Halloween Fun

Pumpkin Carving Time! Ellie and Sammy weren't too sure about 

getting their hands full of mush, but in the end, they all loved it!

Hannah took her carving very seriously! 

Our sweet little bunny!

And of course, a princess! Jasmine! 

 And an astronaut!

(who was very serious in these pictures because he had just woken up 

from his nap and I think was a little confused what all the excitement was about!) ;O)

Ready to trick-or-treat!

H A W A I I

In September, Brian and I took our highly anticipated trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary (which was Aug. 5th) and it was fabulous! We spent the entire week on Maui, soaking up the sun, heading out on mini adventures and relishing each minute together...alone. That's right, we didn't take the kids with us. Shocking, I know! We left them back in IL with our completely capable and generous parents, along with a few friends who filled in here and there. THANK YOU FRIENDS AND PARENTS!!!!

Okay, back to the big trip! Several people have asked what the best parts about Hawaii were for us and so, instead of boring you with a play-by-play of each of our days, here's a list and pics.

(in no particular order)
1. sleeping in - indeed this is a bit hard at first with the 5 hour time change, but alas, it didn't take us too long to adjust!

2. adventure - we did a zip-line trip through the "jungle" and while it wasn't the scariest thing I've ever faced, it was really fun and exciting. We explored the island and drove up a really scary road, where we saw a cross memorial for those that lost their lives on that very road. We walked through a crowded, touristy town and had several people ask us for money. Which, I might add, if you're going to be homeless, you might as well be homeless in Hawaii! We went snorkeling one morning as well...so fun!

calm, cool and collected :O)

I'm really not as scared as I look!

HUGE Banyon Tree

3. the SUN - and plenty of it! It was hot, hot, hot! Thank goodness for several pools to choose from at our hotel and of course, the vast ocean to cool us off!

4. eating delicious dinners without having to cut someone else's food - need I say more?! We used a guide book to give us recommendations for restaurants and I don't think we went wrong once. We tried sushi, a local fish market, mexican, a traditional Hawaiin feast (yep, we went to a Luau) and even Greek! We tried to eat as much seafood as possible, but I have to admit, by Thursday, we were both ready for a good ol' fashion burger!

 
5. enjoying the beauty of the island and the Creator who made it - I don't think anyone will be surprised to hear that Hawaii is BEAUTIFUL! There IS a reason they call is paradise! The landscape is gorgous and the wildlife is seriously awsome! Right off of our hotel shore, we saw sting rays and sea turtles (or "turdys" as Sam calls them!)! And, have I mentioned the sunsets? WOW!

our friend "mr. turdy"

surfers and wind surfers riding the waves along the northern coast

6. time together - after 3 amazing children have come into our lives, it's not surprsing and not-so-uncommon, that we don't spend enough time alone together. And while spending 8 days without those little, sweet beings had its difficult moment, let's be honest, it was great! :O) (see note above THANKING those that took care of our kiddos!!!)

 7. BUT coming home to these little blessings was one of the best parts of the trip!

sammy wasn't too sure about the lei 

ALOHA!

*I'd also like to thank the Marriot Reward Points Program and the American Airline Advantage miles for graciously allowing us to go on the this trip...we couldn't have done it without you! :O)

So much to catch up on...

I cannot believe that I have let so much time and so many events go by without mentioning them on the blog. I guess you could say I was a little "burned out" on blogging. I am happy to report, that I have had some wonderful time away and am feeling really for this blog thing again!

Okay, ready? Here we go!
First and foremost, our little Elizabeth Marie Giere turned 4 years old on Friday, Aug. 27th! We have so enjoyed our precious little Ellie. She really is a dream...besides an occasional outburst usually directed at her brother or sister, she is so even tempered and sweet. Although, don't try to take a band-aid off of her leg in the bathtub, after she hasn't napped all day and it's 7:30pm, right before bed. She won't like it and in turn, neither will you.

It seems like just yesterday that my water broke at 5:15am and she came screaming into the world at 6:55am!!! She was in a hurry! (ironically it takes her the longest to do EVERYTHING!)

This little beauty melts our hearts. 

Three cuties on E's big day!

Three days later another huge milestone, Ellie started preschool! I have to admit, I was a little nervous about how she would do with school this year. She's our "clingy" one and isn't always too sure about going off without one of us. But, I am happy to report that she surprised us all and did great! And, I must say, I can already tell such a difference in her confidence just a few short weeks after starting. She's just growing up and growing up and growing up and someone needs to stop her!

So happy to be starting school like her big sister!

And, REALLY tuckered out after her first day! (No jokes about how tennis puts people to sleep, okay?! I know she was enjoying the match, but her sleepiness just couldn't be helped!)

The next weekend, it was off to MI we went! 

(Labor Day)

Three girls hanging in their hideout. 

We have seen some AMAZING sunsets in the past and every one is beautiful and unique. On this particular night, the sunset show was like nothing I had seen...just spectacular!

Luke was so sweet reading to Sammy...what good buddies they are!

And, the last beach shots of the year...

We can never get enough of the beach on Lake Michigan!

Is it June yet?????

The next week, back at home, Hannah decided to try out some new fashions...not sure what "look" she's going for here?!

Hannah also enjoyed grabbing the little camera and trying out her photography skills. Let me tell you, she's got some! She took this pic...

On Sept. 9th, I had the opportunity to travel to the Columbus, OH area to be a part of something so special. I was off to celebrate one of my very best friends, Jane Graham, who had recently helped Tami Longaberger   of Longaberger Baskets write her book "Weaving Dreams". The book is fabulous and I was so honored to spend a couple of days with our friend Kam and Jane celebrating her accomplishments. We attended the book signing at Barnes and Noble, we visited the Longaberger Homestead and even have lunch at Tami's home. I am so proud of Jane! She is a woman who is not only incredibly talented, but a humble, God-loving wife and mother and truly a best friend forever. Love you Janie!

From Left to Right: Kam, Tami, Jane, me at Barnes and Noble

Kam, Jane and I at the Homestead

Yes, this is a GIANT basket of apples...quite impressive!

One night, back at my homestead, we gave the kids Jello Pudding Pops for dessert. Sam chose chocolate as he often does and he REALLY enjoyed it. I mean R E A L L Y enjoyed it! What a goofy boy!

There you have it...an update on us. There's one more pretty major thing that happened during September (and NO I didn't get pregnant!!), but I'll save that for another post.

Here's a sneak peek...