The Great Flood

Okay, so it wasn't THAT bad, but it wasn't great either.  We heard a noise that sounded like something was running.  We couldn't pinpoint the source until we (I) checked downstairs.  It's a little unnerving when you see water pouring out of light fixtures and down the walls of your finished basement.  Thankfully, my mom works for our insurance company and could help us get someone lined up to help right away.  The company was great and they did a fantastic job.  We are now in the process of fixing the floor and trim and other things that were ruined during the waterfest downstairs.

Water soaking up the ceiling and dripping down the wall :(

Water obviously dripping around the ceiling and down into the wall.  Pocket door wouldn't even close.

Randomness

Here are just a few photos of the kiddos from random stuff in September:

Braden got this Yoda marshmallow sucker from his bro, Jackson.  He loved looking at it, but it doesn't actually taste that good!

Avery at Goshen Skate Night!

Daddy and Kendall skating.  Somehow, I didn't get a picture of Braden.  He must have been skating too fast :)

Winery Getaway...or 9 year Best Friends Anniversary

The weekend of September 11th we headed to Hermann, MO to visit the wineries.  This was our fifth trip there, the Rodgers' second visit, but our first together.  We had been planning this trip for months (when you have three kids you have to plan that far ahead for an overnight sitter!).  We were looking for a reason to go when Jaycie and I realized that it had been 9 years since we had met at work and became attached at the hip ;)  That became our "reason" for dragging our husbands to B&B country!  We ate a leisurely dinner at our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant, Chevy's, on Friday after dropping off our kids.  On Saturday, we started out bright and early.  We stopped to eat at Cracker Barrel and then did a little outlet shopping in Wentzville before reaching our final destination.  We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather!  It started out a little rainy, but cleared up and was a nice temperature for the whole day!  We started at our FAVORITE winery, Adam Puchta.  We purchased quite a few bottles there since you can't buy them in Illinois.  Apparently, Hermann also has a brewery called Tin Mill Brewery that the guys HAD to visit.  Samples were purchased and drank before we headed to Hermannhoff Winery to sample their wares and have a little lunch.  We were able to sit out on the patio area, share some lunch and enjoy a bottle of "liquid sunshine" as the lady who sold it called it!  From there it was time to check in at our Bed and Breakfast.  Up, Up, and Away was a very nice place!  We were in the "loft" suite so it had two bedrooms, a living area, breakfast nook, and bathroom.  The house also boasted a nice deck area (which we took advantage of later in the evening).  After dropping off our luggage, we headed back out to taste the wines at Stone Hill.  That place was packed!  We tasted all the wines, but only bought a bottle to drink while we were there since you can purchase most of those wines at our local grocery store.  We did, however, purchase some very nice glasses to commemorate the occasion!  After the bottle was finished, we tried out some of the local establishments.  One in particular was called "The Bank."  Clever name!  We stopped there, enjoyed more beverages, and then it was time to find some food!  We ate at Wings-a-Blazin'.  The food was good, but there was SO much that we couldn't finish it all!  Back to the B&B we went.  Yet another bottle of wine was shared on the back deck.  We met another couple staying there for the weekend.  Young "kids" we called them since they were only 22.  The bed was calling our name, so we got to sleep.  The next morning we were served a delicious breakfast and then attended mass at St. George's in downtown Hermann.  They had a visiting priest who was FANTASTIC!  With church over, all the wineries visited, and our car packed, we headed home.  What a great, relaxing weekend!!!

 The fellas at Adam Puchta.

A good picture of us (taken by Jaycie).

A great shot of the four of us...take by the bartender :)

I loved this sign.  In hindsight, I should have bought it!  Instead, I made Jaycie hold it so I could take a picture.

Enjoying some lunch at Hermannhoff.

My handsome hubby!

Up, Up, and Away Bed & Breakfast.

The photo Nazi.

Hugging it up at Stone Hill.

All teeth.

Token winery picture.

Our token winery picture.

Obviously enjoying ourselves!

Awesome wine glasses!!

Laughing it up...pretty sure I was sinking into the dirt.

Now that's a keeper!

Stopping at The Bank to get a drink!

Our bedroom at the B&B.

Sitting area.

Cardinals...again!

We have been so blessed to have been able to attend quite a few Cardinal's games this year.  Each time I've gone we've had some "perks" that Dustin and I wouldn't have normally gotten to enjoy.  We sat super close and had our own a/c bar and bathroom when we went with Scott & Sarah.  We got to sit in the Champion's Club with a/c, free food and drinks and a decent view from our BLA tickets.  This time, we were treated to a suite which includes a/c (not needed on this beautiful day), free food, free beer, and a great view of home plate!  The Cards didn't win the game, but we had a great time hanging with Jaycie and Randy!  Thanks for inviting us :)

Jaycie and Randy

Dustin and me

By the PNC sign!

BFFs!!

Sickies

Last Sunday/Monday Avery started to feel a little under the weather.  On Monday, Kendall ran a fever that lasted about 24 hours.  Avery's fever started on Monday and was on and off for about 7 days.  Her nose is STILL running!  Hopefully we're over the worst of it!  No one likes it when their babies are sick, but I also dislike running around and trying to wipe a baby nose before she decides to use the carpet, couch, pillow, or my leg as her tissue! 

It was pure torture for her to have to sit on the couch all day.  Wish that was my problem :)

Smiley, but still sick!

On the mend...

Getting some lovin' from Avery.  She LOVES her some Braden!

Beautiful Days!

The weather has been so hot this summer that we haven't had as much time to play outside as we normally do.  Last Sunday the weather was so great!  We played outside in the yard for a while and then decided to do some sidewalk chalk and play some frisbee.  I can't wait for more "fall" weather...it's my favorite time of the year!

She kept running away (not a surprise really) and I had to chase her around to make sure she didn't fall off the stairs!

There she goes again!

Stomping on bugs.  Pretty brave of her considering her irrational fear of them.

Frisbee champs!

Aunt Bethany - Super Sitter!

On the last Saturday of August Dustin headed out to the Teal We Find a Cure Golf Benefit.  Unfortunately, on that same day when I was on Mommy Duty, Uncle Nana called to see if I could babysit.  He was in a bind, so I agreed.  I'll tell you what, 5 kids ages 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 can really wear you out!!  I made sure we did lots of fun activities so that everyone was too busy to bicker.  It worked!  They colored, played play-doh, ate snacks, watched movies, played water table, sidewalk chalk, swings, slides, hula-hoops, jump ropes, and bubbles!  By the time my wonderful hubby came home with Bobby's Custard for me, I was wiped.  But it was a fun day and the cousins all enjoyed playing together :)

Addy Lee

Miss Amelia

Kendall Grace cheesin' it up!

All smiles from Braden!

Avery enjoying some mac-n-cheese!

The whole lunch crew!