vacation my aunt Joy mentioned wanting to have a surprise very early birthday party for Mom at the campsite.  We talked about it a little at that time then in August we started really planning.  Mom's birthday isn't actually until December but we wanted to get together at the campsite so we decided to do it in September.  Boy was she surprised!

This is Mom arriving at her surprise party.  She thought we were just going to do a little fishing with Jackson and have hot dogs for lunch.  By the time she got down there pretty much all the company had arrived.  It couldn't have worked out any better.

 Mom's birthday hat from Mary.  This was something that came about on their Alaska trip.

Tristan tried it on too!

 We had an awesome turnout!  I decided to make everything very simple and easy.  I only sent out email and "word of mouth" invites.

 We had Edgewood Locker brats, hot dogs, chips and cupcakes.  Some people did bring extra food which was most appreciated.

We had a great fire!

Mom even got some great gifts!  This one was thanks to Linda!

 While Mom and Dad were on vacation last month I even got on their email account and got some addresses of Mom's college friends.  I was so excited when I heard a few of them were able to come.  Here's Mom with Di, Sue and Roseann.

 Everyone had a good visit.

 Barb and Jackson had to get a picture in their matching sweatshirts.  Go State!

The kiddos found a caterpillar.  Jackson loved it, Alice wasn't so sure.

After a long day without his usual nap, Tristan finally tuckered out on Grandma.

It ended up being a great day!  I was so worried about the weather all week long.  It was in the 60's but with very little wind.  The fire kept us warm along with the occasional peeks of sunshine.  We pulled it off, Mom was definitely surprised!  I had never planned a surprise party before and honestly I don't know if I'll ever do one again.  Too stressful!

Tristan being Tristan.....

BIG bed!

Jackson's room before....

Jackson's room after.....

Jackson will be 4 in less than 2 weeks.  We decided to invest in some good bedroom furniture for him for his 4th birthday.  It was delivered today! 

Stay tuned to see how the first night goes....

Sunday's are Fun!

We've been trying to do some fun things as a family whenever we are both not working.  Today we decided to go to Heartland Acres in Independence.  We've been there before and had a great time.

 Jackson found a car his size!

 Tristan trying out one of the old desks

 Jackson

 Tristan

 "See, this is how you milk a cow"

The Foels' boys!

 Mommy and Tristan in front of "Big Bud", the largest tractor

The last time we were here (over a year ago) Jackson was terrified of this huge tractor!  This year he was all about getting his picture taken with it!  So proud of him!

We topped off our day by stopping at the Dairy Queen for ice cream!  Got home for supper and had fresh fish that Karsten had caught that morning!  Yum and Yum!!

Wagon Ride

For some reason lately Jackson has been begging to go on a wagon ride.  So tonight after supper we did.  The weather was beautiful so we walked around town.

 Tristan hamming it up for the camera

Cool dudes with their shades on

Go State!

My brother Mike is an Iowa State alumni and is therefore a huge fan.  He has always kept my children well dressed in ISU attire.  I could really care less about college sports when it comes down to it but it is kinda fun to watch occasionally.  I recently informed Mike that Jackson has outgrown all of his cyclone clothes so of course Uncle Mike went shopping.  Today is the big Iowa vs Iowa State football game so my boys were dressed appropriately.

 If you can't make it out it says "Cy is my hero".  He also got a very nice red hooded sweatshirt.

 Go State!

Tristan in one of his cyclone shirts.

Good luck ISU!

Tristan gets moved up!

Today was a big day for The Tristanmeister.....he got moved up to the Toddler Room at daycare!  No more baby room for this guy!  The toddler room has ages 18 months to 3 years.  I've been patiently waiting for daycare to move him up, I just felt he was getting a little bored in the infant room and was ready to play with the "big kids".

So far so good!  His new teachers report that he is doing well and is even able to "keep up" with the other (older) children.  Yay T-Man!!

Labor Day

Karsten and I both had to work some over Labor Day weekend, he on Saturday morning and me on Labor Day.  So Sunday was the only day we both had off and could enjoy some time with family.  The boys and I went to church in the morning, after we got home we took off for Marquette to check out the flea market.  We don't typically buy anything but we do enjoy walking around looking at stuff.  We grabbed some easy lunch from the Boy Scout stand and walked over by the river to eat and watch the boats, one of our favorite things to do.  That was followed by our 2nd favorite thing....throwing rocks in the water!

 Jackson is pointing at the little tugboat

 Mommy and her boys

 T-Man taking a rest on some rocks

Jackson in mid throw

As I said above, we usually don't buy anything from the flea market....except of course for kettle corn!  This is a favorite of everybody.  Yummmm

Tristan didn't want to let go of that yummy kettle corn...

After getting home in the afternoon, we decided to invite the grandmas over for supper.  My dad was gone to Canada fishing and Shirley was leaving for vacation soon as well so we thought it was a good idea to have them both over.  We had a impromptu supper of chili followed by some conversation and the usual laughing at the boys.  Happy Labor Day!

Hmmm....

Tonight Jackson says to me  "I don't throw up do I Mom?", "Jackson's don't throw up".  I had no idea where this thought came from but I tried to tell him that yes, everybody throws up from time to time including Jackson's.  About 5 minutes later he comes walking into the kitchen where I was having some late supper.  He's holding his abdomen and he says "Mom, I think I'm going to throw up".  Well he didn't, and I never did get the story behind this, I assume somebody from daycare either vomited or was talking about it.  You just never know what kids are going to listen to and then repeat!