Pumpkin Patch

This year there was a Pumpkin Patch close by our house. Every time we drove by it Addie begged to get out and pick a pumpkin! Finally Malea called and said she was going so we decided to tag along. The boys were gone hunting so it worked out perfect. Addie loved everything about the patch. She loved the train ride, the pretend horse, the teeter-tater, the goats, sheep and big goose, and she loved picking her pumpkin! Carlee was an angel as usual. She just sat in her stroller watching everyone go by. I couldn't ask for a better baby! (Other than she has found her voice and yells at everyone now! Ha!)  It was a fun evening spent with my girls. :)

The Famous Pumpkin Picture

 

The kids are always thrilled the day I tell them it's time to go take our Pumpkin Picture! They almost sprint to the car all giddy inside because they get to do their most favorite thing of all.... take another picture! NOT! 

Well, no matter how they got to the car, and how much complaining was involved, we got it done for another year! I love them and I guess that is all that matters. I even went back and looked at all of them from previous years. This is only our fourth time doing it, and I am so glad I started. It is crazy to see the changes in each of them from year to year. I thought you might like to see too... here is a look back at the pumpkin pictures of the past... 

{2008}

{2009}

{2010}

Anyone notice what all these pictures have in common beside the pumpkins??? That brown shirt has been in every one of the them! Wow, I must like it or something! Ha! :)

Bull Valley

{October 15th, 2011}

October 15th might just seem like any other day to most, but if you are a member of the Dutchman Ranch, this day sticks out in your mind.  It might even stick out more to Dutchman Cowboys than say, their own birthday, anniversary, or maybe even Christmas! Yes this is a big day. This is the day all the cattle have to be off the forest permit. Lucky for us, the 15th landed on a Saturday this year and Landon had a football bye week. Landon convinced Grandpa Randy that he would take care of Ol' Blue, so he could go out and ride with his dad. I can't think of a better experience than spending a Saturday on the back of a horse with your dad. Landon is one lucky cowboy!

We (Me, Grandpa Randy, and the rest of the kids) rode out in the afternoon to see how things were going and then grab dinner at Marv's. I love Bull Valley. It is so peaceful and smells so good.  I don't get a chance to go as much as I used to, I guess it makes me appreciate the beauty more when I am there. Landon had a ball all day. Everyone told me he was a born cowboy! I think so too! He and Blue got along great, which I knew they would.

Even though I sometimes get frustrated with the cows and the time it takes to take care of them. It's days like today that I realize how grateful I am for them. Gavin really loves being a Cowboy and I am thankful he is little by little teaching our children to love it too.

Pinewood Derby

{October 6th, 2011}

The Pinewood Derby was a new to the Frei house. This was our first year and we had to call in the "expert!" Thanks to Uncle Lex, Landon was able to race a car on race-day! Lex cut the wood, then Landon sanded and painted it himself. Lex got it weighted just right and put on the wheels and we were ready to go! Landon did win a heat, but didn't place in the end. He was okay with it and still loved his car. Thanks Lex for all your help, we couldn't have done it without you!

My Little Cheerleader

{September 30th, 2011}

Addie is a total girl, there is no denying it. She loves shoes, purses, lip gloss and... Cheerleading! When I told her it was time to go to the Cheerleaders clinic again, she was very excited! It makes me smile, because I can just see it in her eyes she is having a ball yelling:

SC Warriors like an alligator,

going to chomp.. you.. up!

or
Warrior Nation....

Warrior Nation....

She did great! It was a fun night at the football game, despite the Football team losing and Carlee not being the best spectator. I am beginning to remember all the joys of a toddler. Sigh... 

Swiss Days

{September 24th, 2011}

Swiss Days is always a fun weekend. This year I ran the 5K again. I was a little bummed out that Paul beat me, but I'll get him next year! As he passed me he told me not to worry, it wasn't a competition! Easy for him to say, as he blew by me like I was standing still! At least I am back running again, right?!

The Reber's (thanks Lex, Ryon and Mom for getting it all ready) put the 10 Wheeler in the parade and we rode and threw candy. It was fun to be with cousins and wave to all our friends and neighbors. Then we went back and had lunch at Grandma's. I love my family and are so thankful we have these opportunities to be together and make memories. Side note... Gavin and Landon were gone beating Pine View at the football game! Hopefully one of these years our football game isn't scheduled at the exact same time as the parade!

Carlee's One!

{September 22, 2011}

My Sweet baby has turned one! I know what you are thinking, she can't be one yet! Wasn't she just born? Didn't I just see their Christmas Card and she was tiny? Has she even had a chance to even roll over or sit up yet? Yes, it's hard to believe my baby is one, trust me I know...

Since this is my last First Birthday Party, I decided to get a little more creative! I had seen a tiny party while blog stalking one day and since Carlee is pretty tiny, the planning began!

We had tiny sandwiches, tiny fruit kabobs on toothpicks, tiny treats, even tiny cupcakes and ice cream cones (forgot to get a picture of the ice cream, oops!) plus lots more!

I decided tiny things are fun to eat, and maybe (just maybe) not quite as much fun to make! ;)

And, this tiny girl was the star of the show! Thank you to everyone who came and made her birthday so much fun! Happy First Birthday Carlee Jane!! I love you so much!