Spider or Crab?

I decided to make these cool chicken stuffed spider creations for dinner. First of all, I had forgotten that nothing I make that has been copied from a book or magazine turns out anything like what the picture looks like. Does this happen to you as well? Anyways, when all was finally done, my spider masterpieces ended up looking an awful lot like crabs. They tasted d-lish and the family had a good laugh, which is all that is important. I would also like to mention that KJ proclaimed in her prayer that mom is the best cook ever. Job well done!


About ready to be popped into the oven



and there you have it- spooky spiders! possibly creepy crabs

Indiana Family

We spent a week in Indy visiting our Great Grandpa. KJ and Gramps share the same Birthday so we headed across country to celebrate the big 6 and the big 93! Happy Birthday Gramps and KJ! Hanging out with all the cousins was extra fun and special for the kids. We spent time hiking, raking leaves and jumping in them, eating grandpa’s excellent Italian cooking . We also spent a lot of time relaxing and catching up with all the Indy folks. There was a nifty fall festival that we explored (the girls and Anton experienced their first pony ride.) As part of the birthday festivities the gang bounced to their hearts content at U-Bounce. The celebration was topped off with some pink Tinker Bell cupcakes. We sure do LOVE our Indy family. We wish we lived closer so we could visit more often. Thanks for all
the Mid-Western hospitality.



Gramps and Greg



Almost all of the Great Grand kids



Part of Grandpa's backyard- amazing fall colors



Meg, James and Ella



KJ and her new best friend Bella- they were inseparable



Our nice little hike in Turkey Run state park. The trail we hiked was a little over 3 miles and received a rating of "very treacherous". Yeah, we thought it would be a good idea to take the kids too. We have done much worse. Here is Greg and RJ walking off into the unknown. Beautiful hike!



Part of the trail had a series of three ladders that you had to climb up to make it to the next part of the path. It was a little hairy with RJ and Anton, but they both loved it.









Just one of the many beautiful trees that we saw along the way.



Apparently there is a secret ladybug meeting going on in that hole




Gramps taking the kids for a fun ride



Ahhhh Fall! my favorite time of year





Me Mongo- I like to eat big rocks. This was Anton's favorite past time while we were playing at the river. Silly boy



Some of the cousins. Raija, Kajaani, Hunter, Anton, and Grant. We had a lot of fun playing with you guys. We miss you!






RJ doing a classic flying sewer dog on daddy! Bounce houses are always so entertaining



These are always fun, Right?



Feeding the scary goats, I hate goats



Hooray for the pony ride



Uncle Mars and Anton



RJ got to carve this pumpkin with CJ's power tools



She was obviously very happy and grateful(CJ and RJ)



Start em' young



All the raking is worth it. Ready, everyone attack Mummo.



So, So cute! Raija and her cousin Grant






Uncle Hubert and Aunt Elaine






KJ and Gramps getting ready to blow out their candles



All the boys



All the girls giving Gramps a big birthday kiss. Notice RJ is covering her mouth



CJ (smiling) and Kim



A sophisticated Gramps and the kids



Annette, Elaine, Mike, and Mars



Q, Alex and Dominic



Gramps with the Burst great grand kids



Happy Birthday Gramps! We love you and look forward to many, many more.

Pixie Power

Kajaani is almost 6! We had a pre-celebration Birthday bash on Saturday. There were many enchanting pixies that helped KJ have a wonderful party. The festivities included a guest appearance from Hook himself, a treasure hunt, pinata smashing,pin the star on the wand, and many wonderful pixie treats. Tinkerbell was beautiful in her green sparkling dress, sporting magical wings. Silvermist also made a special guest appearance. What a lovely, magical afternoon. Happy Birthday big girl!









Super awesome Tinker Bell cake (Yup, that is homemade)












Pinata time



Arrrr! A treasure hunt for the party goers



Two beautiful pixies