Center Grove Invitational

Marching Band seasons is drawing to a close- this was the last invitational before Regionals, Semi State and State.

We were so blessed to have Aunt Beth and cousin Thomas in the stands with us.

Lillian is definitely one of Madison's biggest fans! 

Everyone needs a little sister to cheer them on. 

Fall Break

Morning donuts

Afternoon naps

With lots of fun in-between

Happy Fall

a bit of pumpkin fun

Happy Halloween

From the two cutest Legos

Marching Band

This weekend is the last regular performance before Regionals and hopefully State.
This will be the first time the band performs their entire show.

The band has worked hard to complete their 4 part show and Madison has loved being a part of this fantastic group.

Here are a few pictures.... from the last competition.

Madison is the top baritone player

 And she is one of these... your guess is as good as mine :)

The hardest part of Marching Band for this Momma is not being able to tell which one is my Madi. I realize that the whole point is for her blend in and not stand out but it makes this Momma's heart just a smidge anxious.
But anxious or not, this Momma is proud! Madison is working hard and loving her experience.

"Go forth" Madison! We are proud of you!

Apple Festival

Last weekend we had the joy of having our dear friends Steffan and Eva (and their adorable sons Julian and Jakob) come to visit us from Germany. 

Steffan and Rob were roommates in college at the University of Florida. 

For the last 12 years we have been blessed to visit with one another (alternating us to Germany and them to the US). 

This year they wanted to finally see our new house (we moved in 4 years ago). 

Besides visiting and playing games together, we enjoyed a trip to the local orchard for the Apple Festival. 

We enjoyed a trek through the VERY muddy corn maze  and a ride on the hayride. We opted to not head into the also muddy fields to pick a pumpkin

 Time for a few pictures before eating some tasty treats- apple dumplings and caramel apples

 We are so blessed to call these people are friends.

Until our next visit :)

Lillian's Field Trip

Lillian went with her 3rd grade class to the Fairgrounds. They had a great time.

Weekend Adventures

While Mama and Daddy did this...

We had at great day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. 

So blessed that Caleb, Sarah (Abby's dear friend), Abby and Oliver could join us. 

Some of our favorite rides included:

• Rip Ride Rocket (a roller coaster where you listened to a music of your choice and it took a video of you as your rode- fantastic). We rode this one 3 times
• Harry Potter Escape from Gringotts
• Incredible Hulk Coaster (Much more fun from the front row)
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

We rode many others, some better then others (ET was better in my memory then in person).

The Sparkles did this...

Marching Band Competition for Madison (they took 2nd place)

These are 3 of my favorite people. I call them the Triplets. 

Breanna, Lyndsi and Madison. 

All born on May 10, 2002 :) 

Lillian had her 3rd skating lesson. 

This is the face she made when she realized she was skating backward. 

After skating lessons it was time to go home and paint. 

Mama's little artist. 

 And of course when Nana is in charge, there is always Zert (dessert). 

Frozen Yogurt from Orange leaf- their very favorite. 

A fantastic weekend for all!

Tuesday Night

Just a normal Tuesday evening

Madison at Marching Band practice

and the Littles home with Mama while Daddy is traveling for work.

First on the nightly list, making Silly faces to text to Daddy

 Then jammies and puppet making (Cooper said his was a Robot name Mr. Wiener Dog).

Finally stories and tucked into bed. 

I love my evenings with the Sparkles. You never know what adventures we will have.

School days

Mama's Sparkles- they are growing up so fast.

Madison- Freshman
Loving Marching Band

Lillian- 3rd grade

 Cooper- Kindergarten

Chicago

Rob and I snuck away to Chicago for quick trip last weekend. 

Caleb and Susanne were in the city for a conference and invited us to join them for dinner. 

It was so much fun to be together- eating, talking and enjoying the city. 

 And a course a visit to Chicago would not be complete without getting hot dogs from Gene and Jude's.
This is Rob's "happy" face about our detour and the long line.
My husband is the best!

 World's best hot dogs- some for now and a bag for later

 Sunshine, sports cars and time with me love- BLESSED!

Family Fun Day

Family fun day has finally arrived.

Labor Day we visited Rascals Fun Zone. (Thanks Papa for researching this great adventure)

Go karts, Bumper Cars, Bowling and Miniature Golf

Lillian was amazing driving the sprint car on her own. The bigger cars she rode shot gun.

 Taking a spin around the bumper cars

 Daddy and Cooper taking a spin- there was a special seat that fit on the front for Cooper to ride on. Cooper loved it and asked to go again (and again).

After a few spins around the bumper cars it was time for bowling.

Everyone enjoyed throwing the small balls for duck pin bowling and it was fun to watch each person's technique :)

 Oh man, gutter ball again.

There was time after bowling for each of us to ride the go karts one more time before heading out to play miniature golf.

Everyone but Cooper got a Hole in 1 and Madison had 2!
Final Scores:
Papa 48
Daddy/Rob 49
Aliza 51
Nana 53
Madi 58
Lillian 74
Cooper 77

Maximum score for each hole was 5 though Cooper played until he got it in which often resulted in an 11 or a 29 :)

We ended our time in the Arcade playing video games.
Nana conned each of the Sparkles out of a token (she did ask very politely) to play Skee Ball.
The girls played games to earn the most tickets and Cooper liked to race.
When the tokens were all gone, the Sparkles pooled their tickets together (225) and trade them in for prizes.
Cooper picked a police car, Lillian a bouncy ball, and Madison candy.

It was a fantastic family fun day. I am so blessed that we could all be together (including Nana and Papa) and have a chance to play together.

A family that plays together stays together!