Planting Trees

Grandma and Grandpa decided to start an orchard on their property and gave the grandkids the opportunity to pick out and plant their very own fruit tree. We talked about what kind of tree the boys would like to plant. Caden chose a nectarine tree and Lukas an apple tree. After picking the tree out and planting it, Lukas had a hard time understanding why his tree didn't have any apples to eat on it yet.

Go Cubs!

Being a Cubs fan just comes with the territory in our family. Lukas is no exception. Here's his rendition of the Cubs victory song. (and the translation..."Hey, Chicago what do you say? Cubs are going to win today! Go Cubbies!")

Gingerbread House

My boys love our tradition of decorating a gingerbread house during the holidays. In fact, it's the only holiday decoration presently up in the house! Hopefully that will change soon. Jeff- get the ladder and hang up those lights....please!)

Caden has been a masterful house builder and decorator for a few years now, and this year Lukas was really able to join in on the fun. Each boy had his own side of the house and yard to decorate (to avoid fighting, and it worked) and the end result was great. In fact, Caden asked me if this was the best gingerbread house in the whole wide world, and I said Yes!, of course. Lukas was a candy fiend, I've never seen that kid devour so much candy in a period of time. The boys don't understand my rule of not touching the gingerbread house, now that it's done (Jeff either, for that matter). But for me, this is now a holiday decoration, so hands off :)

Halloween

Carving the giant pumpkin with Jerry on Halloween

The boys were Daniel Boone (Caden) and Davy Crockett (Lukas) for Halloween. Both boys really enjoyed 'trick or treating', and even attempted to try and make trades for their favorite candies after the festivities were over.

Giant Pumpkins

The boys grew giant pumpkins this year. The plants went in the ground in May and were watered and fertilized all summer long. We picked these beasts today, and both boys were very pround of the results. (Caden was a little hesitant to pick his today, claiming it wasn't as big as Lukie's, yet.)

Surf's Up!

Here's a video of Caden catching his first wave. We're in Santa Barbara, and that's Jerry helping Caden out!

Take me out to the ball game...

Jeff and I were lucky (?) enough to catch the Cubs play the Dodgers in the National League Division Series game at Dodger Stadium. It was a heartbreaker for these Cubs fans, Cubs lost 3 games in a row and we quickly watched our hopes for a Cubs World Series disappear. Ahhh, what's 100 years?

Caden

Caden~ 4 1/2 years old

Caden is our sweet, smart and sassy pre-schooler. It's hard to believe we've got a near 5 year old already! Caden loves the outdoors, nature and any kind of animal or insect he can find. He's very inquisitive and definately a boy's boy. This summer he learned to swim, and is having a great time putting those skills to work in the pool and at the beach.

Lukas

Lukas~ 2 1/2 years old

Our little Lukas Dean is an energetic, animated and wonderful little boy. He loves climbing, swimming, playing outdoors and following his big brother around. He's a tough little guy, and isn't held back by much of anything. We're working on potty training, but it hasn't been easy. He seems to want to go for just about anyone, but mommy. I'm about ready to send him down to Granny Tina's for a week, so she can get this thing done!

What's This?

For so many of my family and friends, that I think of often, but somehow I am not able to stay as connected to as I'd like, I thought I'd give this "blogging" business a try. Life is flying by, and if I don't try and document what's been going on, it will soon become a blur (assuming it hasn't already). So, I hope you all can enjoy this, (and I hope I enjoy this as well) keep checking in and see what's going on with the Elmerick Family!