Patoka

This weekend was our annual Patoka weekend. Believe it or not, I forgot my camera. Yeah, the camera that is usually attached to my side. I also forgot my contact case and cleaner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, make up, and about 15 other things. They were here when I got home Sunday right where I'd left them to load in the car. They kind of blended in with the many boxes I've packed to move.

So, these are the very few pictures from my phone.

The theme this year was Christmas. Complete with stocking stuffing, ornament making, and a Birthday Party for Jesus. As always, we had tons of good food and good company.

Oh, and the most beautiful Saturday weather.

 

 

Harper's Photo shoot

I got to take pictures of this adorable but challenging specimen Saturday!

 

OOPS!

Stillwell Reunion

Saturday was the Stillwell reunion, my late grandma's family. It was at Oakridge where the kids had so much fun exploring!

 

 

The last 3 Sisters/ Sister in laws.
Analou, Elna, and Eva

Debbie and Randy

Dad's Birthday

Happy Birthday Dad! 63! We briefly celebrated with him yesterday between combining, tractor riding, and family reunion. We wish you the happiest of birthdays today! We love you so much. Thank you for everything you do for us!

 

One of many attempts at this picture. If you notice, Abby is sticking her purple hair extension into Conner's ear. Harper was always trying to run off!

Buddies with the same passion!

Nashville Weekend

Saturday, we went to Nashville, TN as a family getaway. We first went to Antique Archeology, the store in the American Picker TV show. Then, we went to Opry Mills Mall. We checked into our hotel and took a late nap. We then went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.

Sunday, we got up and went to breakfast and watched a movie. Then it was time to head to the Tennessee Railway Museum for A Day out with Thomas the train.

After the train ride, we enjoyed some of the entertainment and ate lunch there. Then we were headed back to Indiana.

 

Happy 35th Birthday Steve!

Steve turned 35 today! We started the day with a big breakfast for him with a candle in his biscuit.

Then, Steve and Conner went to Rockport to put the finishing touches on the 1948 Allis-Chalmers B

tractor they have been restoring along with my dad for Conner. They spent all day on it, and it was finished. They loaded it up and brought it back to Evansville. I think finishing this year long project was a great Birthday gift for him. I'm not sure which one was more proud of their tractor, Conner or Steve. Conner bought his dad a new rain gauge and a tool box for the new house. He was very proud of his purchases.

Happy Birthday Steve! We love you lots!

 

House Update!

We were pre-approved 2 years ago when we started talking about buying a house. So, when we found our perfect house, it was really easy at the bank. The day after we made an offer, we went to the bank and Brad had some papers for us to sign to get the ball rolling. Conner happened to be with me, so Steve drew up a document for him to sign. He felt involved in purchasing the house.

Brad at the bank thought this was such a good idea, he is going to do this for all the kids that come to his office with their parents.

We closed on the house August 15th. When we showed up to closing without Conner, Brad from the bank, our Realtors, the closing company, and the seller were all disappointed. They thought Conner would be a part of the big day! They would have changed their tune after paper 17 of 100.

Conner did get to see the new house finally on closing day. We met the seller at 8:30 the morning of closing at the house. Conner got to go through the house, the barn, meet the animals, and explore the property. He was there when the turkey laid an egg. The Seller, Brad, let  him pick the egg and keep it. He was a little intimidated by the horse, but warmed right up to the turkey, rooster, and cats. He didn't know what to think of the Guineas. While we were there, Brad asked Conner that if he left Rooster and Turkey Girl and the Guineas, would Conner take care of them forever? Conner agreed.

Conner did not want to leave, but we had to make it to closing.

 

The last week has been crazy. In the last 7 days, I've been to Louisville twice shopping, Illinois once, 14 furniture stores (some duplicated), and hours of rug shopping. Buying a house was easy, filling it takes a little work.

 

We get possession on September 30th. The seller asked for 45 days instead of 30. He is just so nice, so we agreed! We are extremely excited and so is Conner.

 

Conner can sign his name when he wants too, but chose to sign in all O's.
Must have been nervous!

Happy 3rd Birthday Riley!!!!

Sunday, we went to Riley's 3rd Birthday party at the Otter's Baseball Game! We had so much fun! We were so happy to be invited! Thank you so much for the wonderful experience and all that you gave us! And an extra special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Riley!!!!!

 

Reisz Family Reunion

Last Sunday, We went to Rockport for the Reisz Famiy Reunion. We only got to stay an hour and then we had to rush to Evansville for a Birthday party. I had no time to take any pictures just inhale our food. Wish we could have stayed longer!

New House!

We finally bought a house on July 15th. It was a Monday and Steve was checking the MLS every 20 minutes on his phone at work. It posted at 12. He saw it around 12:20. We were in it looking around by 1:30. We placed an offer at 2:30 and the man accepted the next day! We went to the bank on Tuesday, and had it inspected and appraised on Friday. It was all real quick and simple.

 

Because of Steve's quickness, we were the first and last people to view the house. There were 3 other families wanting to see the house that night too. But, we had already made an offer, so they never got too. It was all meant to be.

 

The house is in Wadesville. It has a great house, pole barn, and 4 1/2 acres. We close August 15 and take possession September 30th. It is move in ready other than changing some paint colors.

In the spring, we will be adding an addition and a basement under the addition.

 

We are very excited and so is Conner!