Fall Fun

Even though I haven't been feeling too great lately, Jim talked me into getting out of the house this weekend and doing something fun. We took Lena to a local greenhouse that was offering a bunch of free fall activities for families. Here are a few pics.

When we walked by this scarecrow, Lena pointed to it and said, "Jesus!" Everytime we walk by the crucifix in our house, we point to it and say "Jesus". I guess this guy does kind of look like a crucifix!

Fun with cut-out faces.

They had a barn full of animals to look at. Lena is checking out the chickens. She is holding a donut because they were giving away free homemade donuts. Mmmm!

Getting up close and personal with the goats. She sure isn't shy!

More fun with cut-out faces.

Posing with some pretty fall foliage.

They were doing horse-drawn wagon rides around the property.

Daddy and Lena on the wagon.

I'm glad we got to sit up front because Lena loved watching the horseys.

Back at home. While we were there we picked out some fall decorations for our front porch. These pumpkins represent our family. Daddy Pumpkin, Mommy Pumpkin, Lena Pumpkin, and June Bug Pumpkin. Jim has been calling our little baby-to-be "June Bug" since he or she is due to be born in June.

Lena kept calling the pumpkins "apples" and tried to eat June Bug's.

Indian corn for our door.

Nothing says fall like dried-out corn stalks!

Lena trying to climb the tulip tree.

I am really glad Jim talked me into getting out of the house. It was a nice day to be out and I am glad we were able to enjoy it.

Next weekend we are planning on taking a day trip up north a little bit to see some of the fall colors.

Announcement

For those of you who were not able to attend Jim's birthday party last weekend, you missed an announcement from us:

I'm pregnant!

Yep, Lena's going to be a big sister! I am due June 8, 2010. Seems like such a long time away!

We are very excited and can't wait to meet this little one. Having Lena for a daughter has made it impossible not to want another child.

Everything is going pretty well so far. My hormone levels were slightly below normal last week, so the doctor has put me on progesterone for a while. I'm a little nervous because I had to be on it when I was pregnant with Lena and I think that's what made me so sick. But I've been on it for almost a day already have been feeling perfectly normal, so I'm praying that won't happen this time.

We appreciate your prayers for a healthy non-eventful next 7 1/2 months and for a healthy baby come next June.

Jim's 30th Birthday Party

Boy, it's been a while since I last blogged! I was really busy last week planning Jim's 30th birthday party and this week I was distracted by other things.

Before I get to the party pics, here's a bit about Jim's actual birthday (Tuesday the 29th). Our friends, the Krenzes, had their second baby girl, Mackenzie Elizabeth, the day before. So on Jim's birthday we went to the hospital to meet her. She looks exactly like her big sister, Madelyn, did when she was first born.

Jim with Mackenzie. I'm not sure if she is yawning or crying in this picture.

Now for the party pics. The party was Friday night at the Grand Rapids Brewing Company, one of Jim's favorite restaurants. It was kind of a surprise party. He knew he was having a party (I couldn't really plan one without him knowing), but he didn't know where it was going to be or any of the details.

I created a slideshow of his first 30 years and played it on a big screen tv at the party. People really enjoyed seeing pics of him when he was young and the silly pics I have taken of him.

Mom came up on Thursday to help me with the last minute party plans. We decorated the room with lots of balloons and "30" decals. Hilary and Scott came up a little early on Friday to provide technical assistance with the slideshow.

Jim insisted we buy this hat at IKEA in April, so I made him wear it.

We had a great crowd. Altogether there were about 35 people there. The party guests enjoyed onion rings, soft pretzels, three different kinds of pizza, and soft drinks. It was so nice being served and not having to clean up dishes afterwards!

Our friends, Tom and Brenda, drove all the way from Racine, Wisconsin to come to the party. I managed to keep it a secret and the look on Jim's face when he saw them was just priceless!

Lena had so much fun at the party. She spent a lot of time playing with Aunt Hil and the rest of the time getting passed around from person to person. She had a blast.

I don't know if you can see it in this picture, but the flames on these candles are all different colors. Pretty!

Blowing out all 30 candles. Look at all that smoke!

Aunt Hil feeding Lena birthday cake.

Hanging out with Uncle Scott.

The evening ended with Jim trying to give Tom a goodbye hug (and kiss!). It was hilarious!

So the party was a great success. I'm glad I did it, but it was a lot of work! Planning two major birthday parties in one year was quite enough for me! No more parties for us for a while.

Thanks so much to Mom, Hilary, and Scott for all of your help. And thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us. Jim was so glad to have you all there!