The new Sears catalog

I remember awaiting the Sears catalog so I could put my mark on each and everything I wanted from Santa - I hope the boys will have similar memories of the Target catalog! They each had a copy and marked like crazy last week - of course many of the toys Carter marked Lincoln had to mark for himself. Tonight we downloaded some holiday tunes - I guess this is the unofficial kick off to the Christmas Season! Doing my very best already to make it stress free by planning ahead - let's hope my plans work & it is STRESS FREE!

Baby E!

Elin is growing & a fun little addition to the Hogan family. Carter & Charlee didn't think she was swinging fast enough so they gave her swing some extra speed! I wanted to stop them but she was giggling so much I couldn't! Isn't she a cute little thing?

Animal family

We have to spend time with our animal family as well - Linc has been certified as a Red Dog caretaker. The boys begged and begged to bring Smokey the cat home - so much that I almost asked Sean but she's better of with GGma and Don and Babe - so don't get any ideas you two! The bottom pictures is likely to be Mimi's ONLY picture with Linc in Packer gear - ever!

My Grandpa is 90! (well, almost)

One of our major reasons for trekking to Iowa was that there was a little surprise party for my Grandpa who will turn 90 in December. He is one amazing 90 year old - he and Garnett still drive to South Dakota from Arkansas in two days for their annual chiropractic adjustment. He's had to give up some of his activities in the last few years - golfing as he couldn't see the ball so well any longer, fishing - too much work to get the boat out but still plays some mean cards a few times a week. They summer in Wisconsin to catch up with all of the friends and family there - I hope to be doing so well in 60 years!

The Frog Celebrates 30!

Yep, get your reading glasses on - we've been to Iowa so there is blogging to do! We made it for The Fickle Frog's Christmas Show this year - it looks awesome at the Frog! The leopard walls, the polka dot baby grand, the zebra ceiling - full of inspiration & fun shopping too! Congrats Donna on 30 years! Too bad their isn't a pictorial history of the 30 years - there are lots of memories in those years and that shop!

Not too shabby of a school picture for a boy who took a face first fall the weekend before! You can see his lip is swollen a bit and kind of scratched but not horribly and not quiet as entertaining as last years picture with the tie & the smile!

He got a glowing review at his parent teacher conference from his teacher - so very proud of him!

Halloween

last post, I promise (then October is covered!). We had a great little trick-or-treat in the neighborhood & I've been more interested in the boys' candy than they have - I guess that is a mostly successful Halloween! The boys insisted on making a pumpkin family in the front of the house - I think it is a bit bigger than our family!