Labor Day Weekend

We surprised the kids and Fred entered one of the Pape Transfer Semi's in the Labor Day parade(Monday)!  The kids got to ride in the bunk and we all tossed candy out!  It was so much fun to see all of the kids yelling and waving.  One thing we did learn is that we need about 50lbs of candy next year ;)
2 of Fred's sisters and their families stopped over for the parade and eat lunch with us.  It was such a relaxing day and so much fun!

The night before(sunday) we went to Galena to eat at Vinnie Vanuchis for our anniversary and when we got home we stopped up for a little bit to the street dance.

Saturday we went to a house warming party for a co-worker of Freds.  We decided to drive around for a bit after we left.  This place was gorgeous!  We just had to stop and take a picture!

12 years! WOW

12 years ago I married my best friend.  Sounds cheesy, I know, but seriously I don't know where I would be without Fred!  We have built an amazing life together and he is truly my best friend!
For those of you who were not at our wedding(or those who were and just want a flash back) here are some pictures from our amazing day!!

September 6, 2003

A very warm day, sunny day!

I couldn't not include a picture of these two characters!

My bridesmaids and maid of honor.

My brother Jimmy was in Iraq.  We had a bridesmaid walk down the isle by herself to symbolize where he would have been.

My two beautiful attendants!

My Mom and Dad.

Fred with the bridesmaids and flower girl.

Right before I walked down the isle.

This is a far away picture but one of my favorite pictures.  If you look closely at Fred's face, our photographer captured the look on his face the first second he saw me.

Mr. and Mrs. Norder!!!!!!

Fred's Parents

Fred with Grammy Joyce

Our two surviving Gran parents at the time.  Fred's grandma and my Nana.

I love this picture!  The only boys in their family(not including any nephews or brother in laws)

All 4 of the parents

These two were hilarious!!  They grabbed each other and went to the dance floor and had everyone cracking up!

And that is where Fred gets it from!  What a card!

Everyone in the wedding party!

I love this picture.  Fred made fun of me, but by the time we got to the reception my feet were killing me.  I am a country girl who has always gone barefoot!  So we jumped in the car and as soon as I could reach my feet(that dress was huge) my shoes came off!  I didn't wear them again the rest of the night.

Firsts and Lasts.....Hard both ways!

I am having some issues with the fact that I know have a 6th grader, 4th grader, 2nd grader and Kindergartner!!!  How did this happen!?

David worried me, as he woke up with a headache!  I just kept praying please not on the first day of school!  But I think it was nerves, excitement and most likely lack of sleep because of the two!  As he ate breakfast and drank some water, he got better and then was very excited!

Camryn has been ready to go back to school since last year ended!  I am surprised she slept at all!

Keith was excited, but also apprehensive!  Honestly Joseph was too!  Neither surprised me. 

Not only did I have to drop my kids off at school today, I had to come home and help get Cody's Kennel ready for moving.  Firsts and Lasts area always hard.  Kids first day of school, Cody's last day with the Norders.  Every time I think about it, I start tearing up again(which is not helping my allergies!).   The one upside of Cody leaving is, his new handler is one of our great friends and only lives a few blocks away.  However I will not have him run out and greet me every morning when I take things out, we can have our little conversations when I am working in the garden, I can't give him little treats anymore.  He was more then a dog to Fred, he was his partner.  He was a family member!  So even though he will be close, it is still incredibly hard!

Cookies I have done lately