Pumpkin Carving Contest 2009

This year, the 2nd Annual Hallquist Pumpkin Carving Contest is online as we were all unable to make it to Stanton to compete. Andrew and I had a lot of fun with our idea and carving night....

Andrew had to compare our 'baby' pumpkin with the real baby...I think Baby Newman is just a little bit bigger!
Here's the finished product.....

All lit up!

Stanton Baby Shower

It's been awhile so I thought it was about time to get my updates on here! On October 10th, my sisters and sister-in-law held a baby shower in Stanton with the theme "We're Growing a Pumpkin!" It was a lot of fun and great to see everyone! We want to thank everyone again for all the great gifts. We're still working on unpacking!

Me reading the 'Halloween advice' from the shower attendees while the two future Grandma's and Aunt Carrie watch on.

Grandma Denise, Mommy-to-be, Grandma Julie

Aunt Carrie, Mommy-to-be, & Aunt Ingrid. Unfortunately, Aunt Val couldn't make it to the shower. Chase came down with viral menengitis and spent a few days in the hospital, so they had to postpone their trip home. Hopefully we'll get to see them all, healthy, in November.

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Wednesday was our 3rd Anniversary - boy has it gone by fast! I thought we were doing nothing more than maybe going out for supper - but apparently I was wrong! My wonderful husband suprised me with these beautiful flowers at work, then a pedicure appointment at the spa, and then supper at our favorite restaurant, Ohana's. I don't know why he is so nice after putting up with crazy me lately!

Baby Bump & ISU

Ok, so I keep getting asked by those that don't live around here to see what I look like pregnant - so here's a picture. We were getting ready to go to a tailgate party for the ISU vs Iowa football game, so we had to get out what we have thus far for ISU outfits and see how they looked. :) Just wish the game had turned out a little better. Maybe next year!

We have a Crib!!!

We got a crib this week and got it all set up - it's starting to feel a little more real!

New Nephew!

Welcome to the family Chase Aiden Hensley! He was born on August 27th and we made the trip south to visit, and surprise Mommy! We had a lot of fun visiting Val & Zach, playing with Emma, and of course holding little Chase!

Andrew looks like a natural - practicing for December? :)

We took Emma to a park near the hospital after visiting Mom & Dad and Brother Chase. She had fun and is NOT afraid of the ducks, that's for sure!

And of course - we couldn't pass through St. Louis without a quick stop at Busch Stadium! We enjoyed a great game where Pujos hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th. Go Cardinals!

Shopping for a Crib.....

So - we keep hitting furniture stores in search of a crib and baby room furniture. And, we keep coming home with every other piece of furniture that has ever been our wish list! :)

This is our new dining room hutch - looks so nice w/ Andrew's Grandma's Swedish Dishes!

And our desk...

And most recently, our new recliners in the living room!