Glen Carbon Fall Fest

Braden was asked by Jackson to go to his Fall Fest at his school.  Of course Braden agreed!  He had a blast and was so happy to get to spend time with his "Bro" since they don't get to see each other as much during the school year as they do in the summer!  Thanks to Jaycie and Randy for taking him and snapping these adorable photos!

He got a Phineas face painting!

Cheesin' it up!

He scratched off his face paint so that he could go get gory at the Wacky Hospital!  He's supposed to look like he fell off the Eiffel Tower!

Families ROC Star 5k

There is an annual event that we attend for the Families Run for Ovarian Cancer.  It's a 5k that goes through Forest Park.  I've run more than a handful of 5ks and this one is by far the most difficult course I've done.  St. Louis is far hillier than people give it credit for...well except for the people who live on "The Hill."  They probably knew it was hilly...anyway, I digress.  We went with all of the kids to Forest Park on Sunday morning to meet up with Team Tracie and Teal We Find a Cure.  I ran it the past two years, so this was my third go at it.  Dustin ran it last year for the first time.  This year was my mom's first official 5k race.  We had a large group who attended in Tracie's memory.  What a great way to remember her and raise money for the silent killer that is Ovarian Cancer.

The theme was "Rock," so at corners throughout the race there were stars such as: Elvis, ZZ Top, and the Beatles.  After the race there were bounce houses, beer, food, and raffle prizes and baskets.  We had a lot of fun, but it was also bittersweet to remember just a year and a half ago when Tracie was there with us.  I can tell you from experience that it is difficult to run when you get a little "verklempt."  There were quotes along the race route, and one in particular got to me, "The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep." - Robert Frost.

I finished the race in pretty good time, just seconds behind Dustin and Sarah and seconds before Daniel, PD, and a few minutes before Mom.  I look forward to running again next year and bringing attention to this particular cancer that has become close to our hearts.

Baby Ethan Visits

A few weeks ago, I babysat for Ethan.  I wasn't sure how the kids would do with him, but it all worked out!  At first, Avery was a little jealous of the baby bottle-sitting on my lap-feeding situation with Ethan, but by the end of the day she was much better!  Ethan was great and let me kiss his chubby cheeks as much as I wanted (which was a lot).  It made me realize how much my "baby" isn't really a "baby" anymore :( 

The kids loved his visit and Braden couldn't wait until he got home from school to see Ethan before Aunt Lissa came to get him.  Can't wait to visit with him again soon!

Kendall hanging with Baby Ethan after their naps.

I think he's done a photo shoot before!

CHEEKS!!  He looks a lot like his daddy (whose cheeks I also squeezed when he was a baby).

Baby Ethan and Giant Baby Avery

Fall Soccer Time!

Braden didn't play soccer last spring, so he signed up for the fall session.  He is really enjoying it...and he's pretty good!  This time he has a weekly practice along with his Saturday game.  My camera isn't high quality, so his motion shots are less than stellar, but I think you get the gist of it :)

I was trying to get one of Braden, but Avery loves to cheese it up and wouldn't leave until I took her picture.

Ready to roll!

He's a serious player!

Kendall looking crazy and Avery thinking her sister looks crazy :)

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.