Autumn hiking and fishing day trip

Now that the leaves are changing color, we felt compelled to enjoy them in the mountains while we can. We headed to Echo Lake and hiked 3 miles in to another lake called the Upper Chicago Lake. It was tough terrain but our boys did amazing. There were times we had to hold onto the boys so they don't slip and fall down the cliff.

The trailhead and potty breaks!

Here is one of many photos that Jonas took on the hike. We gave him our shatterproof camera to practice shooting pictures. He loved it!

Eventually, after a lesson or two about where to hold the camera, he took this photo up above. Impressive! Jonas expressed,"This is super beautiful!"

There were several boulders to climb up for the boys and take photos of them. What great memories of them together.

After 1 1/2 miles, Silas was getting tired and dillydallying. So Matt continued with Jonas to the lake to fish.

And sure enough, Jonas caught his first fish ALL by himself. Matt was so excited with yelps that people started to gather and congratulated Jonas. What a father/son moment!

Jonas hiking back down with dad. He told Matt,"Did you know that moss grows because it's wet?" Matt had no idea where he attained that information or he just logically came up with it.

Our hike down was full of dirt playing and stacking of rocks. Silas repeated words like 'moss, rock, dirt, roots, steep,' and more.

Our last stretch of hiking ended with Silas touching the leaves and saying "smooth".

What a fun filled day of autumn.

Thomas the train

Finally catching up with my blog, our computer has been shutting down randomly and then had to take it in for a look. Good thing it's still under warranty...wahoo!

A few weekends back, we gathered up the kiddos and went to see Thomas the train at the Railroad Museum. The boys were ecstatic!

Once a year, they bring Thomas to town and all the boys and girls come to see.

Riding in one of Thomas' coaches.

Walking around to see all the other attractions.

Climbing into steam engines to pull on bells and whistles.

Getting tattoos(that lasted more than a week). Silas chose Thomas(of course) and Jonas picked Salty.

Playing around on the train cars.

Watching Thomas go around and around again!

My 2 little engineers trying to figure how the coupler works.

Turning the turntable. Silas is so strong:)

Hello and goodbye to everyone!

Jonas sayings

Jonas had picture day last week and brought home his VERY first Scholastic book order form. WHAT? I can't believe it! I remember these days as a kid and looking over the order form to pick out new books. Jonas is planning to buy 3 books with the money he saved up. But he mentioned, "I hope I can order 3 books on every page." He loves BOOKS! He thinks everything cost "2 cents".

Last Thursday evening, I asked Jonas what made him feel good today? He responded,"Snuggling with you in bed and being at preschool." I couldn't get out of bed that morning so he hopped right in for 30 minutes. He has never done that before. When he is up, he is up! So then I asked him what is your favorite thing about preschool. He said,"I like my teachers Aunt Sara(FYI-he has an Aunt Sara and just refers her to an Aunt...so cute) and Miss Patti. And I know kids now, Eli(just like his cousin Eli, Aunt Sara's son...lol), Hunter, Junior-he's silly, and Kaliegh-and she is a girl." Blesses my heart to see him enjoy people and life.

On 9/11, I was reading an article in TIME magazine about the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and it showed a picture of one of the planes heading for the buildings. Jonas looked over and asked,"Why are those planes flying into those buildings?" OMG...what do you say? I held him close and said, "We need to hold onto Jesus when bad things happen. But in that darkness, he is always with us." I wanted to say so much more but God knows when and how.

Fall is coming!

Well, the heat of summer of 100 degrees is finished. Fall is coming and we have been putting on sweatshirts on in the morning. I love this time of year! Sitting in the front room with a good book and a warm blanket enjoying a pumpkin spice latte is my cup of tea. The boys are liking the weather too and cuddling up in my lap with their footies PJ's. Priceless! We have many fall activities and festivals on the calendar already. And of course, lots of baking! But for now, we are getting more settled in with back to school routine and enjoying togetherness as a family.

Hiking at Table Mountain one afternoon. It's such a nice time to hike and Silas is finally keeping up.

One morning last week, we spotted a doe in our backyard just chillin'. She came back everyday until Matt saw her eating our garden and tossed a baseball bat at her. She hasn't come back. But we love animal guests.

Painting rocks...what a great way to enjoy outside!

Dr. Jonas treating Silas. They are playing so well together, it's unreal!

We have designated game night every Wednesday evening before bed. Typically Silas is too tired to play but this time Jonas insisted that Silas play with us.

What a great stage of life we are in! I love our family of 4! I can't get enough kisses and hugs from all 3 of my boys and the time we spend together is so meaningful!

South Dakota camping trip

Over Labor Day weekend, we headed up to South Dakota to camp and Matt signed up for a 50 mile mountain bike race. During those 4 days, we had some fun! By chance, we were there the same time our friends, the Bullis', were taking a trip too. We decided to stay in the same campground together. They stayed in a swanky cabin and we were in our Taj Mahal tent. The campground had more amenities than I have ever seen at a campground...petting farm, 3 different pools, a few playground area, and free wi-fi(for Justin Bullis...not a camper...lol).

Every night was Smores night around the campfire!

Naps were scarce, so bedtime was early!

Early morning riser!

Near our campsite, was a perfect hill for the boys to mountain bike down. They had a blast!

Endless hours of fun!

Silas keeping up with the older boys. I still can't believe he is riding a Strider bike before 2 years old.

Silas and mom! We love camping!

Off to the petting farm onsite!

Silas was so excited, he entered in the little barn where the lamb was resting.

Silas, Jonas, and Finley petting one of the baby calves. So mild and gentle!

Countryside!

Downtime back at the campsite.

Saturday afternoon we drove down to Deadwood to see the historical town.

There was a 15 minute life shootout of Wild Bill on the main strip, so we sat on the curb to watch it. Jonas kept asking me,"is this pretend?"

The downtown area was impressive! However, not the best place for families. Lots of casinos!

Pump me up!

Ok, my turn!

Off to the petting farm again. This time Jonas was picked to feed the lamb by bottle. It was amazing! Brought back memories of when I was in 4-H and growing up with farm animals.

Just chillin' by the campfire!

South Dakota was beautiful! But my handsome babe was even more breathtaking!

Self portrait of the 10 year married couple

Matt left early Sunday morning before the sunrise to get to the starting line to race. The boys woke up leisurely and read a few books while I cooked breakfast.

We had a long day ahead of us so we needed to fill up with good hearty oatmeal and fruit.

While we waited for Matt to come through the finish line, we stopped at the fish hatchery in town. It was astounding!

Back at the finish line looking for dad and cheering the racers with our cowbells.

Matt finished on his singlespeed with a time of 4:41:39. He took 11th out of 47 single speed riders. Shouldn't he be sponsored or something? He quoted,"I do what I do." Really? He literally trained for 2 weeks for this race. He is excited to do it again next year!

While Matt was trying not to pass out, Silas was so playful with him. Hilarious!

My sexy husband drenched with sweat, dirt, and grease. I am so proud of him!

Then onto the Strider bike races for the boys that afternoon in the same park. Instead of riding 50 miles, they rode maybe a 1/4 mile for the course. What an epic event!

There wasn't a category for kids under 2 years old, so I signed Silas up to be put in the 2 year old group. He had fun!

Go, Silas, Go!

After 2 rounds, he was honored with a medal for participation.

Then the 3 year old race. Jonas and his friend, Finley, waiting in their lines to be called up to race. I think they were anxious!

Starting line up! The 3 year old group was so big that they had to separate them into 2 groups. Jonas was sad to not race with Finley.

Since he couldn't, he decided to sit the 2nd round out and cheer for Finley.

Finley finished 3rd overall and was honored with a trophy! Wow...what a star!

Last night around the campfire and the boys wanted to play a board game.

Monday morning we packed up and said our goodbyes to our friends and South Dakota!

On our way out of Spearfish, I noticed the street sign Jonas Blvd. I had to take a photo.

We left Spearfish and drove to Mount Rushmore. Jonas was been learning the 4 presidents for months now, knowing we would go to Mt Rushmore this summer. He was awe-strucken to see it in real life. I love when I see his wheels turning upstairs.

The best part of the little excursion was that Jonas remembering facts about the presidents. Such as, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president and his face is on the penny. Also, when we were hiking around, there was a wedge shaped stone piece at the top of an arch and Jonas said,"Hey mom, look there's a keystone." Will he be our little architect?