Kercher's Apple Orchard...

On Thursday I went on Levi's FIRST ever official school "Field Trip". He was SO excited!!! We took a bus ride about a half hour away to Kercher's Apple Orchard in Goshen, IN. Believe it or not...this was one field trip that I have never taken with the other kiddos so I was excited to go too;) It was a really nice orchard. We ate our packed lunches, watched a movie about apples while drinking apple cider, took a tour of the orchard, picked some apples and gourds, went on a hay ride and walked through a corn maze. It was TONS of fun!!! Levi and his classmates all had a great time too:) Anytime I get to spent some one on one time with any of my children it means a lot to me. I have missed my afternoons with Levi...so it was really nice to have this time with my baby boy. He is such a blessing to me and our entire family. LOVE you Levi!!!

My big strong boy...

Class picture...

Apple cider in apple cups...

Careful to twist not pull...

Me and my baby boy...

Chicago Marathon 2011!!!

On the early morning of Sunday, Oct. 9th Lance ran his 2nd Marathon... yep, that's 26.2 miles! Lance and I headed to Chicago Saturday morning. We arrived in time to visit the convention center to pick Lance's race packet (with his bib number, shoe tag, etc), check into our hotel, and have lunch at the Rosebud, then back to our room for a movie and finally a carbo load dinner at Buca Di Beppo. I didn't really need the extra carbs since I wasn't running but ate like I did anyway;)

Lance found his name on the participant "Wall of Fame"...

The Wall...

Early morning, about an hour before start time...

Runners starting to line up...

After Lance left me to line up...I wandered around Grant Park and took pictures;)

Our meeting spot after the race...

COOL Leg Sculptures....

And their off...

45,000+ runners...WOW!!!

Unfortunately Lance ended up twisting his ankle at the mile 8 water station:( BUT...he kept on running and finished the last 18 miles with a swollen, purple and very sore ankle. He was determined to finish the Chicago Marathon and he did it...in 4 hours and 26 minutes. He finished the Grand Rapids Marathon last year in 4 hours and 17 minutes...so considering his injury, I think he did AMAZINGLY well. I am VERY proud of him and excited to see what he can do in his 3rd marathon at Disney World come January:)

Lance with his medal, beer and Gatorade...right after the race:)

Picture I took of his ankle right after...

Picture I took after we got back to the hotel...OUCH!!!

The BEST part...is that Lance ran for the American Liver Foundation and raised $5,918.00 for this great cause. A HUGE "Thank You!" to all of you who made a donation and helped him reach this goal. AWESOME weekend!!!

Courthouse/Justice Building Field Trip:)

On October 6th...I went on a field trip with my third graders:) I was officially chaperoning with Lilyan's class but did also get to see Lorelle and Liam briefly. The kids all enjoyed it and the weather was just gorgeous. I feel so blessed to be able to remain a stay at home Mom and be as involved with the kids classed as I want to. I know it means a lot to them too. God is GOOD!!!

Miss Lilyan with her classmates in an old courtroom...

The dome and one of the teachers peaking down at the kids...

Lilyan with her class, teacher and principal on the courthouse steps...

Got a quick pic of Miss Lorelle...

BEAUTIFUL, sunny October day!!!!

Jersey Day @ Harrison Elementary:)

Are my kids CUTE or what?!?!

Leytan's 12th Birthday!!!

On Saturday, September 24th...Leytan turned 12 years old. It is truly hard to believe. My kids are growing up way too fast:( I am SO proud of the young man he has become. He is so smart, kind, very handsome and such a FUN boy!!! He had 5 friends over for a sleepover to celebrate. We took them to Buffalo Wild Wings (Leytan's FAVORITE!) for dinner. They had a great time. Then it was home for cheesecake, instead of birthday cake...also Leytan's request;) Some of his friends had never even had cheesecake before. Leytan LOVES my homemade cheesecakes:) Leytan and his buddies played Nerf guns, video games and football late into the night...actually early the next morning;) I think he enjoyed his celebration. Thank you Jesus for my Sunshine! Happy Birthday Leytan!!!

Coach Leytan, getting the Gatorade treatment...LOL!

The gang...

My "Sunshine"...as I like to call him;)

Playing trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings...

Opening a few gifts...

We LOVE you Leytan!!!

6 YEARS!!!

On September 20th, we celebrated Lorelle's 6 year "Gotcha Day". I can't believe how quickly time goes by...SLOW down already;) She has grown and changed so much since our first meeting at that government building in Guangzhou, China. WOW...what an AMAZING ride!!!

6 YEARS!!!

We love you SO, SO much Miss Lorelle Yan!!!

My Twins...

The little kids school, Harrison Elementary, recently had "Twin Day":) They had a GREAT time dressing alike. The girls even matched their hair style, necklaces and sweatshirts. The boys had matching sweaters, jeans and wanted to have the same breakfast, including matching dishes;) FUN stuff!!!

My BEAUTIFUL girls...

Double the FUN!!!