Halloween 2010

Getting all dressed up for Halloween 2010

A blushing bride...this was the second costume I bought for Elise this year...she changed her mind because I bought the first duck costume too early...thankfully I bought it second hand, and could consign it again before Halloween. John kept asking...why does she want to be a bride? And who will be the groom?

Elise's neighborhood friends for trick or treating!

This was the first year Elise went door to door with her friends...mom and dad just waited at the end of the driveway or sidewalk...

After trick or treating we had the neighbors over for chili & these three girls giggled and played for hours. They all climbed into our travel crib to play...so silly!

John helped to make this costume for Elise...ears & tail.

This was Elise's second costume for a birthday party...pretty kitty.

Grandma Klassen funeral - October 2010

We had an unexpected visit to Mt. Lake, MN in October after my last living grandparent passed away. It was a challenge for Elise to understand all that was happening, but in her 3 year old mind she grasped some things...and surprisingly after we got home from the trip she wanted to play funeral, which helped her understand.

My mom's brothers and sisters and their spouses at the internment (Dave, Ken, Leesa, Mom, Elaine, Brenda)

The extended Klassen family at Grandma Klassen's funeral.

Meeting as a family out at the farm

We gathered as an extended family with balloons & listened to the Vince Gill song, "Go rest high on that Mountain" to remember Grandma Klassen

Release of the 50-something balloons

Ratzlaff Family photo at Grandma & Grandpa Klassen's farm

All the brothers & sisters sitting at their childhood place at the table reminiscing...

Early October Recap

We love to make our annual trek to Sky Top Apple Orchard in the mountains near Hendersonville, NC

With a little help from Daddy, Elise can pick the prime apples

Family Shot at the orchard

We got our pick of apples & it was time to head on home

Such a fun annual picture...our little girl is growing up so fast!

After we left the apple orchard, we had to stop at the Asheville Mall, and Elise wanted to try the Mall Jump...I'm still amazed that she wanted to do it..I just wish you could hear her giggling through the jump  - she thought it was the best.

I finally finished my kitchen Roman shade...it will be a welcome relief from all the summer heat that usually comes through this window...

Baby Two - Due May 1st!

We are excited to share that we are expecting our second child in May. Here's a little video clip of telling our family...