Before and After...

Rick has needed a haircut for a while, but has been trying to hold off so that his hair is a good length for the holidays. Today was it though...he couldn't take it any longer and got a hair cut. Here are the before and after photos.

Before:

After (shaving wasn't included in the haircut):

Tomorrow is our big bike ride on the new I-355. We are anxious (combination of excited and nervous) about getting to the correct place and the possibilities for the weather. I will be sure to post updates and pictures tomorrow! Wish us luck (although, I doubt anyone will read this prior to our ride).

Small Victory!

One of my weaknesses is that I don't always stand up for myself when I should. This means I tend to get walked on or taken advantage of (typically these mean the same thing). Rick really hates when this happens to me--he knows I deserve better and so do I.

An opportunity came about this week at school It is parent/teacher conferences. I was asked to attend my two students conferences, but I wouldn't get paid for it. I am willing to attend without pay because it is important for the student and for my own experiences, but if I am putting in time towards the school- I should get paid. No one I know works for free.

I asked my principal yesterday if I could get paid for being at the conferences. She initially said she couldn't pay me, but then said she would look into it. Alright, at least I spoke up!

This morning she came in and let me know that they would be able to pay me and the other aides. I was quite excited--not so much for the few extra dollars, but more so because I asked!

Lesson learned, hopefully I can't make this a habit!

Tomato Soup is Delicious

On Sunday we went to dinner for Grandma Hurckes' 75th Birthday!! Even though there aren't any pictures of Grandma or the rest of the family we had a really nice time. Alex was full of energy and really enjoyed his tomato soup.

Alex and Pa!

After dinner "Pa" and "TT" took Alex to view the hippos or "po's" in Alex's language. It was getting dark and cold, but Alex was having a blast sitting on these hippos and dancing to the music that was playing!!

Amanda and Tim's Wedding!!

Rick and I went to Amanda and Tim's Wedding last night. We had a great time! The ceremony was held outside which was unexpected by us, but it was short and the colors were beautiful as you can see below from the pictures. We only knew two other people (well, personally). David and Alisha were great table and dancing mates.

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Dime!!

David hasn't changed at all!!

Alex and Cindy visited us tonight!

Alex is spending a few days with Cindy. They made a pit-stop by our house for a nap and dinner. Here is Alex and Cindy at dinner!



Alex and I playing in the living room after dinner...luckily everything stayed in Alex's stomach.
Rick changed Alex's diaper for the first time today! It only took Alex refusing to let Cindy or me do it! Way to go Rick!

Alex is very ticklish!Alex in his pajamas right before he left! We are so glad we were able to see him and Cindy today!

Pumpkin Carving!

Rick and I carved our pumpkin on Sunday night after we returned from Wisconsin Dells. Rick looked up pumpkins online and this is the design we chose. We also cut off the bottom of the pumpkin in order to clean it out. This did make cleaning much easier, but proved a little harder to keep it sitting up once we were finished.

Once we picked our design, I drew it on the pumpkin. Not in pencil though...in Sharpie! Funny thing...you can still see the lines if you don't follow the sharpie marks. It looks great now and even better on our front porch!

Sunday in the Dells and the highway.

On Sunday morning we took another walk. It was earlier in the morning and colder. My dad spotted that there was frozen water coming out of this pump. Here is what my mom captured.

We brought bread for the ducks this time around. Thus there were more of them. Here are their pictures. I wanted to bring one home, but my dad said the only way a duck can ever come home is if it is served on your plate.

This picture is suppose to be of the ducks following my mom and me.

The moon for Kayte!

Our plan was to go Paul Bunyan's for breakfast...but they were closed for the season. I am not sure who was the most upset by this. We ended up going to the Western Buffet...not nearly as good from what Rick and my dad described.

My dad thought this sign was very entertaining..."Have a Swig with Nig"

This diner advertised Cinnamon Rolls, we stopped for my mom, but they were out :(

Rick and his family remember that this place had air vents in their bathroom that led to the kitchen. We aren't sure if it is same place, if it is, it has been remodeled. Either way, we didn't eat there...we should be safe!
On our way home there was an accident right after we entered Illinois. Rick went to the back of the truck (while we were stuck in traffic) to get us some food.
Good Job Rick!! (As he was running back he dropped the case to his sunglasses. A few seconds later, a girl ran up and brought them back to him).
The first bag of food didn't have bagels or pretzels....take 2!
He made it!
Here is the police officer at the scene of the accident. This is funny because Rick's dad calls my dad Roscoe.
Here is the accident.