Soccer Dude

Before the madness of Halloween begins, wanted to add these pictures from Noah's soccer season.  Go Strikers!

Lovely Fall Weekend

Boy, I realized I have quite a few pictures to catch up on here.  Over Columbus Day weekend, I took a solo trip up to Minneapolis for a 2 day conference.  I managed to take in a few sights...

and enjoy a few solo meals (which is a RARITY for me!).  This was a cheddar stuffed burger and it was delicious!

I also managed to stop by the Mall of America and visit the giant lego store there.  It was a nice change of pace for me, 2 nights in a hotel all alone!  Mike and my parents held down the fort back home and I cruised in after a 7 hour drive late on Tuesday night.

Things at home are the typical hilarity.  Isaac enjoys dress up just as much as his brothers.  Note the Elmo socks and sponge bob wristbands worn on the ankles.  Really ties the whole outfit together.

Sam had to take a turn with Mike's glasses, very professional looking of course!

In search for a newer meal that everyone could enjoy, we did antipasto kabobs one night last week, it was a win!

I think the novelty of eating off a stick was the major draw, but we'll take it!

Noah's school has a new behavior system this year, where they can earn group or whole school rewards.  Friday they earned "crazy clothes day" and everyone in our house wanted to join in the fun!

To celebrate Hattie's 2nd birthday, Sam, Isaac and I met up with Philie, Cal, and Hattie on Friday.  We went to a home remodeling studio first (for the moms).

"I'm 2!  I'm too cute to handle!" (see what I did there? nyuk nyuk)

On Saturday, we had a beautiful day for Noah's final soccer game of the season.

Everyone lined up for practice kicks before the game.

Sam just likes to chillax while the game starts up.

Noah (in the red shirt and red pants) played some offense in the first half.

I'm a big guy, no stroller for me!

In the 2nd half, Noah took a turn at goalie.  We think he's found a home in goal, he does really well!

Goal kick!

Makes a great stop!

Power kick!

He did a great job!

I think the team ended the season at 2-6 or something like that, but a pizza party is deserved nonetheless! 

Trophies for all!  Way to go Noah!

The weather was just gorgeous this weekend.  With the thought of "winter is coming" in the back of our minds, we tried to have as much outdoor time as possible.  Leaf pile with the neighbors!

Some brownies in the evening, perfect end to a great day!

On Sunday we decided to use a Groupon and head up to Lamb's Farm in Libertyville.  The boys loved getting into the petting area with the sheep and goals.

Apparently all Rodriguez boys must love goats.  Been this way since Noah was 1 and visiting the petting zoo at Brookfield.  Sam found a goat just his size.

 We hit the links at the mini golf course.  Daddy showed Isaac how to hit.

Ride on the carousel!

Ride on the train!

Again, the weather was beautiful.  It was a really enjoyable family day!

Sunday afternoon, we dove right into pumpkin carving!  The blurry pictures are a statement to the flurry of activity that is carving with 3 boys!

Final products: Harry Potter, Minecraft, Cheshire cat!  So now we're all set for Halloween!

Loving fall...

Is everyone gearing up for Halloween?  We certainly are!  Once October hits, the boys are all about Halloween.  Bamma showed up with the Bag of Bones Cheetos this last week, they were a big hit at the dinner table.

 The weather has been ideal for some trips to the park after dropping Noah at school.  Notice Sam is on the bike and Isaac is keeping up just fine by running!

Our littlest goofball never ceases to amuse us.  His latest antics have included interesting headgear.

 Not one to be outdone by his brother, Sam donned the captain america mask, shinguard, fleece lined mickey croc look for dress up one day last week.

Saturday was a gorgeous day, 60 and sunny.  After Noah's soccer game we headed out to Huntley to meet some of the Rodriguez crew at a place called Tom's Farm Market.  They had face paint, always a hit with our kids!

 The boys took a tractor/barrel ride with their cousins.  A bystander even commented on how much they all look alike!

 Bouncy spiderweb was also a hit with all three of the boys.

 Noah shouted "Neigh" until Nick pointed out, "dude, you're a cow!"

 Isaac was a fan of the livestock.

 Pony rides for Sam, Noah, and Cesca!

 Nick was bound and determined to conquer the corn maze.  After about 20-30 min, half of us opted out.  But Nick, Sam, Kim, and Cesca managed to finish the whole thing!

 They also had a great bakery there, we all had to get some fresh apple cider donuts.  Faith got a HUGE brick of fudge that she shared with Noah.

 Great day ends with worn out kids!  It was really nice to see the cousins and aunts/uncles.  Happy Fall!