Who is more excited???

Who is more excited about going to Disney World???? I actually think that I am more excited than the kids. I have read so many websites, bought a book and just can't stop planning our vacation. Have I ever mentioned that I am QUITE the planner? Wow, this is a great vacation to plan. I just can't wait to see how much fun the kids and Brett will have. We have never taken the kids there before and just can't wait for Caitlin to meet the princesses, Madison to celebrate her 6th birthday there and Blake to finally go to Sea World.

Here is just a sweet picture of my little princess. Her smile just melts my heart.

cousins, campfires, amazing weather = AWESOME weekend

Chad, Shannon and crew came down to spend the weekend. It was beautiful. The kids played outside most of the whole day on Saturday. They built a fort in the woods, rode bikes, played animals and climbed on the playset. We drove over to a great hiking trail and wandered through the woods. We ended the night with a wonderful bonfire. While the four adults were sitting around the fire, we were just cracking up at the kids running around with flashlights in the dark. They were so cute and making great memories together. I couldn't believe how dark it was and yet they still wander the woods. I wouldn't be doing that!!!!!!
They actually slept in until 7 am. Usually they are so excited to be together that the boys wake up during the night and/or early morning to play... They just can't get enough of each other.
Brett and Chad decided to head up to Muskegon to do a little fishing on Sunday. These two "littles" just love hugging, playing dolls, and just whatever together. They are definitely best friends!!!!!!

These two girls love to dress up and put on dancing shows for us.

Notice how dirty these boys are. They played so much outside. They are quite the buddies - Blake and Drake

We couldn't resist a little photo shoot in the backyard. My kids were not cooperating. I think that they are done with pictures for awhile. Caitlin cried and said that she didn't want her picture taken. So Shannon took my camera and headed outdoors. She got amazing pics of Ava and Gracie.

Donuts with DAD

Blake was able to bring Daddy to school this morning. Blake was so excited about having Brett go and meet his friends and see his school. They got to drive together to school this morning and have donuts and a few activities in Blake's second grade classroom. As you can see, neither one gave me very many details so that is about all that I can write. These are my two favorite BOYS in the world!!!!!!!!!

Coloring Queens

These two girls LOVE to color. It is great that they have found a quiet activity these days. They will sit for hours - literally color most of the afternoon. I have even showed them my coloring talents as well. Caitlin and I went to Target and found these giant coloring pages. I thought that they would last a long time, but they have colored all 20 pages in just a few days.

Of course when I brought out the camera, Caitlin was ready for a little photo shoot. They are so cute about taking pictures.

She wasn't ready to give up her marker for the photo though. She posed her own leg - too cute!

Madison told Caitlin that when you color, your fingers are doing "little push-ups"

Jurassic Park

This picture of Blake is from Binder Park Zoo two summers ago!

Well, the time has finally come. Blake has been begging to watch Jurassic Park FOREVER! I still don't know how he knew about it, but kids find out everything. I am a pretty strict movie/TV watcher. I really don't like the kids watching much and am very careful about what they do watch. JP never fit my criteria, but he is growing up... He had a movie marathon with all 3 episodes this weekend. I warned him for days prior that it is very scary. He kept assuring me that he would be FINE.

Brett was so excited to watch it with him. He watched the first one Friday night right before bed. Was that the best time????? We thought that he would have nightmares - thankfully he didn't.

He loved every second of it and of course has been playing dinosaurs and JP. Just this morning, he woke up at 5:30AM to set up JP in the basement. I went down a little later to find cages and dinosaurs all over. He is so cute about his love of dinosaurs.

Eliuk Happenings

These two used to be the best of buddies. Blake has said many times how much he misses Madison playing with him. She is very into Caitlin right now and leaves Blake out! Poor buddy...

Maybe we should have had 4 kids...HAHAHAHA!!!!!

These two girls love to play together.

Wow, this week might have been my most "NORMAL" week since school started. All three kids were feeling well and went to school as normal. Actually, they did have Monday off due to conferences. Oh yeah conferences - my kids ROCK!!!!!!

Blake and Madison are doing awesome academically and socially. I loved these conferences at this new school and am so glad that we changed schools. Those who remember - I actually cried in the conference with Blake's teachers last year, on the drive home and was freaking out the whole year about him. Now that he has a more positive environment and self esteem, he is excelled in every area. We are so proud of him.

Madison has always been our extremely academic child and thrives on flash cards, homework and reading, so we knew that Kindergarten would be a breeze for her. She might even go into the 1st grade class for math. I hope that conferences are always this easy.

I have also been able to get back to the gym this week. I love my RPM (spinning) class. I would actually go everyday if I could find the time. I am actually looking at doing two half marathons next year. One in the spring and one in the fall. Am I crazy?????

Caitlin and Madison started swimming classes this week as well. Caitlin is just the cutest little thing and loves to wave and blow me kisses during class. Madison is much more serious and is a strong swimmer. Of course she excels in that as well. I sure wish her behavior at home EXCELLED!!!!!!

Madison's horse that she rides was very, very sick and we got to see him this week doing better. Madison colored a picture of STORMY and took it to him. She has been very concerned about him. She will have to wait a few weeks before she can ride him. I will try to take pictures of Madison riding this next week to post. She went on a trail ride this week. Caitlin and I played with the three new kittens at the barn the whole time. This is the first week that Caitlin asked if she could ride ---I might be in trouble if both girls want to ride horses!

I even got to sneak out of the house for a great dinner with two good friends to Fandango's Thursday night. I just love that restaurant. It was also a treat to not have to tuck kids into bed.

We are excited about a very low key weekend...FINALLY! We might even try to sneak in a bonfire.

Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest

Brett and I love dressing up - ACTUALLY, I love dressing up and Brett does it because he loves me!!!!! This year, I think that he was a little excited about the annual Halloween party because he found these costumes in August. We ordered them and have been waiting to dress up.

The kids love seeing us dressed up. Madison kept looking at me and just smiling. Caitlin kept asking me what my name was. Blake looked and just kept playing. Maybe he is getting used to our craziness?????

My parents were down for the weekend and watched the kids while we went to a great friends house. It was a neighborhood party. We have gone for three years now. It is so much fun to see everyone dressed up. We had a great time and have been talking about what we will dress up like next year.