Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2013 was my first time to host.  I didn't think I was a good candidate to host because I have never cooked something with a bone in it before.  I can't open my dish washer or cabinets without everything being taken out by Hudson and I certainly can't keep the finger prints off of my appliances.  However, I love family so I wanted to host to earn my womanhood.

We started the day with a turkey trot.
   

The Menu
Mulled Cider and Coffee
Sweet and Sour Brussel Sprouts
Healthy Green Bean Casserole with fresh mushroom and fresh breaded onion
Gram's stuffing
Mashed Potato
Freshly baked Corn Bread, Banana Bread, Rolls
Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Apple
Turkey and Gravy
Ham
Assorted Pies

 

 

 

We had a Connect Four Launchers tournament that was won by Bennett.  We also had a Double Shudder tournament  where lowest score was best and Tim, Gail, Cheryl, Ethan all got zero after a few trys.  Erica was 13 Luke was 9, Glenn and Georgia were both 5 and I was 18.  (Eva was 41.)  The kids are not in most of the pictures because they were outside sledding.

 

Hudson and Gail share a birthday. My dad is just two days later.  Cheryl and Richard had their birthday the week before.  Thus five candles in the pumpkin pie.

 

The twins opted for root beer floats in place of pie.

My mom came a day early to help and was a great encouragement.  She didn't even need the new $24 thermometer I bought for the Turkey.

 

 

Last Trip

We had my Grandfather's memorial service and our entire family spent the weekend doing all the things that we loved to do. Luke, Eva, and Hudson have never been to Sterling, IL where Grandad and Grandmie Behrens lived.  I have always wanted to show Luke how the train goes steadily across the river.  I have always wanted to show Eva the special attic and garden paths.   We were able to visit his old house even though it is not in the family anymore.  The home has been loving updated with a new kitchen and geothermal heating and cooling system.  It brought back great memories to be there.
 

I wanted the Behrens name to live on so that is why Hudson has it in his name.  Hudson J.B. Krause, or Hudson James Behrens Krause has a lot to live up to.  We know you (Hudson) have been blessed by your families heritage. 

 

 

 

We also went to our favorite frisbee golf course (not pictured) and Bennett was able to come in his wheel chair so we were all there.  We hiked the new river path and Bryce lead the 7 and under clan through the tight cliff path to ascend the bluff.  After that we did our last hike at White Pines Forest.

 

 

The hiking fairy made his first appearance to the next generation.  Thanks for the fun tradition Grandy.

 

 

 

We had such a special time re-living all of our favorite childhood memories.  They were made even more special by the next generation to share them with.  Here is to a great next generation built on the one before.

Happy Fifth Birthday

I loved being five.  I love having a five year old.  We had a great time celebrating.  The first time we went to Eberts for the fall festival.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eva went on a pony ride and she rode on Chief.

 

Eva had a few friend over for a Fancy Nancy party including activities from the books "Pajama Day," "The Show Must Go On," and "Fancy Nancy Sees Stars."  Here are Paeton, Riley, Eva, Sofia.  Eva invited three other Lucy's but they were not able to make it. 

 

Eva loves giving Hudson a stroller ride so we went for a walk on her birthday because it was a beautiful day. 

Eva also had a special day at school and shared her favorite pictures, her lamby and new dog, sledder.  Here she is on the night of her birthday with her crown from school.

Lastly we celebrated the fall birthdays with my family.  We celebrated Bennett, Boden, Andrew and Eva.  Here are two items all the way from the Queen in London.

 

Eva has done a great job riding her cousins old bikes for two years but she has been asking for a girl bike so..... here it is!

Bennett had to go home early because he was ready to rest from his 5th week of chemotherapy but here is the rest of the gang.

Eva, I love you so much.  You are a light to our world.  You are so sweet and so fun.  I love being with you all the time.  I am so lucky to be your mom.  Luke and Hudson's world would not be the same without you.  Your love and kisses are not comparable.

 

Science Fest 2013

UW-Madison held an annual science fest.  Luke has been to two before but this was Eva's first.  Here, Eva is learning about bioaccumulation by putting 10 drops of food dye into the water for the carnation and watching it gather in the petals.

We were able to construct our own cell with a neculus, mitochondria, lysosomes, cell membrane and water. 

We extracted DNA from wheat germ and then looked at it under a microscope.

Dave looking smart learning about liquid iron and carbon nanotubes.

 

Awaiting a lecture on Plasma, the 4th state of matter, in Chamberlin Hall.  Eva is near and then Papa and Luke are across the isle.

 

Papa had never been to Lathrop Hall so I took him to my favorite dance studio and the kids loved sliding across the floor and dancing.