Daddy is at work.

Daily, [today starting at 7:30 a.m.] Katie will ask, "Daddy?" As in, where's my favorite guy that lives here the one that bounces on the bed with me, tickles me till I'm drunk with laughter, gives me all my favorite snacks, takes me outside and to the farm etc. ? Sometimes it can also be interpreted as, "I'd like to hang out with someone other than you, Mom." No offense taken by me because when Daddy is home I am happier, too! In the evening we'll ritually make our way to the "daddy watching" bench by the window where we wait for his return counting cars and spotting dogs, leaves, birds and neighbors. Until the long anticipated Daddy pulls in the drive.

I've gotten creative in answering the Daddy question because the first answer is most always followed by, "Why?" And because the frequency of the asking has gone up in recent weeks- they've bonded!

Here's a recent conversation on this topic--
Kate: Daddy?
Me: Daddy is at work.
Kate: Why?
Me: 'Cause someone has to bring home the bacon.
Kate: Bacon? Eat?

Tonight though, Dad is away on business and his girls miss him dearly. I am so grateful that I am not the sole parent in this house and that Daddy is so obviously such a special part of Kate's life. We'll undoubtly start our window watching for his return tomorrow earlier than usual but hopefully not as early as 7:30 a.m.

How to Eat a PBJ Sandwich by Katie

First, have mom make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, preferably heavy on the jelly.
Second, take it apart so you can enjoyed fully. Then dig in!



Washing is optional if you ask me.
DE-LICIOUS!

You just missed....The Kieler Fire Prevention Parade

Every year the first Sunday of October, Kieler goes from sleepy little town to the Fire Prevention Parade Place to Be! You can't find a place to park....the streets are lined with lawn chairs (and you defend family spots with dirty looks)....there are MANY more fire trucks in town and a few additional tractors....and shouts from hungry children for CANDY CANDY can be heard for miles. Yes, you just missed this year's Fire Prevention Parade! We enjoyed welcome company from my family for the third year in a row. Here are some highlights:

It is a good morning when the Snyders serve coffee and sticky buns! And yes, the girls are having their a.m. coffee.

The weekend is never complete without a visit to the firehouse. Here, Trevor and I are checking out where the firefighters ride.

Walking/riding to the park and church garage sale for our deals!

The kids rode in style and comfort on our trip to Platteville.

Nothing is private around here and you can't go to the bathroom without entertainment.

Bug looks like she's got enough to keep her entertained for awhile.

Friends that joined us in celebrating this epic event- the Marlettes and the Rundes.


Bug and Kate "cheering" for the parade.


The fire truck Kurt drove with Louie his sidekick.

Trevor and I got to ride in the parade! Eat your heart out- I know you were wishing it was you!

Anyone for a rousing game of Ring Around the Rosie? The kids liked it and the naps were worth every bit of the effort.

Mark your calendars and join us next year!

Wisconsin in Michigan

WAY back on Labor Day Weekend we loaded up Kurt's brother's minivan and hit the road to visit the Michigan Snyders. It was all in all a great trip I must say. You can see our little Badger fan won't be swayed to Spartan pride. We had fantastic feasts, great company, a bonfire and Kurt and his brothers completed many a household task while we were in town.


Kate had time to enjoy her cousins (the ones closest to her in age on that side) and just be silly.


She also liked Aunt Beth and Uncle Dennis's trampoline. It was a hair raising experience!

But the best thing about the trip according to Katie was the souvenir. She brought home Elmo! Her favorite friend these days. Elmo (sans batteries) is pretty big for her to lug around but she insists on taking him all over and he keeps her good company at night, too! He's even started using the potty like Katie does on occasion.

A belated thanks for the hospitality MI Snyders! We had a great trip. Go Badgers!

Poetry

By the recommendation of a friend I picked up this book of poetry on Inter-library loan. I am SO glad I did! What a treasure! I am considering adding it to my Christmas list. So for your reading enjoyment today a poem and pictures.

An Evening with a Child

We walk along a road
at the day's end, a little child and I,
and she points out a bird, a tree, a toad,
a stretch of colored sky.

She knows no single word
but "Ah" (with which all poems must commence,
at least in the heart's heart), and I am stirred
by her glad eloquence.



Her feet are yet unsure
of their new task; her language limited,
but her eyes see the earth in joy secure.
And it is time I said:



Let the proud walls come down!
Let the cold monarchy be taken over!
I give my keys to rust, and I disown
castles of stone for ambushed roads in clover.



All the vast kingdoms that I could attain
are less to me than the dusk is mild
and that I walk along a country lane
at evening with a child.



Jessica Powers (1946)

Chores

Kate's a big helper when it comes to assisting Dad with feeding the calves.



More pictures of recent trips and activities to come....Michigan, Medford and more!

We're still here

Got lots to post about soon...maybe afternoon nap or maybe tomorrow but soon!
Sorry for the neglect of this space for three weeks, ugh! Really all is well here and we are still in existence (isn't it amazing that God continues to keep us in existence?!?) and I have good pictures and intentions of posting more when time allows.

Thanks for reading....