Boiler Up Baby!

We took a little trip last week to see my favorite team play football, so I didn't have much time for blogging. I will post some pictures from the trip, but it will take me a little time to sort them out. I took 500. Really. And I know you don't want to see them all.

In the mean time, the Boilermakers played their first home game of the season, and sweet baby Haleigh made her first trip to Ross-Ade Stadium. She was looking cute in her new Boiler bow, even with Uncle Adam being 'that guy' in the background.

They posed for a few pictures, and Adam was enjoying his girl Haleigh.

We flew our new flags to mark our spot in the tailgate lot. A black Purdue train and a Saints flag. Come see us!

Adam brought some buddies, and they helped to make sure the pancakes, sausage, and bacon all got eaten. Thanks guys! Come back again!

Haleigh didn't get pancakes and sausage, but she enjoyed her own version of tailgate food. She's wearing her bib from Uncle David and Aunt Shylah. It says "Hoosiers Drool, Purdue Rules." Definitely. We missed David and Shy, and Jim had to set up the tent all by himself. We hope it will work out for them to come for Homecoming, and I know they were cheering for the Boilers from NC.

Ben and Becky Wicker came by the tailgate, and I'm guessing Becky and Darci are sharing some mommy talk. Ben and Becky have a new baby, Maggie, but she didn't come to the game this time.

Haleigh was probably the cutest Boiler baby ever in her new jumper and bow. And yes, she was the star of the tailgate and the game, at least in my opinion.

Here are Darci, Haleigh, and Andrew ready to head in to the stadium.

And in our seats. Let's go Boilers!

She did have to take just a short little nap at the game. All that cheering wears a girl out!

Darci took Haleigh on a little walk to visit Aunt Becky and some friends, and ran into the Rickes as well. Elizabeth's son Cooper was enjoying his first Purdue football game, too, and they snapped this picture entitled, "Love at first football." We will have to show it to Cooper and Haleigh when they're starting their freshman year at Purdue.

After the game, we had a great supper at Bruno's, and Adam posed for a few more shots with his favorite niece.

Oh! And the Boilers won too! A fun day for all. Except maybe Keith Smith, who hurt his knee during the game... Let's hope we can win a few more!

You Tube and I Tube

Monday left a little time for tubing... probably the last chance of the year. It has been a good summer at the lake house, and I'm looking forward to lots more special days there with family and friends. So blessed to be able to share good times together on the water.

Andrew and Matthew were ready for tubing. Jim was the driver, Darci and Haleigh watched, and I was the spotter. Our lake requires that an orange flag be raised when the tuber(s) fall off as a safety precaution. The lake patrol makes sure everyone follows this rule.

They are all set as we pull them through the idle zone in the cove.

And here we go!!

Look ma, no hands!

I think maybe Andrew wanted to fall off. :)

How was it boys?

Darci and little movie star in her shades, Haleigh.

And Gumbo watched too.

Off the boat, and relaxing in her straight life jacket.

Then she got to swing in the hammock with Aunt Fer.

And Matthew and Grandpa? Well it seems this is a familiar pose. All the Stewarts are good sleepers you know.

Labor Day Fun

Labor Day weekend fun continued with the Stewart Brothers heading out for a round of golf at Timbergate. They willingly posed for a picture when I held out a fistful of cash. :)

Haleigh was up bright and early. She is learning to be a good sleeper at the lake, but she's not so good at it quite yet.

Matthew, Abbi, and Makenna made some new friends who are also from Louisville. Turns out Abbi and Makenna's dad played baseball with their dad. They invited Kendall and Landon to eat a picnic lunch together.

The kids all decided to take the paddle boat across the cove to go off the slide and jump off the high dock.

Up the stairs they go. Will they jump???

Matthew tried the slide.

And the girls jumped from the high dock.

Go Abbi!!

Jim and Matt took our old clunker paddle boat across to watch, and Matthew hitched a ride back.

The new friends had a great time on the trampoline.

And Jennifer caught Matthew in a little dock dance.

Emma posed by the Purdue flag.

And Mackey and David spent some time on the oasis. Ahhhh.....

Since we had everyone there, we tried for a family photo down by the water. Aunt Fer was getting the shot set up and snapped this one of Matthew and Granny.

She also got a cute one of Darci and Shylah.

Big Jon did take his hat off for the group shots (under protest), and then promptly returned to fishing.

We got some good ones of the whole group, but we may use it for a Christmas card picture, so I will save it for another post. Jennifer had fun practicing her skills on David and Shylah though, and got some good ones of them. We were so blessed to have them with us for the weekend.

Family, Football, Firelight

Wow! It's been a busy few days, with no time for blogging. ANNNDDDD...it's my blogiversary! Yes, I've been blogging for one year now. It has been a fun way for me to share pictures with family and friends, and keep a record of the special days in our lives. Some bloggers throw big parties and give away fabulous prizes to mark their anniversary. Unfortunately, you won't find prizes here, just more photos and silly stories about our crazy family.

We had a beautiful weekend at the lake, made very special by having ALL the kids there. David and Shylah surprised (most of) us by making the 10 hour drive from North Carolina to join in the fun. I was on my way up the hill to the garage when I saw their car pull in the driveway at the lake. It was so great to see them!

Uncle Adam and Matthew had a little catching up to do about life as a Purdue sophomore and life as an Arlington Elementary first grader.

Andrew and Darci's friends Matt and Shelly joined us again with their girls. Matthew and Abbi tried out the new hammock on Saturday morning. You can see that Matthew is dressed to cheer on the Boilers.

We were showing some Boiler Pride by flying our flag.

The gang is all gathered around the TV to watch the game and enjoy a dipfest. Nana and Boomie came in time for the game.

Nana enjoyed the game in a quiet spot.

And the boys did some snuggling. Unfortunately, there wasn't much cheering going on, and the outcome was not in favor of the Boilers.

After the game, Aunt Fer directed a puzzle construction. She is the puzzle queen.

Mmmmmm.... juicy burgers for supper!

Uncle David and Matthew on a burger attack!

We built a fire and roasted marshmallows for s'mores.

Aunt Fer and Matthew.

Aunt Shylah and Uncle David with Makenna and Matthew. We were so glad to see them!

Andrew and Darci. Haleigh was already in bed.

Jim is enjoying the fire... zzzzzzzzz.

Adam proving he is smarter than the chair.

David having a talk with Mackey.

Big Jon finally got there!

I thought Jennifer's footwear at the campfire was especially attractive.

I have lots more pictures (of course), and I will, hopefully, get them posted soon. For now, I better finish packing since we leave for NOLA in a few short hours. The fun continues...

Things you don't say to your wife...

I read about Tim Hawkins on Kristen's blog, We Are That Family. No, I don't know Kristen in real life, but I enjoy reading her blog. She had the opportunity to see comedian Tim Hawkins in person, and I must say, if he is ever in my neighborhood, I think I would definitely enjoy the show!

Jonathan and I had fun watching several of his clips on youtube. This was probably our favorite. Maybe Jonathan could come up with an act like this...