Camera MIA

So I think our camera has been lost somewhere between Michigan and Wisconsin. I am hoping to clean out the car tomorrow and look for it. We are going Trick or Treating tomorrow in the neighborhood association at my parent's. Cousins Ben and Sam are coming too. I know that I have been quite the blogging slacker. You can leave me comments and tell me to get my butt in gear if you want. Emma and Maddie have taken turns being sick in the last couple of weeks. Maddie had it much worse than Emma. Maddie is still liking school. We are getting to go to Wisconsin Dells the first week of November for the Wisconsin Teachers' Convention. The girls and I are going up a day early with Grandma and Grandpa (The Superindendent) so we get to spend an extra day at the indoor waterpark.

Maddie is excited that it is suppose to snow flurry on Sunday. She sure is going to be disappointed when the snow doesn't stick to the ground.

Hopefully I will find my camera and be able to take some pics tomorrow. I am jsut excited that people will know Maddie is a racing sausage and not think she is Spongebob Squarepants.

National League Wild Card Baby!!

I know I know, some of you are sick of my Brewers posts, but can you blame me. It has been pretty exciting here and so here is another Brewers post. So today was Emma's first game ever. We tailgated with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. Everyone was very nervous for the game, but were ready for it. It was a great game. It was very nerve-racking, but when Braun hit that homerun, the place just went nuts. There were a good number of Cubs fans there, but after that they didn't do too much more cheering. During the whole game we were all keeping an eye on the Marlins/Mets score. Whenever the Marlins would go up- the whole place would erupt. After the game all the Cubs fans started leaving and we stayed. They ended up putting the Mets game on the jumbrotron and everyone was on the edge of their seats watching. After they lost, the place went nuts and just couldn't believe it. All the Brewers came back out after celebrating in the lockerroom and came out on the field to celebrate with the fans. Some of them were spraying champagne into the crowd and everything.

Here are the pics from the game and celebration:

Here are a few pics of the girls and their cousins from the last couple of weeks. We have been enjoying the warm weather, we went to the Zoo this past week and Maddie is still loving school.

Wow!!!

So last night my dad and I were at the Brewers game. We were a few rows back from our usual seats, it was also fan appreciation night, we didn't win anything. We were just watching, keeping score, talking to the guy next to us, and hoping for a Brewers win. Gallardo was back after being out for 4 months. He pitched four strong innings, by the bottom of the 4th it was tied 1-1 and stayed that way until the bottom of the 10th.

So here comes the extra innings, I looked at the clock and it was a little after 10, I'm thinking my limit is 11pm. We were all getting anxious. Three walks and two outs in the 10th- I was thinking they were going to walk in the winning run. Let me tell you, it was amazing. I don't even know if I can describe it. Two strikes with Braun up, he hit it and everyone knew it was gone. It wasn't one of those major league pop-ups that some people around you think is out, but doesn't even come close, it was gone in the 2nd deck. It was awesome!! That is definitely going to be a game that I will never forget.

We now have three games against the Cubs, while keeping an eye on the Mets playing the Marlins. We are all going to the game on Sunday- I'm just hoping it doens't come down to Sunday, I'm not sure I'd be able to handle it.

Best part of the Grand Slam- dad called it. Right before the pitch, he looked at me and said he is going to hit a grand slam. Classic dad.

Sorry this is about the Brewers and not much updating. I promise after this weekend I'll post some pics of the girls, the Chapmans are coming and Maddie starts tumbling tomorrow.

New things all around

Well Chad started at his new school- at least that is what the girls call it. He started on the 25th. He got into the swing of things with just a 4 day work week since they had Friday off for Labor Day weekend. That same week we had a new member orientation at church and an Open House for Maddie. Labor Day weekend was spent just hanging out. My parents headed to Iowa to see baby Nolan and to help Jana and Mike pack. We had some people over on Saturday to watch football. Chad was more than disappointed when the Michigan State game was not shown here. He even had three tvs going- one for the Missouri game, one for the Michigan State game, and one for the Brewers game. We all had lots of fun and even got a few rounds of MarioKart in. John- a freshman at CUW who is from Concordia, Tomball even came over to hang out.

Sunday after church we headed to Matteson for Luke's 2nd birthday party. We were in the midst of all the Harley riders heading home from Harley Fest. I was mad I didn't take more pictures over the weekend, but I did get a few on the way down to Matteson. The girls loved all the motorcycles all week and looking for them wherever we went and they were everywhere we went. I loved seeing them all too. I always said I wanted a Harley. So back to Luke's birthday party. We had a good time just hanging out and visiting with the Husters. There were a couple of other teachers from Scott's school there too. Luke had a great time eating his cake, opening his presents, playing with his presents, and then taking a bath with his cousins.

Monday we headed up to Germantown to help do some cleaning. It ended up being a burning of all the things that were being thrown away. I think everyone was having way to much fun throwing things into the fire.

We had a quiet day around here on Tuesday. Chad had a fantasy football draft with some of the other teachers from school. I ended up at the Brewers game with my dad, cousin, his wife, two of my uncles, and my other cousin. It wasn't that great of a game considering they lost in 10. Maddie wanted to go to the game so bad, but with school on Wednesday she wasn't allowed. She was crying and whining and begging to go. She was crying about it and my dad and I were standing there listening to her when she comes out and says, "But I want to go to the game, I LOVE the Brewers". My dad and I couldn't help but laugh. Needless to say she still didn't get to go.

Wednesday was Maddie's first day of school. She has three under her belt and is loving every minute of it. Every day after I pick her up she goes on and on about what she did. This week is the first full week- we have school pictures on Wednesday. She likes her teacher and there is a student teacher for the first 7 weeks. On the first day when I picked her up her teacher told me how she was walking and talking and ran into the door- all I could do was laugh and say that that was typical Maddie.

Friday Maddie finally got to go to the Brewers game. My dad, Chad, myself, and her went. While Emma stayed home with my cousin Alex. Maddie did pretty well. We did go and play on the playground for about an inning and a half. She was the star of the jumbotron getting on it about 3 times. We got to watch C.C. pitch again and see them win.

Saturday Chad and I got to head to the game ourselves. The doctor my mom works with has season tickets with another doctor. They are three rows behind the Brewers dugout. It was great to sit so close, but I actually prefer to sit up in my parents' seats on the club level, there is a lot more room up there. We saw another great win and a complete game shutout from Ben Sheets.

Sunday the Chapmans were here to go to the game. The girls and I dropped Grandma and Ben off at the game right at it was starting and then ran some errands. We then headed out to eat with them for Amy's birthday after the game. We have been keeping ourselves busy and are pretty much into a rountine now that school has started. This weekend is the first home football game. I know that the girls will probably be looking forward to going, as long as it isn't too cold for them. Maddie is always insisting on wearing a coat or sweatshirt to school. It has been in the high 60's.

Happy Birthdy to Amy!!!
Happy Birthday to Isaac- we wish we could be at your party.

Catching Up

So here are some pictures from our going away party, our trip up to Wisconsin and the last couple of weeks here in Wisconsin. Phill and Kim threw us a going away party at the Wilke's house and it was a lot of fun. There was a lot of beer, cornhole, and laughs. Then there was the stop in Leona, Texas; the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Arch.

Since we have been back in Wisconsin we have been keeping ourselves busy. We have been out to Pewaukee Lake to celebrate my aunt and uncles 50th wedding anniversary. The live on the lake so there was lots of jet skiing, tubing, and swimming. Both the girls loved it- we are hoping to go out again before summer ends.

We took a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo. There are some animals that the Houston Zoo doesn't have and so Maddie like looking at the penquins and polar bears. We also took in the Wisconsin State Fair. The day we went happen to be UW- Madison day and the Badger marching band was playing. The girls loved the band- their father has turned them into fight song freaks. Emma enjoyed her cream puff by eating it without her hands- she just dove in head first.

We have been following the Brewers and took in a game last week. The girls stayed up in Germantown and we enjoyed the game with Kurt and my dad. We watched C.C. pitch a complete game and a Brewers' win.

We have celebrated my birthday with a 15lb. brisket. Phill you would have been proud of my mom- up at 6am and it was delicious. We got to hang out with some friends that just moved back also. This week Chad has started meetings- he was installed on Monday and meetings for the rest of the week. Monday starts the school year- Maddie has another week after that before she starts. We have the faculty get together Saturday, Maddie's school picnic on Sunday, first day of school on Monday, new member orientation on Tuesday, 3K Open House on Wednesday, let's just say that the next week will be busy.

Today was the first day at Concordia- hope all you Texans had a great first day. Only 2 more days left for the week.

I know, I know

Okay I know that I have been a bad blogger and have been slacking, but I think that I can be forgiven given the circumstances of moving half way across the country.

So where should we start- Chad accepted a call to Martin Luther High School is Greendale Wisconsin. It happens to be my alma mater and I even have a couple of cousins still there. He will be teaching Theology, coaching basketball, and also is the head baseball coach. He is pretty excited that he gets his own classroom again.

So 5 days after accepting the call we packed up and headed to Iowa for Nolan's baptism. We arrived on the 3rd and got to hang with the Pownell's for an evening by ourselves before everyone arrived on the 4th. We were in Iowa for the weekend and then it was back to Wisconsin for a week. We celebrated Chad's parent's 35th Wedding Anniversary, Emma's 2nd birthday, and Chad's 29th birthday. We managed to get a few Brewers' games in. Chad went to three and I went to two. We took Maddie to Monday's game- she had a blast. She actually sat for 7 innings and watched the game. I managed to spend a little time in Chicago. I took the train down there and picked up Anne from Midway. We rode the train home and had a great time. I surprised Chad with the Grepke family joining us for Chad's birthday tailgate.

We headed home on the 14th and then all the packing began. We had about a week of packing and then the movers came on the 24th, packed up and on the 25th they loaded the truck. We headed to Dallas on the morning of the 26th to hang with the Wilde family. Sunday morning we took off for Saint Louis. We spent two nights at the Kiessling Hotel. We got to the zoo on Monday (with cousins Ben and Luke too) and also the arch. Then headed to Milwaukee on Tuesday. We morning. We relaxed for the evening and the Wednesday it was unloading the truck. We spent most of Wednesday in Germantown rearranging boxes and furniture. Thursday was unpacking at the Heff house and today we are waiting for the Pownell's to get here to spend some time with them.

We are happy to be back in Wisconsin. We will miss Texas and all our "family" there. I did make the promise that if the football team gets to the state championship we would be there. The next couple of weeks will be adjusting to everything new. Chad starts meetings on the 15th, school starts on the 25th. Maddie starts school on the 3rd and we are hoping to get Emma into some swim lessons this fall also.

Slide show above is from our first trip to Wisconsin.

Coming Soon to Wisconsin

We are in Saint Louis and will be on our way to Wisconsin tomorrow. I have lots to blog about and will in the next few days. My pictures from our "vacation" to Iowa and Wisconsin were left on grandma Heff's computer and so I'll be putting those up soon also. We can't wait to see everyone. Our truck is coming on Wednesday and then it will be time to get settled.

Water

Water seems to be the fun of choice for us lately. The last couple of weeks we have been out and about a bit. Last Thursday we headed to Chad's baseball game. It is the prep team aka JV- they are all played at the same place and there is a playground there, so we decided to go. The girls had fun even though Maddie asked about 10 times where Hannah is (I guess she thinks baseball games equals Hannah to play with). We only went away with one casualty. Emma fell going down the steps, luckily her hands hit first and she just ended up with a scraped nose. After the game we headed over to Odinga's. We ordered pizza and played some Euchre. In case grandma Bickel is wondering Steve and I won. The girls were enjoying playing with the dogs and didn't even make it out of the subdivision before they were sleeping.

Friday we hung out at home, did some laundry and the like. Around lunch time we headed down to the Schneider's house. They live down by Lutheran South, which is down by NASA. We hung out for awhile and then headed out to the lake to go out on their boat. Emma wasn't so sure about the boat while it was moving, but when we anchored and just hung out she was a much happier camper. Maddie was ready to jump in right away, Emma hesitated but then didn't want to come back into the boat. I decided that I was best served staying on the boat. On the way back to the dock Maddie got to drive the boat. She still isn't so sure about how to do it, but she thought it was pretty cool. We ate some dinner with them and then it was time to head home.

The rest of the weekend was a pretty normal one around here. Sunday we set up the little pool with our swing set slide in it. Maddie was having a blast. It was a little too fast for Emma so we would have to put her only about half way up otherwise she would go down too fast. They played for quite awhile out there and were just laughing the whole time.

This week is VBS. I think that Maddie is enjoying herself. She is all geared up to go every morning. Monday Emma and I dropped her off. Her teachers are kids from Concordia- so that helps. When we left on Monday it was Emma who cried because we left Maddie behind. Tuesday and Wednesday there were some tears. Today she didn't cry, but needed to make sure that dad went with her to crafts and then she was fine.

It is raining pretty good right now, so I don't think we are going to get outside this afternoon. We will have to see what we can do otherwise.

Nothing too pressing this weekend. I'm sure I will be getting ready for us to leave next Wednesday- we are looking forward to our trip.

A New Cousin

We want to welcome Nolan Michael Pownell- he made an appearance at 12:18 this morning. Weighing in at 6lbs. 9oz and 20 inches long.

Jana and Mike are doing well and so is baby Nolan as he is known in our house.



Other Texas News: Trinity dedicated it's new sanctuary this past weekend. It was a very beautiful service with wonderful music. President Kieschnick was there from Saint Louis. Lyle Lovett who is member at our church- sang three hymns.



We also have a dog for the next 10 days. Wilke's are on vacation and asked us to watch Sam the dog. She has been here since yesterday- she loves when the girls drop food, but doesn't always love them in her face all the time. Maddie thought it was so cool this morning when she woke up and Sam was sleeping with her. We are hoping Sam helps us out by keeping the cats out of our yard.

We are starting to get ready for our trip. We are looking forward to spending a few days in Iowa meeting Nolan. Grandma and grandpa Bickel will be at Chad's parents house while we are in Milwaukee, so it will be great to get to visit with them. I am hoping to maybe catch the last day of Summerfest, I know we will get to at least one Brewers's game, and we will be celebrating Emma's birthday.

I had found the girls some roller skates at a garage sale and we had been waiting to use them until we got helmets and pads. Well we got Maddie her helmet and pads (we figure Emma has enough trouble just walking- skates probably aren't a good idea) and she had her first turn on skates the other day. She did pretty well, but did fall on her butt a couple of times.



We just made a date to the drive-in tonight for Maddie and Isaac- so I better go get lunch ready so they can take good naps this afternoon.

Maddie's Birthday

So Maddie is three- can you believe it?? We did some celebrating yesterday, but her party isn't until tomorrow. Yesterday we headed to the Nuk Store (aka Toys R' Us) to trade out nuks in for a toy. She had been talking about getting a robot for the longest time- we even found one, but she decided she didn't want it. We walked up and down every aisle and finally giving her a 10 more minute warning she picked out the Tika elephant (it's a Barbie toy) with 4 minutes to go. We headed to the checkout where she handed over her two nuks (in a plastic bag) for her toy. I had to do a little explaining to the lady, but she thought it was a good idea. Maddie handed her nuks over pretty easily and walked out with her toy.

After the nuk store we headed over to ITZ (just like Stone Fire Pizza- if you don't know what that is- it is like an upscale Chuck E Cheese with better food). Maddie had fun playing the games and riding the rides. Of course Emma was also in on the action. We headed home in time for our naps. Maddie did ask for her nuk, but after just a few minutes she was sleeping.

After dinner the Wilke's came over for cupcakes and to open a few presents. We had gotten a few cards and a present in the mail, we had also gotten her a couple of things and so she enjoyed opening those. Last weekend we also put together the new swing set in the backyard for the girls to share. Okay, I didn't put it together, but the Wilke boys, Chad and Karner did. It took them about 6 hours to put it together and the girls were more than happy to break it in that evening.

Maddie also decided to give herself a birthday haircut. Well she decided her bangs needed to be cut. She did a number on them this time. I figured at least she didn't cut one of her pigtails or her sister's hair. I'm just waiting for that day.

The night concluded with a little crying because she wanted her nuk, but she did fall asleep and didn't wake up during the night looking for it.

New Orleans

Sunday morning after church and lunch we headed on I-10 to New Orleans. We would have made great time, but had about an hour delay in Lake Charles because of construction. We rolled in about 8pm. The girls did great in the car- they napped, watched movies, and stared out the window.

They were excited to see grandma and grandpa and thought that jumping on the bed was lots of fun. We had talked about going to the beach on Monday, but decided against it since that would be more time in the car. So instead we headed out and just did some walking. We hit the Riverwalk, the girls got to ride on the ferry over to Algiers and back, we went down to the French Market where they both got some beads, took the trolley back to the Riverwalk for lunch, back to the hotel to swim, and then we took a little ride out to Camp Restore. We took the round about way and got to see some of the city and the damage that is still there from Katrina. That evening Chad and I went out for dinner and some beignets.

Tuesday morning we got packed up and headed out to the Zoo.


They had a very nice zoo and the girls were loving it. We headed toward to airport to get some lunch and then to drop grandpa off at the airport. Then the rest of us headed back to Houston.

School's Out For Summer

I know, I know it has been awhile. Chad has been done with school for almost two weeks now. Graduation was the 25th. The Wilde's also visited that weekend. We started out the weekend by going to a grad party on Friday evening. The girls had a great time because there was a playground to play at.

The Wilde's arrived in the morning. It was perfect timing because we had another grad party in the morning (a brunch) and we all got to the house at the same time. Chad had a few other parties on Saturday to go to, but the rest of us just hung out at the house. Sunday was actual graduation and one other party. On the way home from graduation the check engine light went on and of course we all thought the worse. Since it was Sunday and the next day was Memorial Day we had to wait a few days to have someone look at it. Luckily it just turned out to be a valve that needed to be replaced.

While the Wilde's were here we took advantage of the sandbox and pool. The girls love having other people to play with. We played a lot of cards and talked a lot too.

The rest of the week Chad had meetings and got his office cleaned up. We had the faculty end of the year party on that Wednesday. The girls loved playing with all the other kids. It was at a park and I thought that it was pretty funny when more of the people were over by the playground with their kids then by the actual party.

Swim and Sand

Here are the girls in their new sandbox. I decided that the batch of dirt that was being used as a litter box for neighborhood cats would be better suited as a sandbox. I laid a tarp, built a frame, added some sand, and a tarp for the top (to keep the cats away). The girls could and do play in there for hours. We are still working on keeping the sand inside the box, but I figured that at $3 for a bag of sand it will be just fine.


Sunday afternoon was the first swim of the year. We actually got a bigger blow up pool and came to find out that there were holes in it, so we went back to the old one yesterday. I got a different bigger pool and the girls are ready to play. I have a feeling we will be getting some use of it this week since the temps are suppose to be in the 90's.

Emma vs. the Swing

Emma- 0
Swing- 1

That's right the swing won. Last Friday evening we were at softball's quarterfinal playoff game (which they won). It was at Second Baptist- a mega church, they had a playground over by the softball field. I had taken the girls over there earlier in the game and then Chad and I swapped. Emma decided that it would be fun to flip off the swing onto the rocks on the ground(see picture above). Let's just say that there was a lot of blood, but no stitches were needed. She was back to jumping around by the time we got home. So after our excitement on Friday we decided to take it easy on Saturday morning.

The weekend seems to be a blur right now, but then I remembered that I was trying to forgot the horrible baseball game I attended on Saturday night. Chad, myself, and some friends headed down to the Brewers/Astros game. After blowing it on Friday night I thought that they might actually show up for the game. So as most of you know how the game went and the rest of the series too, let's just say that I was not a happy person on the ride home.

Sunday we decided to go to St. John's because it was confirmation at Trinity and we don't know anyone in this class. Chad had to go to the musical (The Sound of Music) in the afternoon and then we went over to the Wilke's for a little while in the evening. Chad decided that he was going to let Phill give him a haircut. So be got his hair buzzed and it was home to put the girls in bed.

This week we have been just hanging out at home. Literally on Monday it was home all day because it rained the entire day. We entertained ourselves with coloring and play-doh and the like.

Softball is in the final four and play on Friday morning. We won't make it up on Friday, but if they win we are planning on heading up to Waco on Saturday for the championship. If they don't win, I'm sure we will find something to occupy us this weekend.

Happy Birthday to Mom J and Josh tomorrow!!!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone too.

Minnesotans Visit

It has been awhile since I have posted. Baseball is over so you would think I would have more time, but the girls keep us busy that there doesn't always seem to be time. So here goes:

We had our friends Jill and Jay visit us last week for 5 days. In those 5 days we had lots of fun, lots of laughs, and may have even convinced Jill that Texas isn't such a bad place to live. They arrived on Saturday the 26th. We planned on going down to the beach. We drove down there and it would have been great conditions if we were all surfers. So we drove by the beach and Maddie is still waiting to go. I'm sure that we will be able to get there sometime this summer. So we headed home and just laid low for the evening. Sunday was church and lunch. Jill and I got a chance to go and check out the new outlet mall- it is a pretty good one. They have some really good stores and we even found a couple of really good deals. They have a Coach outlet and there was a line of like 30 people just waiting to get in the place and then the line to check out was about the same. We didn't go in- even if it is an outlet, I'm sure it is out of my price range. Sunday evening Phill and Shelly came over for Sunday Night Baseball (the Tigers were playing). We didn't have anything mapped out for the week, so we just saw where each day would take us. Monday we ended up at the jumping place where Maddie thought that the big slide was the best. Emma prefers to just play with the toys an could do without the inflatables. That is why it is nice to have a two for one. Monday evening we headed to Harris County for dinner. We promised Jay BBQ and I think he enjoyed it. Tuesday was the Zoo. We spent most of the day there and the girls were wiped out. They had fun running around with Jay and being silly. Wednesday we went to chapel (Chad had it), then we headed to the big playground. Jay was determined to see the nutria (the river rats- they're gross). We all agreed that they are disgusting, fed the ducks and turtles, play on the playground and headed for lunch. We ended up at ITZ, which is near our house and just like Stone Fire Pizza. We watched Monster's Inc, while we ate and then it was off to play games. It was great because it was the 5 of us and about 5 other people there. Maddie loved playing the games and Emma even got into it. When it was finally time to go we went to pick out our prizes and Maddie just thought that the whoopie cushion was the funniest thing, so that is what she got. We headed home to get their bags and then it was off to the airport to say good bye. We had such a fun time and can't wait to see them again. Hopefully sometime this summer will be able to meet up with them.