Happy Halloween! Gus went as Iron Man but since he lost his mask two days before Halloween Trista decided to improvise and paint a beard on him to make hime look like Tony Stark (the man behind the mask in the movie). Sam went as a Yoda a very good fit and the costume was hand made by Trista. Joy went in the monkey suit that Trista made when Gus was a baby, so now they have all been monkeys. We had gorgeous trick or treating weather and the kids made a haul.

It's a little blury...sorry. We went to a wedding and then the reception. Gus was very excited for the dance to start and he danced the night away. Towards the end of the night Gus found these two lovely ladies and proceeded to dance with them for probably an hour. He was a popular little guy out there!

Gus's pre-school went to the pumpking patch and Dad helped drive some of the kids out. It was really cold and damp and muddy but everyone still had fun. Kids and pumpkins go together like bread and butter.

We've enjoyed a great fall here. The boys seem to be getting soo much older. They play hard with each other all day and fight. But they are truly bonded to one another and although it is exhausting it is a blessing to watch them develop with one another. Joy is a wonderfull little girl, and lucky her, the boys treat her like a princess. I suppose that will stop when she's old enough to start being demanding!

Our angel.

The tree Gus and Dad are standing by was planted in mid May of this year. It was four feet tall, had no limbs and was about the diameter of a pinky finger.

Gus in his tree outfit that he made in preschool.

Gus being tender with Joy.

Gus and Sam have really bonded this summer and are best pals. Gus has someone he can boss and Sam is just happy his cool big brother wants to spend so much time with him. Sam and Gus really enjoy spending cuddle time with Joy. They seem genuinely happy she is part of our family.

Gus's first day in preschool. Standing with him are his friend Johnah and little brother Sam. Gus seems to love his school and his teacher.

Well we're settling into home life with three. The boys continue to be very excited and helpful with Joy and Sammy insists on giving her many kisses throughout the day. Joy has been a very sweet, quiet baby and is eating well and doing all those baby things. She very much enjoys being held and sleeping in the bed next to Mom and Dad (for brief periods!) Trista is doing well and looks great. Nanna D. is helping out for awhile here and that has certainly been a blessing.

ITS A GIRL!!! We were blessed with Joy Marie this morning at 9:38 am. Dad went in to work and about an hour later Mom called and Dad headed home. We made it to the hospital at 9:00 am (apparently just in time!) She is 20" and 7lb 14 oz. She has long dark hair and is doing very well. Mom is resting at the hospital in good spirits and reportedly feeling okay. More pics and stories soon!

Trista relaxing by the lake. Nanna watched the kids for the afternoon so we could have lunch and spend a couple of hours together, it was much appreciated!

Gus at Goosberry Falls. Dad and Gus decided they would try to go for a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail but before we got there Gus skinned both his knees really bad and just wasen't in the hiking mood. That is why in the pictures you see him holding his pants off his knees. Despite the injury it was a nice day to be outside. Goosberry is beautiful and we enjoyed playing in the water.

Papa and Sam doing Sam's favorite thing. Trista and Gus on the "big green one." Everyday we were there consisted of riding the four wheelers pretty much as often as Mom and Dad would allow, which is to say, a lot!

View from the open air train-car

We have been talking about taking the boys for a train ride for a long time. Last week we finally got to do that and jumped all aboard the Norshore Scenic Railroad. It was a great experience, and I think its likness to the Polar Express was appreciated by the boys.

July 4th. Brian was at work but Mom and the boys had a good time with the neighbors. Later that night, despite Moms warnings Gus waved his arm over the smoke from the smoke bombs and shockingly enough recieved some burns, which surprised him! Some things need to be learned the hard way.

Nana visited our home shortly after our Black Hills reunion. We had a good time together even though it was short.

Hiking up to Harney Peak the weather held out we had a great hike...it was really worth it. Uncle Brett and Nick zoomed up and down and the other kids were troopers. Absolutely one the the highlights of our trip. Next time hopefully we can all go and make a afternoon of it.

We visited the Mammoth Site. Mom standing next to a simulated mamoth bone.

Upper left is the original natural entrance to Wind Cave. We took several pictures inside and only the ones we used a flash on turned out. It was a really neat experience.