Fall Break

When you start school August 9th, yes you have already had fall break. We learned last year (as rookies) that when school is off for more than a week it means GET OUT OF TOWN! So we flew to Ohio. Last time we were there was last May so we were 17 months over due AND we needed to met the new kid on the block aka new nephew Jordan (Kerry's youngest).

We started the trip off with Kings Island with Heather, Izzy Travis & Cynthia. Connor hit the 48" mark so he was eligible to ride all the coasters- we rode 4 I believe, he LOVED them. We would have done more but the other 2 were not tall enough and the lines were long.

Next we drove to Columbus to see Emma Clare and Jordan. EC always calls the boys Connor Ryan, and Kerry and I aren't sure that she realizes there are 2 boys not one so I think she was out of sorts with the whole drive and adventure of the pumpkin patch but I loved holding sweet Jordan, catching up with Cousin Lindsay about her 2017 wedding and taking in the beautiful fall day.

We ended the Ohio trip with a visit to our alma mater, Miami. Connor loved all the Pokeman he found on campus and I loved the MU gear and food! We also got to stop in and see Liz & BJ (Charley & Oliver) and the Carters & the hood.

Good trip! Never long enough or enough time to see everyone but still great.

Ray was suppose to head back from Ohio with us but got called into a meeting in Ohio so I flew home with the boys by myself. Only one set of tears at the airport (that was from me), boys weren't helping me with all the lounge and carseats.

Upon arrive back in DEN Mimi (my Mom) met us at the airport. She stayed 5 days. We did pumpkin patches, arts and crafts, home made dinners and lots of organizing and cleaning. I so appreciate the mental break of single parenting when Ray is away. Thanks Mom for the help!

 Did I mention Ryan spent the day before our trip at Childrens? He was having a bad go with Croup? Yes that is me shooting myself in the head. "Ain't no body got time for that"

 I think Trav enjoyed the amusement rides as much as Connor

 How is this the only picture I got of love birds Connor and Isabella?

 Jordan sporting his new hat knit by Cynthia

 Pats kids and grandkids, minus Emma Clare

Too bad we don't know any 7 year old boys, oh wait.

Slow Down

I went to the "Belong tour" this past weekend. It is a women's faith weekend. It was nice to recharge with my MOPS friends and Casey and focus back on whats important.
One of the guest speakers was a singer, Nichole Nordeman. Live she had a great voice, this video doesn't give her justice but the message hit this group of Mother Of Preschools right in the heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clcNB_EUao8

Cousin Natalie Gets Married

Ray & I can hardly belief this day has come, Natalie got married! We drove to Iowa over the weekend to Lake Okoboji to watch Nat & Neil tie the knot. The weather was absolutly perfect, the yard was out of a magazine and it went off with out a hitch.

I probably need to buy a 50x50 of this print, he is so cute. Stay little my little squish face!

If only Connor was looking...and wearing his shoes

This is the only picture of the bride I got, oops!

Soccer

Saturday's spent on the soccer field I am pretty sure is all 4 of our favorite ways to spend the day. This is Ryan's second year playing for Storm but his first year on the big leagues and not "sparks" he was super excited to wear the real uniform! Ryan's team is REALLY good, I think they won 10-1. Connor's team was fun to watch they have all improved so much from last year, lots of passing and the goalie was on fire. Connor's team also got the W 5-0.

hikes

This summer we have been busting out hikes left and right. Last week I went on a hike with two other Mom's.

Our little guys did great at keeping up.

Eli Young Band

Went with John & Sommer on a double date downtown Denver to see Eli Young Band at the Grizzly Rose.

they said "someone big" is here...it was the lead guitarist for black sabbath (I don't even know if that's the right band) he did jam out 2 songs.

More Pictures Okoboji

Uncle Dave just sent me some good ones to share....

Everyone (Minus Dave, Travis & Lizzie)

My baby is 5

Oh Ryan John, Mama loves you sooooo much! I tell you all the time to stop growing and to stop being bigger! He has become a little ham with hilarious things to say and we have no clue where he is getting his material from.
He is my compassionate kid for sure. He will give a hug or make a comment to fill up someones bucket so quickly. He is always willing to help me and much like me he likes when the house is quiet and we can get projects done.
 Continue to learn my little sponge, can't wait to see what all you take in this year at Junior K. He is just like his Daddy that he has the best memory and can remember things from over a year ago.
Hope you are a leader in your class and a good example to your friends.
Love you lots big 5 year old! Mommy & Daddy

*PS I am on the verge of a major melt down of no more babies in this house....working every angle I have with Raymond to get us a 3rd little nugget to love on. I would LOVE if next time you viewed this blog you were seeing us as a family of 5. Until then I'll keep watching other peoples baby's and holding neighbor baby's when I can.

1st Day Of School

He woke up early, brushed his hair, got dressed and made his bed. I'd call it a success! When we got to school he said "Mom I'm late (which he wasn't), I don't have time for pictures.

Um, Hi, I'm Mama Bear and I'm getting a picture of you for the first day of school. You are lucky I didn't try to kiss you too. The day isn't over but the teacher just sent all the parents a cute little email saying everyone is doing awesome and no tears have been shed. Welcome to First Grade Connor!

When I got to school I said "we need a picture". Silly Sommer she thought I meant of the kiddos.

Here is my partner in crime for the next 3 years as we are Co-Chairing the PTO for the elementary school.

Connor's main squeeze Emma (Sommer's daughter)

Summer Hikes

It is crazy how many trails and part of Colorado are less than 45 minutes away. The last 3 weekends we have gone exploring on the weekends.
The first weekend we went to Garden Of The Gods. Notes for me for next time: kind of farther away then I liked. We were not there long enough and want to go back for sure. We didn't really see Gardens per see, we did see all these beautiful red rocks and guys repelling off them.

Then next weekend we went to Lair of the Bear. Positives are it is close (very close to Sheri & Marty) the negative, lots of bikers are a small trail. Kids loved the water that ran next to the trail to cool off.