Pumpkin Patch, Imagination Movers!!!

One of my favorite things about the fall is taking the kids to a pumpkin patch. Last year I think my Mom and I took Henry to at least five. Even though the weather has not been nearly as cooperative this year, we did visit a really great one in Alpha, IL. Henry's class has a field trip there next week and I thought we should preview it, especially since I am chaperoning. It was darling!!! Henry had a great time running through the corn maze - even though it was a really big, extremely difficult corn maze, playing in the playground, and enjoying all of the country fun. Bea had a great time as well, there were plenty of kids to look at. We look forward to going again next week, and the best part is we will be riding a school bus!!!

Last night we took Henry to see the Imagination Movers. Henry had so much fun! He sang, danced in the isles and ate popcorn. He even got to shake Mover Rich's hand, what a thrill. I think John and I enjoyed it more than Henry, it was so great to see him sing and dance, I should have brought a video camera. Bea had a great girls' night with Nana.


My Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch

Another Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch, did I mention it was super cold and windy that day?

Mover Rich!!

Henry and Mommy before the show.

Imagination Movers

Busy Busy Busy

The past few weeks have been busy at the Archer house. It is funny, when people ask John and me what we miss about Germany, we always answer, "the lifestyle". People in the U.S. are busy busy busy, almost frantic. Anyway, we have managed to fit in some fun activities during the few weeks.

First, we continued birthday celebrations. Bea turned 6 months old on the 24th, so we had a little party for her and even though she couldn't indulge in her "birthday cookie", she had fun!! Next, Carolyn had another party. Her birthday has gone on for weeks, as it should when you turn 9. Henry is so excited that his birthday is next!!

Last week, we surprised Henry with a visit to the Bettendorf Police and Fire Department!! He got to meet firefighters, police officers, dispatchers and tour the entire department. The highlight of the visit was sitting in the vehicles and making the lights and sirens work. Everyone was so sweet to Henry, he enjoyed the tour so much. Bea was a little less impressed, although she did enjoy the light show Henry put on while sitting in the police car and fire truck.

And last, but certainly not least, we have been enjoying the awesome fall weather!! We were putting out our fall decorations this weekend and Henry asked me, "Mom, are we making Halloween?".

As always, my Dad planted corn, pumpkins and gourds for the kids to pick. Most were ready to harvest this weekend, so the kids went to it!! They got a entire wagon full of fun gourds and pumpkins.

When you ask Henry what he wants to be when he grows up, he says, "a firefighter, farmer, and train guy", I think we have fit all of those things in the last month. Hopefully he won't decide to be something crazy in the future, like a snake charmer - not even this Mom will fulfill that wish.



You can take the boy out of Germany...

Our Harvest

Will working hard!!

Joshy and Papa

Carolyn!!

Henry found a big one!

Bettendorf Police Department

Fireman Henry

Bea went too!

Papa and Nana and their crew!

Bea's 6 month birthday!

Happy Birthday Bea!!

Thomas 2009!

This past weekend John, Henry, and I ventured out to Boone, IA to see a real life Thomas the train engine! Bea enjoyed the weekend at Papa and Nana's, she rarely gets them all to herself.

After a quick trip through the mall in Des Moines, we checked into our hotel. It was quite busy - they were hosting three wedding receptions that day and had several girls soccer teams in house. We became acquainted with some of the soccer players at the pool. Henry tried so hard to be part of their games and fun, but had to settle for watching the many "chicken fights" from the side of the pool.

After breakfast the next morning we drove to Boone, which is only about 45 minutes from Des Moines. It is a darling little town that has a pretty busy little train depot. There was plenty to do besides ride the train, which was suppose to be the main attraction. Henry enjoyed running through the hay maze, bouncing in the bounce house, playing with the largest train table I have ever seen, meeting Sir Topham Hatt, and finally having Thomas take us on a train ride. ALL ABOARD!!

After a teary goodbye to Thomas and Boone, IA, we drove home. Henry was asleep before we got on the interstate and slept the entire way home. We were excited to get Bea. She had a great weekend as well. Just like her cousin Carolyn, I think she is a dog lover, if she could talk I think she would ask for a puppy.

It has been awhile!!

It has been a while since my last blog entry, I really have no excuses! The kids are doing great. Henry still loves his school and Bea is so happy with her new babysitter. John and I are keeping busy with kids, still unpacking random boxes that constantly appear out of no where and of course, there is always work. I am happy to report I love my new job. Everyone there is so nice and rheumatology (like all autoimmune diseases) is super interesting. I did get an opportunity to visit my old job this week, it did make me miss life in the hospital for a minute, but being home with the kids is a priority right now. John is still busy at Deere and was recently elected to the school board!

September has not only been a busy month, but also a fun one. We celebrated my Dad's and Carolyn's birthdays, went to the circus last weekend and today Henry had a birthday party to go to. It was the first party he was invited to by himself, without John or I to supervise,so we were a little nervous. He did great. I suppose this will be the first of many to come - he is growing up so fast!

The final finishes were put in the basement last week, so I am happy to report it is officially complete! We are really enjoying it. Henry has a place to spread out all of his toys and be as loud as wants, which is pretty loud sometimes. We also have some new neighbors. The neighborhood is a little less quiet now and Henry has some new friends to play with - even if they are all girls! There will be two more families moving in this month, we are really looking forward to it.

Bea is doing great. She loves her big brother, he can always make her smile. Soon she will be 6 months old!!

Next weekend we will be heading to Boone, IA to visit a "real life" Thomas the train engine. I will take lots of pictures to post. Below are a few pictures from the circus and birthday party, as you can see from the photo, Henry really enjoyed the popcorn at the circus.

Until next time...


Will and Bea

Joshy and Carolyn at the circus

Papa and Carolyn's birthday

I think the popcorn is gone!

The circus

New School, New Job - Whew!!

I have neglected my blog the last couple of weeks for good reasons - we have been busy (and John has been out of town)! Henry started a new school a couple of weeks ago and I am so relieved to say that he really likes it. I was a bit apprehensive about it because he enjoyed his last school in Heidelberg so much and requested to go back there on several occasions, but he made friends the first day at his new school and hasn't looked back. Bea also started at a babysitter a couple of days a week. Henry used to go to her last year and she was anxious to have Bea with her. Like Henry, Bea is is also very happy with her new surroundings. Finally, I started a new job this week. I am working two and a half days a week in a rheumatology office. Honestly, I was extremely nervous before I started, but now that I have a couple of days in, it already feels like home. So, I think everyone is where they need to be and we can finally take a deep breath and relax for a while!

Henry on his first day of school.

We have managed to fit in a little fun. Carolyn, our niece, visited last week and we enjoyed doing several things with her. She and I saw a movie, got a pedicure, painted at a local pottery store, went shopping with Nana, and had a cookout and campfire at Papa's place on the river. There was also a little carnival in town, so we enjoyed a few rides and games as well. Henry was really disappointed when she went home, as were we.

Henry walking Booker.





As for our Beatrice, she will be 5 months next week!! Her little personality is so sweet and she could not be any more beautiful!!





Henry at the river

Tiny Tumblers!!

This week has been pretty ordinary. Our days have been filled with unpacking boxes, organizing, hanging pictures and playing outside as much as we can. Henry did have a class at the Family Museum this week called Tiny Tumblers. The first day was a little chaotic, but he quickly caught on to standing in line and taking his turn. Today, the last day, parents were invited to a performance by the children. It was absolutely precious! Henry was really proud of his new skills, and rightfully so, he was awesome! Below are a few pictures from our budding gymnast!

Fun with the moving boxes!


Bea taking a break from unpacking!

Look at our Henry!



Balance Beam!

Here we go again!

On Thursday our sea shipment arrived from Germany. Amazingly, only one item was broke and everything else was in great shape. As I am writing this blog two days later, I am happy to report we only have the office and our bedroom to organize! Needless to say we have worked nonstop since Thursday morning. My Dad, Will, and John's parents came to help and then Henry had a sleep over at Papa and Nana's to give us some extra time to unpack.

John, Will and my Dad did take some time for fun last night and went fishing. John and Will caught 7 or 8 fish each and my Dad caught only 2 - I think he spent most of his time helping the other two!

We also did some kite flying this week. Below is a picture of our new Spider Man kite. I had forgotten how much fun kite flying is!

Bea is doing great, as usual. She is talking all the time, rolling over, and starting to play with small toys - although her favorite past time is watching Henry play.

Below are some pictures from the move.


Our container in Germany.


Arriving in Bettendorf.


Goofy!


Kite Flying.


Tie Dye!