Pumpkin Days at Blackberry Farm

Ryan was excited to go to 'Back-berry Fuhm' today, mostly to ride the train. The place was decked out in Halloween decorations.



This was their 'pun-kin' batch. Ryan had to line up the pumpkins before he chose his.


Once he chose the best one, then he painted it.




On the merry-go-round.


These ducks were silly - they had their bums in the air.

Nice view of a tree and reflection from the train ride.

Thanks Aunt Tonya!

Aunt Tonya and Uncle Chris,
Thanks for sending my bee-bee to me. I was sad when I left it at your house! I was excited when I opened the package from you and it was inside.
Love,
Ryan

Happy Birthday Haley!

A Visit from the Arizona Murrs

Jason's oldest brother, John/Bones/Charlie, and his family (Carol, Nikki & Annika) came for a week-long visit. They got off the plane and went straight to Portillos, something they don't have in Phoenix. We went to the Blackhawks game on Monday night and had the entire family over for dinner on Friday night. Ryan had lots of time to play with his cousins.

Sisters! - Nikki & Annika

Ryan says, "Here, Annika, let me know you how to put the block in the choo-choo."

Ryan and Nikki on the Riverwalk after lunch at Egg Harbor

Family photo shoot on the Riverwalk

Baby Annika's first trip to Chicago at 6 mo old!

Ryan and Annika reading the Halloween Peek-a-BOO book

Nikki (Coyotes) and Alex (Blackhawks) playing hockey on the PS3

The grandkids! - Ryan, Nikki, Annika and.......WAIT, we're missing one. Where's Alex?

Oh yea, he didn't want to be in the picture. Uncle Jason tried to convince him, but no luck. Good grief!!

Ryan & Mom's 1st Blackhawks Game

Some Phoenix Coyote fans came to town and wanted to experience hockey Chicago-style, so Grandpa took the entire family to a Blackhawks game. This was Mom & Ryan's first Blackhawks game! Little did we know that we'd get to experience history. 7 minutes into the game, the Calgary Flames had scored 5 goals (we were starting to wish that we had paid the extra $$ for easy out parking). But the Hawks went on a run, scoring 1 at the end of the first, 3 in the second and tied it up in the third. They clenched it in OT. The crowd was wild! [insert the Fratellis' Chelsea Dagger song here] ...not sure how to spell the Da-Da-Duh/ Da-Da-Duh that is now synonymous with the Hawks.

Coyote fans at United Center


Cathy, John, Ryan, John/Bones, Nikki and Jason before the game


Look closely at sign to left, announcing Blackhawks vs. Flames.

One of the many faceoffs we got to see. Our seats were behind the net, so you can see it in this shot.

Michigan

Last weekend we went to Michigan to visit Chris and Tonya. We camped Friday and Saturday in Frankenmuth which is about 1/2 hour north of their house. The weather was dreary on Saturday, so we went to an indoor "wada pawk" in Frankenmuth.

We stayed at their house Sunday night and got to see their kitchen remodel in process. They're doing a total overhaul - electric outlets relocated, new dry wall, new flooring, new cabinets, new stove and microwave. What a job - makes me tired just looking at it! And they've done it all themselves. It looks great!

Welcome to Chris & Tonya's vacation home!

It's all lit up at night.....

Making some s'mores. Tonya found square graham crackers - perfect for s'mores!

"Dee-sul" (Diesel) enjoyed the fire too. We were warm and toasty!


Enjoying the hot tub at Splash Village.


We had a snack while we were there - this gi-normous donut! It was good!


Ryan liked climbing on this turtle. It floats in the pool like a giant lily pad.

Dad helped Ryan fly and splash into the pool! Ryan is getting more brave every time we go swimming. This time he was willing to actually jump into the pool...as long as Mom or Dad was there to catch him. In the past, he would just sit on the side and slither into the pool (a much safer option than JUMP-ing!).

Pumpkin Farm

We made a trek to Maple Park to visit Kuiper's. Ryan asked where we were going, and knowing his familiarity with pumpkins, I told him we were going to the Pumpkin Farm.

We started in the corn maze. We over estimated our abilities, chose the difficult one, and ended up being in there forever!

Ryan loved the "corn" box. Corn instead of sand!

These pumpkins are kinda funny...they have worts on them.

I never washed my pumpkin until I lived in the suburbs. Is this common?

Wedding Photos

I had the opportunity to take pictures at Melissa & Roy's wedding in July. Ceremony was at the McDowell Forest Preserve. Here are some of my favorites.
I'm taking a photography class at NCC. Perhaps I'll be the next Ritchie-great? I have lots to learn first!

Happy 4th Birthday Jackson!

Cubs Bus to Wrigley

Ryan made his first visit to Wrigley for a Cubs game in September. Originally Jason bought tickets for he & I, but then I wasn't able to go. So, Ryan, Grandma and Jason went instead. They parked at DeVry and rode the bus to the game. Ryan is still talking about the Cubs bus and "wig-ley" field.