The Wildcats are 3-0 so far

Nata's second birthday

Grandparents and friends in the house for Nata's second. She's been talking about cupcakes and ice cream for weeks. We've probably sung her "Happy Birthday" 100 times in the last month leading up to this epic occasion.

Cupcakes from Sweet Cakes did not disappoint. Nata got to dress like a waitress at Medieval Times. Grandpa Larry found a table at which he'd be considered "the mature one." Dad got to have his first big tea party with a monkey puppet on his hand since he, Kent, and Troy spent a lovely fall Sunday afternoon at the Russian Tea Room in New York a few years back.

Dance Party

It's all in the shoulders. =)

The Rat's lakehouse, BIG party

We spent last weekend up in Wisconsin with Tom and Kelly, Lou and Joe, Brendan and Julie, Maeve and Danny. Trying to get 6 kids under 4 years old to all sleep at once was a real challenge. Feeding them all took on the appearance of a SWAT operation with Moms and Dads flying in from all angles to try and stuff their tiny gullets.

Luckily there was great company, beautiful weather and lake vistas along with plenty of Coo-Daddy and grilled meats to smooth off the rough edges. Terrific fun even if the Dickinson kids did spend a bit more time sans pants than is optimal.

On the way up Jules and the kids stopped for Culvers. Elliot's ice cream was the "Nem en nem squirrel" (M&M swirl) which was the "best thing ever in the whole world."

The dance party was perhaps the highest highlight. Maeve has some big-time moves.

Campers in training

We forgot to bring the headlamp to Door County so we had to try it out at home recently.

More Door Pics

We took a hike on the nature trail at Peninsula State Park and went to the Nature Center where they had lots of cool pelts and stuffed animals (and not the kind made in China if you know what I mean). Natalie liked the grass best.

Donuts were enjoyed by all. Elliot tried to scare the wooden bear so he could steal the bear's fish. It didn't work.

Labor Day up in the Door

As always, lots of big fun up in Fish Creek over Labor Day. Grandma Bonnie, Bill and Dawn all came up. The biggest new thing was a visit to the beach at Whitefish Dunes State Park. It was awesome. Cold, clear water, big, beautiful beach.

Other faves: custard at Not Licked Yet in Fish Creek, seeing a deer in Bill and Jean's yard, working on the woodpile with Dad and Bill.

Also, Grandma Bonnie got the kids each a fossil of their own. Greatest gift ever.

Elliot's first day of school

Elliot said on his way "something is telling me I'm smart." I asked what. He said he thought it was his brain. He insisted on bringing Great Grandpa Buck's Rocks and Minerals guide book to "show the other kids".

In the classroom, Elliot feigned shy and scared for about 20 seconds. Then Ms. Russel directed him to the nature center. Gave him a magnifying glass and some pine cones and Elliot didn't even respond when I said goodbye. Well I'm off to pick him up. Class is only an hour this first day.