too funny

Elle was snuggling with Jacques when he spied some kitties. Photo is just plain funny:)

nice visit

We squeezed in a nice visit with Aunt Jeanette in Waupun tonight, and Jeff and Mick joined us from Madison. Jeanette is my Dad's oldest sister, and the only relative left on Dad's side. She is a gem...smart and very funny:)

A few nice pics:)

Today we enjoyed a long walk through Hobbs Woods. Then after visiting the farmer's market, we roasting pumpkin seeds. Eva said they made the house smell like fall:) Elise and Paul leave tomorrow for Nashville, and then we switch gears and get things ready for homecoming. Elle was lucky to find a really nice dress at Edith's off of the rack, that fits her like a glove. We're looking forward to helping with the parade, and of course the game. Lots to do this weekend!

lovely day

It was great to catch up with old friends and family today. The weather cooperated and a great time was had by all:)

birthdays and celebrations

Today we send out birthday greetings to niece Gretchen, nephew Erik and little Dave, on their 32nd, 18th, and 7th, respectively:) We'll toast to them tonight while getting together with friends to hear Paul's big band...should be fun. Lots happening here since Elise arrived. Thanks to Donna and Clyde for the lovely BBQ on the Manitowoc River this weekend. The Packer game was a disappointment, but the crowd was a lot of fun. We also had some long walks with Henry and Jacques through all the nature trails, and even spent some time in the Kettle Moraine. It's so beautiful, and everyone agrees the leaves are changing colors about 2 weeks ahead of usual. Elle dances tonight, but might make the last set with the band. Also thanks to sisters Jeannine, Jill and Jo for planning the menu for the upcoming shower. I'm sure it will be delish!

Beautiful day for the trip...

Paul flew down to Nashville this morning to pick up Elise and Jacques, and they are somewhere in Indiana the last they texted, driving back with Elise's vehicle. Tomorrow will be very busy with a dog grooming appointment and lots of visiting with Fondy friends. Today at work we made a terrific 'date bar' recipe, the family might remember from Aunt Jeanette. We also stuffed ripe tomatoes from the garden with left over chicken from the grill last night. They were scrumptious. Welcome back to Patti who enjoyed several days off on the west coast with her family. We missed you at work:)

Lots of fun activities this weekend

Elle, Eva and Paul are having a 3 hour practice tonight with the youth choir, followed by a pizza party for the kids. Afterward, we might check out the end of Fondy's football game. Tomorrow is the Fondue Fest, and this year like last, we'll be taking some of our respite kids. After that we have a barbeque planned with some folks from church. Should be a nice time. Weather looks hopeful:) Work has been great. Lots of new changes to the company and they seem promising. Also, just a few more days until Elise comes home for a visit; lots planned during her stay. We just got Elle's sophomore picture from school, so she's featured today:)

4D Baby Girl Estes pics coming in a few days

Elise and James had a 4D scan at Summit Hospital yesterday, not in Nashville, but a suburb. The technology is really incredible! You can see she has Daddy's nose, and Aunt Eva's feet:) Also, it looks like the babe has a lot of hair...the question is, what color? Could she have a lovely auburn color like cousin Gretchen, be a real redhead like Grandpa Ted, or perhaps sport a jet black like my girls? Perhaps something completely different? Daddy James' genes also offer wonderful possibilities. How neat is that? She will be loved and cherished no matter what, but the guessing is fun.

just a funny pic

Elle's friend Trevor is featured, with Elle is the background. Cute.

new baby news

Congratulations to friends 'Aunt' Cathy and 'Grandma' Lori on the birth of new baby Levi Thomas Jack. He weighs in at 7 pounds and 3 ounces, and word is that he is very handsome:)

nice weekend

We traveled to Oshkosh this weekend to enjoy the park and the waterfront. It was nice having some time off. We also celebrated a birthday at work today, and had a special dinner. Today's pic is from a rehearsal Elle had for Cardinal Singers.

Great cover

The folks in Wisconsin are loving the new SI cover. As my neighbor put it (regarding Bret Favre going to Minnesota) "It's like I married my dream girl, and after years of a great marriage, she had an affair with my neighbor." Lots of emotion from the Packer camp here. Our local sport shop is selling a great tee-shirt with a Packer-like logo. It reads: we will never forget you, Brent. How funny.

locals will remember Derek

The first Capt. Derek Dobogai Memorial Run/Walk was held at WLA high school, just 2 blocks from our house. Dobogai died in a helicopter crash while serving with the Army in Iraq. What a neat event...and such a cute photo, thanks to the Fondy reporter:) We've often been to see his grave at Rienzi cemetery. The memorials are beautiful...such a peaceful place.

Aliyah's day to blog...

Today we hear from Aliyah, and also view her pics. She's not unlike her Daddy Michael, who is an excellent artist and also loved photography. They share a good eye:) I titled her pictures according to what she told me she'd like to say. Although she is not the best speller, she is improving. Tonight I asked Aliyah to add to the blog. Here are her words verbatim:
Hi to everyone. I am going to go to the high school with momma Julie for Ellie. We will make the chicken after adn my Mom will get some and also I don't have homework.
I will sleep over with Ellie but in Eva' s old room where I have a bed, but somtimes with Ellie, I sleep. I love Henry. He is nauty sometime. Thank you. Aliyah J.