Punkin Patchin

 Our annual trip to the apple orchard/pumpkin patch took place last weekend.  As always, we had a great time!  Its so much fun to go somewhere each year and have the kids growing up with the tradition.

 Senior picture post - what a ham ball!!

 The jumping pillow is always a hit and lucky enough the dads can get on too :)  Check out Tate's air time!

 These were new this year and I totally think we should be one.  The kids were hilarious on these (and the dads too)

 Teagan and Kate went down the potato sack slide an uncountable amount of time.  Each time they tried a different method to try and go faster.  They are their father's daughters.

 The apple slingshot.  It starts with the kids doing it and ends with the dads and grandpa.  It takes some serious strategy people!

Check out that form.  He is on his way to slingshot greatness!  If anyone is in the Ames area and you have a chance you should definitely visit Center Grove Orchard.  Good times will be had by all!

Football Fun Day!!

We were fortunate enough to be able to take in an Iowa football game last week and it even ended in a Hawkeye victory :)

 On our way to the game we met up with some tailgating friends.  I know...just about the cutest things ever, right?

 Enjoying the pregame view.  Sorry, I got caught up in the game and didn't take any pictures of the actual game.

 The kids' hero.  Austin was hurt for this game and luckily we had a bye week after, so hopefully we can get back to watching him on the field.  You know, the Saturdays where we have to pause every offensive play and see exactly where Austin is :)

An added bonus is Kiley!!!  My kids are totally in love with her and always have been.

It was an amazing family day together and we are blessed to have the chance to experience it!

Our Junior Achiever

 No, I am not tooting our own horn about Ms. T, but she literally was an outstanding achiever tonight.  She participated in a Hall of Fame event for Junior Achievement in Cedar Rapids.  It was was black tie event (her first) and there were about 600 people in attendance.  She was awesome!!  Her job was to escort one of the nominees (more on him later) into the ballroom and then up to the stage for his presentation and then back to his seat.

Here she is practicing with another girl who helped with the presentation.  And with Emcee Beth Malicki from KCRG Channel 9.  She was so great with the kids!

Teagan and Blake, another Williamsburg student who participated tonight.  Williamsburg represented well :)  Blake read the invocation and did a great job.   

 The girls taking advantage of a photo op with Beth.

This is blurry, but hey, they were on the move!!  Teagan got to escort Jon Kinzenbaw, who is from Williamsburg and was being inducted.  It was special that a local student got to take part in it with him, but also that my mom has worked for him for almost 30 years.  Like I said, there were almost 600 people there and Teagan rocked it.  She walked him right where they needed to be and did this momma proud :)

 While Jon was speaking she waited up on stage for him.  My little girl is so big!

And here we are!  We didn't plan our body placement well - notice Brad's shoulder and up spot in the back.  Sorry honey!  Anyway, the important people are front and center!  Jon is really an amazing man and has given so much to our community.  He continues to lead not only as an entrepreneur, but as a role model to many people.  Thanks to Junior Achievement for the opportunity and a great night.

Our Soccer Star

 Tate started soccer this year and loves it.  I have to admit that we know very little about soccer, but all that matters is that he loves it and we are all learning.

Only a couple weeks left before we move onto basketball - gotta say we are loving being outside on some of these gorgeous days :)

A little of everything

Just a few catch-up pictures of things going on (or that I haven't posted about)

 This week is Homecoming for school.  Teagan and her friend Carlee on twins day.  And Tate on professional day - is it a shock what he wants to be when he grows up? :)

 I get so caught up blogging about the kiddos and what we have going on that I forget about my other half.  While we are all really busy running here and there, we always seem to find time to do things together as a family and make memories together.

 Some of my time over the summer has been spent at my parent's new house.  They are officially moved in and are finishing up the cleaning out of the old place.  I have inherited some of my old stuff and have to now find a place in my house, but here are some of the old games we dug out one day.  Anybody remember any of these?

And of course adult time!  Brad and I spent an amazing weekend in Chicago with some awesome friends.  We started with a Cubs game on a rooftop - highly recommend it- and then the Iowa game at Soldier Field on Saturday.  Even though it was a close game the Hawkeyes came away with a "W", so it made for much happier husbands and end to the trip.  We are taking a bit of a break from games in Iowa City this year, but still hope to get in at least one more game.  We have some other plans for weekends, which I will keep you posted on :)

Back to School

Its back to school for the Schaefer kiddos.  I would have blogged about this way soon but someone (husband's name omitted) took the memory card hostage for awhile :)

Teagan started 3rd grade and Tate started senior preschool.

 Teagan's first day happened about a 3 days before Tate's and he really struggled with it.  For a kid who is always told to act big he couldn't quite understand why he wasn't starting school with the big kids.  We are all good now and rolling with the routine.

He finally got his day to shine and was so excited.  He goes every morning Mon-Thurs and then heads to Susie's house after.  He is officially the oldest kid there and is playing a new role.

 The kids can walk to school together this year since they are in both at Mary Welsh.  It gives Tate a chance to be the big kid and Teagan to be the big sister.

Tate with Ms. Laura.  So far we hear only rave reviews and he loves everyday!!

Birthday Mania

 August is like Birthday central at our house.  Both kids' big days are only 6 days apart.  Usually we have one big party at our house, but different events led to a different set-up this year.

 The first party started at my parent's house after a couple hours of moving somethings for my parents.

 Tater and some of his new clothes and accessories for school.

Teagan asked for (and got) a tatoo kit. It is actually not as bad as I thought and has been pretty popular with visitors to our house :)

The Schaefer/Von Ahsen crew.  If that doesn't say trouble I don't know what does!

 We had tatoos out for the kids, but our amazing grandparents decided to humor the kids and get some too. Here they are with their hand, ankle, and wrist "art".  We are so lucky to have them and the fact that they are able to join us makes every event so special.

The next stop was Des Moines and the Schaefer/Van Zee party.  The adults had celebrated Aunt Lindsay's birthday the night before, so we went for a breakfast party.  The kids got their favorite doughnuts and breakfast pizza.

 Teagan showing off her new kicks for school.  Notice Tate in the background not being able to wait for his sister to get done with one gift before ripping into his next.

Tate and his new shoes.  This is how high he can jump just by putting them on :)

 The crew!  Teagan and Tate have birthdays 6 days apart in August and Will and Kate's are right next to each other in September, so we are lucky to be able to have combo parties and be able to spend time with everyone.  Lindsay and Shane were nice to Grandma and Grandpa and had Lauren in December :)  We were lucky to be able to have everyone join us this year - even Aunt Jill from the east coast.  It worked out that she was back for a visit and could hangout with all of us.

Now that the birthday craziness is over we can focus on school, soccer, dance, piano lesson, football, and whatever else we decide to pack our days with :)