Starved Rock

We decided to get out of Peoria for the day and go up to Starved Rock and go on a hike. It was quite the process to get everything ready for both boys and get out the door. I thought I did a good job getting everything and felt like we were going on a trip for a week with all the stuff that we needed, but once we were on the road and were about 20 min. from our house I realized I had forgotten Tyson's bottles. I had the formula, but no bottles. So we had to make a stop at the store and picks some up. It made me and Erich realize that nothing is a quick trip with little ones. Well once we got up there it was time for changing diapers, feeding Tyson who wouldn't eat because he was trying to fill his diaper. Once that was all done we were able to go on the trails. Kaleb enjoy running ahead and making mom run after since dad was carrying Tyson. The trails were beautiful with the fall colors all around and the beautiful 73 degree weather. It was a beautiful weekend with weather that is exceptional for Illinois at this time of year, but of course I am not complaining just trying to enjoy it before it leaves. Well here are a few pics from our hike.

Kaleb mapping out the way that we should go.

Beautiful fall trees all over the state park.

My Boys.

Kaleb loves seeing the fish he calls all of them nemo.

Inside the visitor center. Kind of blurry, but I liked the

picture.

One Month

Tyson is one month old today. He is doing great even with having a cold. My poor little guy is already sick, but seems to be handling it well. Here is a pic of our little guy at 1 month.

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Halloween

Halloween was fun this year with Kaleb being excited about going trick or treating and him wanting to help carve the pumpkin. He had fun all month seeing the pumpkins and decorations everywhere. We have been reading Halloween books all month "The Big Pumpkin", Berenstain Bears "Trick or Treat" and "It's Halloween" I think that helped Kaleb get excited and last night after trick or treating he wanted to read the trick or treat book. I am so glad my little boy likes to listen to stories. I see him learn and understand different things wether I read them to him or he looks at the pictures. Erich took Kaleb trick or treating while Tyson and I stayed home to pass out candy. He said Kaleb would go up to the front door and say "trick or treat" and then "Happy Halloween" It was so cute. We look forward to more fun with the rest of the Holiday season and the excitement he brings to them.
Kaleb and Tyson Chillin on the couch. Tyson already not
thrilled about his picture being taken. He must take after
his dad.



Kaleb playing with the pumpkins before trick or treating.

Our little Train Engineer!

The Little Skeleton

Daddy and Kaleb going through Halloween candy.

Trick or Treating at my parents church

Halloween Party

Dad and Mom (Cowboy and Indian) with

Kaleb Trick or Treating at Halloween Party.

Carving the Pumpkin. Initially when Kaleb put his hand

in the pumpkin he said "Yucky" but then he continued to

help daddy. It was a fun Family Night together and Kaleb

was excited to make a Jack o Lantern.

Two Week Check-Up

Ht: 20" (26%)
Wt: 7 lbs 12 oz (23%)
HC: 37 cm (48%)

Random Pics!

The Boys: Story Time before Bed


Tyson's first bath at home.


Chillin in the boppy

Tyson Erich

Tyson Erich has joined our family on October 2nd at 4:16pm and is doing well. He was born at 7lbs 3oz. 18 inches. He is a healthy baby boy. It has been a week now and we are all trying to adjust to the new addition. We appreciate all the help we have received from friends and family. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Night Before!

I had my last Doctors appointment for this pregnancy this past Monday and the doctor decided to induce me on October 2nd due to high blood pressure. We are excited to welcome Tyson into this world and have him join our family. I am hoping for a layed back delivery like the one I had with Kaleb. I am already 4 cm so hopefully that is saying something. Well here is a picture of me tonight with my belly. I am 38 weeks so not too early. We go to the hospital at 9am tomorrow morning so I will try and get something posted as soon as possible after we get home.

Day at the Park

I am trying to get out with Kaleb as much as I can before the new baby comes and winter arrives, because I know then we will be trapped inside. Yesterday Kaleb and I went to Tanner's Orchard and played in there cool playground. It has a kids corn maze, slides, fire truck, school bus, airplane, and other cool stuff to play on. Unfortantely I didn't have my camera so no pictures from that outing. We of course ended up getting apple cider and some carmels. We are waiting for daddy and will probably go back and pick out our pumpkins. Kaleb is loving all the pumpkins he sees everywhere. We have been getting lots of Halloween books from the library and he picks out all the pumpkins. He is also saying trick or treat. It is cute. Then today we went to Charter Oak Park to play on the playground equipment and just get out of the house. Mornings seem boring and long somedays and it is nice just to go somewhere. Amazingly he wasn't that into playing so we sat in the grass and sang some songs. Well here are a couple pics from today and the wonderful Vocal Stylings of Kaleb and Mommy.

Wonderful Husband

(Honeymoon picture, but one of my favorites)

I just wanted to thank Erich for being such a wonderful husband and always being there for me. I couldn't have picked a better husband. I just wanted him to know that I love and appreciate all that he does for our little family. He works so hard for us and has such a wonderful attitude even while he seems to have so much to do there isn't a minute left in the day. Thank you Erich. I Love You.

Stearman Air Show

Over the weekend Kaleb and I went with my parents and Aaron to a stearman air show. There were some really cool planes and escpecially the bi-planes. We learned some cool things about the planes. They said if you took the engine out of the bi-planes a young child could push them around like a toy they are so light. The planes only have to be going 60mph to take off and only need 900 feet of runway. I thought that was pretty crazy. We often go faster then that in our cars.

Uncle Aaron, Grandma Shurtleff, Mommy, and Kaleb

Mommy and Kaleb

Uncle Aaron and Kaleb in front of a Stearman Bi-Plane.

Grandpa Shurtleff and Kaleb watching the Air Show.

Kaleb's Self Portrait. Uncle Aaron in background. We were

visiting for Aaron's 22nd Birthday.

Engaged!!!!

I can't believe it my little brother is engaged. I am happy to

see him so happy and with such a sweet girl. Andrea we are

excited to have you in the family. Aaron and Andrea are

planning a May wedding.

Photo Shoot

I decided to try and get some nice pics of Kaleb. These were
my favorites. Hope you enjoy.

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Mommy and Me

Pregnant Boys!

The Big Day

This weekend we were able to be in Chicago and share in the excitiment of Geoff and Ashley's wedding day. It was wonderful to see them married in the temple and the happiness in their eyes. It was a very hot day, but I don't think it phased the couple. I on the other hand felt like I was melting. Kaleb was our little photographer. He had the camera almost all day. It was our way of keeping him busy. It was a long day for him. He was up at 5:30am with no nap and not in bed until about 10pm. He was such a trooper. He was much more clingy then usual, wanting to be right at Daddy's side. He is still a daddies boy.

Chicago Temple

Ashley and Geoff in front of the Chicago Temple.

The Ekenstam Family

Kaleb kissing his new Aunt Ashley

Aaron and Andrea (photo by Kaleb)

Filling the car with balloons. (Erich and Sean)