Stinky cheese night

Stephanie and I have fond memories of "stinky cheese" nights. We experienced our first during the summer of 2008. I had just finished an internship with UGA's Genetics department, and we were heading back to Utah by way of Edisto Beach, Duke University, Cincinnati (where my brother Stephen and his family lived at the time), and Colorado Springs (where Stephanie's family lived). During our Cincinnati stop, Stephen and Laura Beth treated us to their favorite selection of nice cheeses and crackers while we played games and chatted. Stephen has a particular passion for pungent cheeses, thus the name "stinky cheese" party/night. Two years later when we drove out to visit for Thanksgiving 2010, we did another stinky cheese night.

Ever since that Thanksgiving, stinky cheese nights have become a Thanksgiving break standard for Stephanie and I. We like to try new things, but we always try to include a good raunchy blue cheese.

This year, we got our inspiration from Trader Joe's up in Indianapolis. While casually browsing the cheese cooler, I was spotted one that intrigued me: an English white cheddar cheese with milk chocolate marbling. Stephanie and I were both a bit skeptical, but we figured our stinky cheese night would be the perfect venue to try it out. We also grabbed a spicy Wisconsin pepper jack and a bona fide French Roquefort (I had previously only tried American blue cheeses). None of the cheeses disappointed, and we had a great time trying them out over board games!

Sick Day

Last Thursday, the kids came down with the stomach flu that's been going around. No one except Daddy got out of their PJ's. I moved our "T.V." (really our computer) upstairs, and we pretty much watched semi-educational shows all day. Yep. That's the kind of day it was.

Always able and willing to smile and be happy--even when she's so sick!

Just Josh

Oh Josh, you are adorable! Do you know that? Yes, of course you do, I tell you several times a day! I love that you love to dress up and play dollies and house with Heather, but you are still all boy. You love firetrucks, cars, tractors, planes, and funny noises.

You are snuggly and sweet, and you know it too! You sometimes say, "Mommy, I'm a sweet boy!" But beware. You also have a super stubborn side and react very strongly when things don't go your way. You just don't give up! That's a great skill to have, and I'm glad you won't have to develop it later. For now, I'll just try not to go crazy.

You are very touchy about your name. If I call you a little monkey, you quickly respond very seriously with, "No. I'm Josh." You're not Superman, you're "Super-Josh." One time we all dog piled on top you, and you said, "Mom, I'm not a dog. I'm Josh." You know who you are, that's for sure!

You are my favorite little Super-Josh in the whole wide world, and I love you!

Love,

Mom

So excited to be driving a firetruck!

Uhhh, Josh, your pant are on upside down.

Children's Museum

Daniel took a trip to NYC for a conference about a week ago. The day we went to pick him up, the kids and I decided to have some fun! We went to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It was a blast! Afterward we headed to Trader Joe's. It was a great day!

Family Photos and Glamor Shots

Every October when the leaves turn, we try to get out and get some glamor shots. This year instead of using the tripod and running back and forth, we switched off taking photos with another family. I took photos of them one day, and she took photos of us the next. It was much less stressful! Here are the ones we like the best:

Also some glamor shots of everyone (taken a different day):

 

Halloween Festivities

We have a tradition (so far) of dressing up as a family for Halloween. I love the fun of planning and creating the costumes. This year we were from Despicable Me. Daniel was Gru, Heather and Josh were minions, and I was Vector. It was a lot of fun!

I love so much about this photo!

I think we all do a great job impersonating our characters.

At the trunk-or-treat. The only time you totally chill in the middle of the parking lot.

Heather and her friend Vera.

We also have a tradition of painting our pumpkins (with non-toxic paint, so that I can puree and freeze them later). It is sometimes a little messy, but it sure is fun!

Look at the concentration on that face! Tongue sticking out and everything. :)

Very dirty boy! Sign of a good time.

Only a little dirty, but still had a good time.

 Heather had a little Halloween party for her school. It was fun to see how she interacts with her classmates and teacher. :) 

Heather loves preschool so much. Especially her angelic teacher, Miss Kim.

Me and my little minions!

A Day at the Lake

We went on a drive one Sunday, and ended up at this lake. It was a beautiful drive through all the coloring trees. It was wonderful to see and feel the nature around us. We threw rocks in the lake and had a great time together. We also met a Hindu couple there. They were visiting from Louisville. It was good to get to know them, and hear their stories. It was a wonderful Sunday.

SO EXCITED to start throwing rocks!

Awww...

Going back for more rocks.

Heather was upset she had to get in the car early (time out), and didn't get her picture taken.

She felt much better after she "smiled" for this photo.