We went to Frankenmuth, MI last week. I have been wanting to go there for a while and we finally had a day with nothing else to do. There is a store called Bronners there. I guess it is the largest year-round Christmas store in the US. I think the kids had fun but Scott and I left with headaches. There were a lot of different places to take pictures, but this is the spot Caden picked sooo...

Next, we went downtown. We had a lot of fun just walking to the different stores. It is a small Bavarian community with a lot going on. We stopped to watch them make fudge and had a taste along with some hot chocolate.

This is their famous covered bridge.

This is a blurry picture..., but the whole town is decorated for Christmas. There are horse and carriage rides. I loved it there. Caden wanted to shake the nutcrakers hand instead of take a picture.

I finally have a post ready! Scott has been away on interviews so I have so time (not working) to spend on this. I still struggle with how to set up these posts and get everything in order. Me and computers are not best buds >(... But it's Fall:) and a ton has happened since I last got a post together.

Caden started school and soccer. He has been doing so good in school and reading up a storm. Scott coached soccer, but I think Caden is going to need some time before he is interested in playing sports. He was more interested in running around with the kids than he was in trying to kick the ball into the goal. Maybe in the spring..

My uncle Tony and his family came to Detroit so we got to spend some time with them. We went to an apple orchard and went to Canada for the first time since we have been here. We live so close, but we have never had a reason to go.

Next my parents came and we had a fun weekend with them. We got to go the the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. It was a really fun, but fast weekend.

When Caden's costume came in the mail he spent a lot of time outside trying to learn how to fly. He dressed up Kali and brought her out a couple of times too.

Carvin' punkins

Caden's school parade.

We went to the church's Trunk or Treat and there was a haunted house. Caden held Kali's hand so she wouldn't be scared. What a good big brother.

These are our neighbors. They are the best. The kids call them grandma and papa. If we move I will be so sad to leave them.

Halloween was fun. Caden was his superman and Kali was Dorothy. I had fun sewing Kali's costume and I really wanted to make Caden's too, but we found this one online for really cheap and he liked it so that is all that matters.

We have had fun with all the leaves.

Caden and Kali's party

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We got rained out, but we had a fun carnival themed party for the kids. Luckily we were able to do the games outside before it started to rain.

Where did summer go?

We have had fun this summer, but I can't believe it is almost over. We decided to do some fun things around Michigan because we might not be here next summer. We went camping by Lake Michigan on one of our weekends off. We went to the beach when we first got there and I didn't think the kids would want to get in the water so I didn't put them in suits, but I was wrong...

We had smores and foil dinners. The kids were absolutely filthy at the end of the night.

We spent the next day at the beach. It was a lot of fun. It was almost like being at the beach, but without the yucky salt water.

Went to a farmer's market

Worked in the garden a bit.

We went to the Toledo Zoo and had fun. It was hot the whole day and then when we were just about to leave it started to rain. We were soaked by the time we got to the car. We have done some other fun things, but I am not the greatest at taking pictures.

Today my sweet little Kali turned 2. I can't even believe that this is the same girl. All that dark hair has been replaced by golden locks. It doesn't really shock me that she is two. She has been saying she is two for months now. She is so grown up. I think her favorite thing to say is "I do it". She talks a ton, but I have noticed that she is quite shy around new people. She is pretty much potty trained now and today even went on the little potty by herself. She came downstairs with no pants on and when I asked her if she needed to go she told me she already went. She knows all her colors now and I think her favorite is purple with pink being a strong second. She is definitely a girl and loves anything pretty. We are so blessed to have this spirited little thing in our lives. Love her tons.

Tomorrow my big boy turns 5! He is the best surprise I have ever had. He came out big at 9lbs 2 oz and has not stopped growing. He brings us so much joy. He is the sweetest boy I have ever known; always concerned with other peoples feelings. He always tells me, "Mom, I love you so much." He's the greatest brother and can't do anything without knowing where Kali is. If he gets something he always makes sure Kali has the same. He has come so far and is getting so smart. I can't believe how fast time has gone. Today I asked him how he got so big and he was worried why I was so sad and he said he just ate lots of food and now he's turning five so now he's big that's all. And then he gave me a hug. :) The best.