Thanksgiving with the Yaks

It was another wonderful Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. We broke up the trip this year with a stop at the Wisconsin Dells, a resort-type area full of waterparks and mini golf (and only about 45 minutes from Grandma and Grandpa's!). We chose to stay in one of the many huge indoor waterparks / hotels, and the girls had a BLAST. It'll only get better as they get older and are able to ride more of the slides. I think our stay there has forever ruined all future hotel stays -- at the "regular" motel on the way home, Siena asked, "where are the waterslides, Mommy?". Unfortunately I didn't get any photos this time around, as I was a bit nervous leaving my camera around all of those pools.

As for the Domes and yaks, they didn't disappoint (do they ever?). We had so much fun with the aunts, uncles, and cousins -- Siena especially loved going on walks with Aunt Mary. She really made herself at home this visit and happily played independently, which was a nice break for us since Libby was into everything -- including the wood-burning stove! We loved visiting a local quilt show and seeing so many of Grandma's beautiful quilts on display, including a "Sudoku" quilt she lovingly made for our family. We can't wait for our next trip north!

Helping Grandma sort through quilting squares

Siena meets a new friend

Smiling with Mommy out on the land

Everyone pitched in to help Grandma plant her peonies

Failed Christmas card attempt... Libby is a tough smile!

That's better -- my Daddy is so silly.

Hooray for our wonderful family -- here are Patrick, Grandpa, LJ, Emily (and baby on the way!), and Mary

First Trim

Libby has had a nice baby mullet for awhile now which has continued to grow longer and longer in recent months, and it was time for a little cleanup in the back. I hesitate to call this her first real haircut since it was such a minor change, so we'll just call it her first trim. She did a great job sitting still in the pink racecar chair while watching Elmo -- gotta love the kiddie cuts place.

Before...

During...

And after. So much better!

Fall Fun

It's been a fairly low-key November for us, and we've been lucky that temperatures have been mild for most of the month -- we're soaking up the playground time while it lasts! The girls have been big helpers with the fall cleanup, too.

Happy, Happy Halloween

We had a western-inspired Halloween this year, with Siena dressing up as a cowgirl and Libby playing the part of the cow. Unfortunately Libby wasn't too happy about that role, and insisted that her costume be removed ASAP. Oh well! We had lots of fun nonetheless, especially now that Siena is old enough to REALLY get into trick-or-treating. Thankfully she forgot about her candy loot by the next day. :)


We decided to skip the Cardinal celebration parade and stay home to carve pumpkins instead, which was definitely a good call. Siena loved getting her hands dirty with pumpkin guts. Libby, on the other hand, was not at ALL interested in touching the slimy stuff. The girl sure has her opinions! Maybe next year.

Admiring their creations. Siena designed her pumpkin herself, requesting that it have 5 teeth on top and 5 teeth on the bottom.

Libby approves of Daddy's bat-cat pumpkin. Her one-sock-on, one-sock-off look is typical.

Happy Halloween from the Sustars!

Rounding up the cow.

Seriously, Mom. Take this costume OFF.

With best bud Dylan the dragon.

Winnie manned our house again with the treats. It's always a favorite last stop!

Siena is THREE!

Happy Birthday, Siena! We had the BEST birthday party this year out at Braeutigam Orchards for sume pumpkin-picking fun. Animals for the kids to feed, a great farm-themed play area, a cute bunch of decorated tables for our guests, and a hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Throw in a clear, warm day and it made for the perfect party. We could be back next year, Braeutigam's!


The birthday girl brushes up on her cow milking skills.

Mooo... The kids loved feeding the cows.

Chicken roundup!

Argh! Chicken pirate Dylan.

Loading up and heading out to the pumpkin patch.

We're off!

A most sincere pumpkin patch.

Farmer Dan helps Siena with her chosen pumpkin.

Pumpkin cupcakes! Happy Birthday to me!