FAMILY FUN...

We are so lucky to have a few of the boys' favorite people live close by so they can spend some time with the little men. Katrina and Jeremy came over to see the boys a couple of weeks ago and KJ and Lance loved their QT. Of course, they took some pictures...

A few days after our visit, Kurt and I went to the doctor's office for my favorite appointment of pregnancy- the day I get to see pictures of my new baby. In a change from tradition, we decided to find out the sex of the baby. We decided to wait until Christmas day to open up the envelope, so we have an awesome gift waiting for us under the tree.

Our little baby is already adorable. Just look...

...what a cute little face and hand saying "Hello" to us...

...the little left foot that I am really starting to feel kick me...

WORKING TOWARD CHRISTMAS...

The boys were excited to get their new Christmas pajamas a few days ago and couldn't wait to wear them to bed. It is tough to get a picture with them both looking at the camera and smiling, but we did get something the other night.

I love these little fellas. They are too cute!

WE NEED A BIGGER KITCHEN TABLE...

Ok, a bit of a weird picture to share, but it looks like Kurt and I need to invest in a bigger kitchen table, or at least another chair. We are excited to be welcoming baby #3 to the family in early May 2012.

KJ seems to be very excited to have another sibling. He said he wants a baby sister because he already has a baby brother. I have been trying to explain to Lance that we are going to have a new baby, but he just laughs and hits my belly. If he didn't hit so hard, it would be pretty funny.

Kurt and I are going to have to start practicing our zone defense to get ready for the new arrival. It should be interesting to have more children than hands. I have a feeling that I am going to go slightly insane, but I know it will be worth it.

FAMILY PICTURES...

It was touch and go, but after a bit of fighting with the boys, we were able to get our annual family pictures in early October. KJ and Lance were not feeling very photogenic, running around the park for the majority of the session, but in true Chuck fashion, our photographer managed to get a couple of family pictures and some good ones of the boys.

It is so amazing to see the boys grow each year. I miss the changes because I see them each day, but looking back at the pictures, I can see them becoming little men. Love it!

APPLE PICKIN'...

It was a beautiful day to pick some apples. I'm not sure how many October days you can get at sunny and 80 degrees. Blake's Orchard was overflowing with people, but we managed to get to the apple trees and find a bag full.

We were lucky enough to have Mimi, Papa, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Katrina come along to get some of the choice crop. The boys ate as many apples as they picked, and seemed to have a very good time. We capped off apple picking by taking Mimi out to dinner for her birthday. It was a wonderful day with family.

SCHUSTER ABC'S

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A TRIP TO SEE THE TIGERS...

We convinced Kurt to take a half day a few days back so we could go to the Tigers game as a family. Lance hadn't been to a game yet and KJ was actually interested in watching baseball.

The boys wanted to wander around the ball park and ride the ferris wheel, but we did manage to sit and watch the game for an inning or so. It wasn't until I ran out of my snacks that we had to get back up and move again.

All in all, we didn't get to watch much baseball, but the boys got to see some news things and Kurt and I have a glimpse at normal life again when the boys are just a bit older.

BIG FAMILY VACATION...

We always look forward to going to Whitehall to spend some time with the entire Nordquist clan. We added a trip to Michigan Adventure to the calendar this time around. We still managed to spend a lot of time in the water and on the boat.

KJ and Lance did great in the water. KJ started by swimming alone with only his water wings and progressed to jumping off the side to people, to jumping by himself, to taking flying leaps off the diving board. He even managed to get a couple iPad apps for some well timed jumps into the deep end. Aunt Katrina spent a couple of minutes with Lance, and before we knew it, he was jumping into our arms in the pool. It was a great time.

We can't wait until next year to see what the boys will do next at the cottage.

SAY CHEESE...

Just a normal day in the Schuster household. We sit around the table and relax with lots of smiles....RIGHT. The boys were feeling extra sassy this day. Probably because Aunt Ka-tina was over to play. Whatever works. I was just happy to have such sweet boys.

A LITTLE SUMMER FUN...

My little love bugs. So sweet in their little chairs.

Amidst all the heat the past few weeks, the boys have been spending a lot of time outdoors, enjoying the toys that have been cooped up in the garage for the winter, and a few of the toys that are meant for daddy.

Lance loves his daddy

KJ is always up for a pic

KJ got ahold of the power washer

MY LOVES...

Just look at these sweet boys. We took a little time to get KJ and Lance's 1 and 3 year pictures. It was hard to get them to take a pic together, but we got one. I love these boys SO much!

KJ TURNS 3...

Happy Birthday KJ! The boy that made me a mama turned 3 on the 18th and had a very special day, just for him. He received some really nice presents throughout the day, but loved his first gift, new golf clubs that were just his size. Aside from a few near misses with my shins and his brother's body, they are perfectly safe and fun!

Kurt and I took him to Dave and Buster's for lunch and some games and it was a total hit. He hadn't been there in over a year and forgot about the place. It was hilarious to see him run around, jumping on every game he could and getting excited over tickets. He has asked to go back every day since his birthday.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy. Everyone is so lucky to have you in our lives. You make each day an adventure and I look forward to the joy that you will continue to bring to us. Mama loves you!

FIRST EGG HUNT OF THE YEAR...

The little fellas invited a few friends over on Saturday to take part in a little Easter egg hunt. We thought that the rain would hold off for the fun, but the sky opened up right in the middle of the hunt. Within 10 minutes of finishing the hunt, the skies cleared a bit and the rain stopped. I was either 10 minutes to late or 10 to early. Oh well.

Lance walked around with me to gather a few and was happy to have an egg to chew. KJ lacked any competitive drive. After I said go, he stood with his bag waving in the wind, telling me that he liked watching his friend. Of the 200 eggs we hid, KJ and Lance collected about 12 together. The other 8 kids split the remainder. Oh well.

LANCE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to You. Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday Sweet Lance. Happy Birthday to You.

My beautiful little baby boy, Lance, celebrated the big number 1 on Saturday with many friends and family. He had so much fun hanging out with all the guests, eating lots of food and opening presents. Once he got over the messiness of the icing, he loved the cake. KJ even pitched in and helped him eat a few spoonfuls.

I cannot believe that my little man is already one! It's been a busy year- traveling, trips on planes, visits to the zoo, lots of family time- but awesome. I love his kind personality and sweet temperament. I think that everyone is super excited to see where Lance will go over the next year.

BALLOON...

Last week it was walking, this week, it is talking. Our little man is starting to say a few words, but my favorite is "balloon". The look on Lance's face is awesome.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE...

...a few days make. From a wobbly little walk to moving around the house with a purpose, Lance is officially a walker! Now if KJ would only let him walk without purposely running into him. Oh, brothers.

TWO MOVERS?...

It won't be long and Lance will be toddling along with his big brother. He is practicing his walking skills more and more each day.

MY SWEETS!

I may be a bit biased, but these are the cutest boys in the world! Imagine if they both looked at the camera...

10 MONTHS, 100th POST

My sweet little baby, Lance, is ten months old and celebrated his big day by taking his first steps to his mama. The look on his adorable little face as he waddled two steps toward me was unforgettable. Where did the time go?

He has been busy learning new things from his big brother. I find them together, into all kinds of interesting things, on a daily basis. They both love the laundry room!

Lance is a fearless little man, with one hard head. I am always shocked to see the lickin' that he can take, get right back up and not say a peep. The boys should be a TON of fun this summer. Two little fellas out and about, going crazy in the neighborhood. Can't wait.