The Longest's

We rode in a 10 mile bike race called the "Le Tour De Donut" with Nora. It was a lot of fun (even though I was so sick!) There was actually a 30 mile bike race, but we opted for the small 10 mile family fun race. After the race was over we hung out at Klackle Orchard for a little while. The girls ate donuts and Nora rode on a pony. After we went home and relaxed for a while we went over to a friend of ours and the girls played and played. Needless to say they were asleep long before we got home! Me at the start of the race Nora ready to ride Strong man, Matt, pulled Nora 10 miles, and the last couple mile was ALL uphill. When I wanted to get off and walk, I just looked behind me and saw Matt still going strong, so I knew I couldn't stop! After the race! Pony ride Madison on the roller coaster! THE ROLLER COASTER! Nora loved this! Weeeeeeeee!!! Gretchen had so much fun playing in the playhouse...guess that means we need to get one too!

Before we did the "Tour De Donut" 10 mile bike race in September, we took the girls for a 9 mile bike ride down the Fred Meijer Heartland trail. We rode from Sidney to Stanton and back! The girls did relatively well. We did have to stop and take off Gretchen's bike helmet, then she fell asleep and did great the rest of the way! The bike trailer we bought (for only $100 I might add!) has been so wonderful! We are going to have many fun and happy memories using this!! Can't wait until next spring so we can load the girls up in this again! Gretchen excited for the bike ride! Matt getting things in order Our bikes Nora helping daddy get the trailer on the bike All ready to go!

For Sadie's 6th birthday in September, we took our annual trip to the Muskegon dog beach. Sadie is in heaven when we go there. She is free to run, play frisbee and chase other dogs! Everyone else had a great time too. The girls had a greast time making sand castles and playing in the sand! It's Frisbee time! Having fun playing in the sand! Nora too! Frisbee time with Dad! Sandy dog! Building sand castles Snack time! Sadie having a great time!

Nora started taking dance classes back in September and LOVES it! She is taking ballet and tap and cannot wait for Wednesday's to roll around! I don't like to brag, but she is really good too!! Here are some photos from her very first day! She was a little excited to go! "Hi Mom" I do believe that she is the tallest girl in her class. Time to skip!!

Labor Day weekend this year we met up with my parents who were camping up in Marion. We pitched our tent and had so much fun! The nights were VERY cold and Nora actually got sick after sleeping one night outside. The second night she slept in Grandpa and Grandma's trailer...where there was heat!! Gretchen slept in bed with mommy and daddy and stayed nice and warm!! During the days is was sunny and warm, we couldn't have asked for a better weekend!! Grandpa helping Nora with her knee pads! Riding her bike...she became an expert bike rider this weekend! Gretchen relaxing with Grandma Gretchen was supposed to be napping in the tent! Gretchen loved wearing her bike helmet all weekend! Bike riding time...well at least time for mommy and daddy to push me on my bike! Me and my bike helmet girl! Nora helping Grandpa and Uncle Ed gather wood for a fire

Back in August Nora was in her first wedding as the flower girl. Matt cousin Clint Longest married Ashley in a beautiful ceremony in Indiana and Nora was so lucky to be a part of it! We all had such a great time and here are a few pictures of the day....I have sooo many more!! Nora getting her hair done for the big day! The finished look Gretchen had a great time too! Nora, Owen, and Haven (Matt's cousin Jeremy's little ones) Practicing before the ceremony...they were so cute! Enjoying a snack before the ceremony. Time for the real thing...she was so cute, she didn't drop the flower petals on the way down, she decided to drop them on the way back out...it was so funny! During the ceremony. At one point during the lighting of the Unity Candle she ran back to me and sat down with me. She did go back up just in time to walk out with Owen. Nora with Uncle Kevin and Aunt Liz Watching the cutting of the cake...and eagerly waiting a piece of their own:) Twirling! ...