Iowa Energy Game

We had a good weekend...
Saturday we did random stuff around the house, played, and wiped Cora's nose at least 1,000 times.  She's got a snotty nose and a cough (as of this morning).  She's definitely not herself, but she's also in good spirits.  She struggled at bedtime tonight, which is sad...

Anyway, Saturday night we were going to have some friends/neighbors over, but their kids weren't feeling all that well, so we are taking a rain check.  So Ryan was able to get his company's season tickets to the Iowa Energy game for Saturday night.  We did dinner at home, then headed downtown.  The kids really enjoyed it.  Kayson LOVED it, I think. He watched really well, asked questions and smiled a lot.  Cora did pretty well - she got pretty antsy, and wasn't able to really sit in the seats very well.  We were literally in the front row (right behind the stats people, etc.)... and the seats were the folding type ones - she would have fallen through those in seconds, so she was pretty hesitant with them...  But anyway, she sat on the ground a lot, played with the iPad a bit, but then also paid attention when the dancers were out on the floor.  During halftime, they had a cool show of some stunt ballers, which Kayson LOVED.  Over all, it was really good.  It was something different to do, and we'll do it again, for sure.

Today we slept in... Cora actually slept 12 hours, which is clear that she's not feeling all that great.  But we just played this morning, went out for lunch...  then really nothing this afternoon.  I ran to the mall to get a few things, then did laundry tonight.

It's been a good day and weekend...  I hate to see it end actually.  I'm just thinking about all the meetings I have tomorrow!!!

Here's the pictures from the basketball game.

We took a break at the top...  before heading home.

The boys and "Surge"

Saturday - Purchases & Bowling

Last night the kids and I went to a hotel near by to spend a little time with Trish, Jill and the VB girls.  (Ryan stayed home to concentrate and watch the Hawks - WIN!)  The VB girls played in the 8th grade State AAU VB tourny today... so they always stay over night the night before.  I let the kids 'swim' for about an hour.  They did well... we had a good time. 

Today we all slept in ... well, Cora til about 7:30, K til about 8:00.  We did baths this morning cuz last night they both were so tired when we got home, I just literally threw them into bed!  ha.  Ryan's parents came to spend the day with us.  We headed out to Dick's Sporting Goods to get K some cleats for baseball...  we also purchased something big --- a basketball hoop for the driveway!  EEk - I can't freaking wait to have it!   We've been talking about this FOREVER and we finally did it.  I think it'll be really good for our family, and friends that come by.  

We did lunch out, then back to the house so the guys could watch more BBall and Cora could nap.  Meanwhile JeanAnn and I stepped out and got some spring/summer clothes for the kids.  I know I don't want them wearing shorts yet, but the warmer weather SHOULD be near, so I want to be prepped.  They should be good for a bit anyways!  

Back at the house, Cora was up and we just played a bit...  then Kayson's been asking to go bowling for weeks.  He's gone a couple times with school and just tells us he loves it.  So we finally went tonight - as he said - "FINALLY!"  ha.  Mike and JeanAnn came with so that was nice...  It was a lot of fun to do something different.  

Home now... baths, a quick game of Farkle and they are both in bed.  I'm wiped out!  It was a very nice Saturday!!  :) 

Spring Break 2015

The title of this post bears to think that we actually DID something for Spring Break.  ha.  We didn't... same old routine as always.  :)  (Maybe someday we'll do something fun as a family!)  However, Kayson didn't have school, so he got to do the Beyond the Bell thing for a full week plus last Friday.  He loves it there... and I'm so thankful for that.  They've done some fun things:

• Pump It Up
• Movie - Cinderella ("They kissed" - he said.)
• Historical Building
• Bowling

Ryan and I worked as usual...  I know that I've been crazy busy, however the week has taken forever!  I'm so glad it's Friday!  It's been super quiet, so it's kind of odd that I've been so busy.   Anyway, I'm glad it's Friday - looking forward to scooting out a little early, and just doing some random things this weekend.


Cora is doing well - I tell you what, this kid talks.  Wow.  I've said it before, but she literally talks all.the.time!!  Her new thing is to sing "Take me out to the ball game", and I tell you what - it's the cutest thing ever.  :)


The kids wore their Jayhawks stuff today, as KU is playing in the NCAA tourney - first game is today.  We are rooting hard!!  Hawks play tonight too.

Weekend

Saturday seemed to be a busy day...  The morning was full of lots of arguing and not getting along - me and the kids.  Does that surprise you?  It seems to be a famous thing lately.  It's apparent that they aren't crazy about me by Saturday - and I think they want their Dad around.  Ryan had a work meeting, so he had to be gone.  Finally...  things seemed to turn around, and we did a late lunch out.  Saturday afternoon we did some random things - groceries, cleaning and taking Kayson to a birthday party.  

Saturday evening Ryan and I went out for our annual Bunco night at the Miller's.  It's always a good time!  We were lucky enough to have the kids' cousins want to babysit.  Ash and Hope (and Logan) came and spent the evening with the kids.  Pizza was ordered, lots of playing from what we hear, a movie and popcorn was had... and bed.  It's pretty cool that they wanted to come watch the kids on a Saturday night.  LOVE THEM!   We got home around 10ish, knowing they had a super long drive home...  but it didn't really matter.  We sat and talked for another 45 minutes!!  ha.  Good stories from them, and Ryan played a pretty good prank on them too, which is hilarious still.  Anyway, they got home safely. 

Today we got up and at 'em and headed to Clarion/the farm.  We haven't seen my parents in a long time and knew it would be decent weather.  Everyone joined us at the farm...  we had lunch and just chit chatted.  Linds and Eden had VB practice, so I actually stepped away for an hour and went to watch them... and helped a little.  Those coaches are hard-core, it was fun to watch!  Then we headed back to DSM...  

We are sleepy - at least I am.  But was nice to do something today.

Selfies.  ha.  Cracks me up.

Think there are enough toys?  ALL OLD toys I played with. 

Hardy grandkids.  Man I love them.

'Almost' Spring???

Well, Iowa has been hit with some nice weather - nice and warm!  Yesterday we took advantage of it!  The forecast for the rest of the week is consistently warm, which is great.  Even if it doesn't last forever at this point, it's really enjoyable... for all of us.  Fresh air rocks.

Happy girl!

This cracks me up.  She looks like the car.  ha.

He looks like he knows what he's doing...  still not a huge fan of his bike.

This & That

• Kayson's basketball season with the YMCA is done.  Today he had his last scrimmage.  He had fun, and it was fun to watch him and the other boys, even if they all do kind of drive me crazy!  Typical 6 year-olds!  ha.  He was all hot and sweaty today when we were done!
• Trish and her family visited Saturday.  We did lunch out, then they did some shopping.  They did visit a little later, which was nice.  Kayson, Logan and Hope played some hoops and volleyball.  As always, not a long enough visit!
• Today was a beautiful day out...  we are going to enjoy some more nice weather over the next several days.  I'll have to get the kids outside this week when we get home.  
• Ryan has to travel this week...  so he did baths and bed tonight.  It's heavenly.  ha.  There's just something about not having to do ALL of that!  :)
• Quincy's birthday is today... Murphy's birthday is Wednesday.  I believe they are 12 and 11...  but I'm actually not 100% sure.  I'd need to look back at some records to confirm, and I'm not even sure where those would be.  Oops.  They are definitely aging...  they are both completely passed out, snoring right now.  
• Tate was admitted to the hospital Saturday morning.  All of last week he had terrible flu symptoms and just wasn't doing well...  Martina kept in touch with a nurse several times, but it just wasn't getting better.  He fortunately was able to come home this afternoon, and I believe he's doing better, but still not 100%.  I sure hope the little guy gets a good nights sleep in his own bed and is all better tomorrow.  I hope Martina gets some good rest too... hard on those parents too!!

Kayson Kindergarten Winter Conference

Last night we had Kayson's Winter conference at school.  He was all excited saying "It's going to be a great day - it's conference day!!"  I thought that was hilarious and awesome at the same time!  I'm thrilled that he was looking forward to it that much... and it only made us know that he's doing well.  :)

And he is.

Mrs. White said he's doing great... no worries academically.  He's exceeded at reading, writing, spelling, and even starting on math.  She said he'll be ready for 1st Grade with no problems.  This is great to hear!

She showed us some neat stuff - like comparing what he was doing just in the Fall:

• Writing - he's improved on how he makes his letters and just even the size of the letters.
• Spelling - improved on how he puts letters together for a word.  He would 'miss' some letters, but now he has them included.
• Reading - instead of 'flying' through the words... he now knows to pause at the right spots.  Next they'll work on improving 'how' they read - using different sounds and showing excitement. He's currently reading at G Level - and has a early Reading score of 65. 

Overall, he did great - he was all giddy and loved being there, I could tell. 

Mrs. White is moving to 1st Grade position next year, still at Maple Grove, which is super exciting for her.  There's a possibility that she could be his teacher again.  That could be interesting.  ha.

We are very proud!!

Kiddos!

Friday night we stayed in...  and watched a movie.  Big Hero Six.  Good kid movie... Kayson loved it.  We had popcorn and did our best to keep Cora quiet and somewhat interested in the movie... she wasn't really, but did ok.  I can't imagine taking her to an actual theater!  ha.

Sleeping bags and all!!

Saturday, Ryan did some work in the morning.  The kids and I just hung out...  they were pretty ornery and not really interested in playing nicely or really doing anything nicely.  :(  We had plans to meet up with Nicky for lunch, so we did do that... but I was hesitant, just because of the way they had been acting.  It continued through lunch... which was a big bummer.  However, it was nice to see Nicky for the short while.  

Sportin' his new Jayhawks jersey!!

Saturday afternoon we just hung out at home... did some random things.  That evening after supper, Blair, Martina, Tate and Landry came over.  They had been in town (kinda) seeing some of her family, and were going to crash with us...  we haven't seen them since Tate's birthday and it time for some cousin time!  It was fairly late, we did let the kiddos play tho.  

Today we got up and just hung out... the kids played some more, and really did well.  Cora fell down the stairs to the basement.  Yes.  But as myself, and Martina freaked out, panicking, Cora cried for maybe 20 seconds, and then said she was fine.  GOOD LORD.  She's tough.  I was still worried about her tonight.  ha. 

Kayson and Landry

Cora and Landry

Cousins!!!  Love them!

We did lunch out, and the kiddos did great... then back to the house to play some more.  Martina, Tate and I went to Kayson's basketball so Tate could watch.  I think he was in 'awe', it was sweet to watch is big cousin.  :)  Mike and JeanAnn made a quick trip to watch K as well.  It was a good game - 3 shots by Kayson!!  

We unfortunately, needed to hurry home - Ryan had to leave for Nebraska this afternoon...  so the other Taylor's got on the road as well.  Then it was just me and the kids...  Kayson was terribly owly - naughty, talking back... then all of the sudden - he's nice, wanting to sit with me...  completely obvious that he's exhausted.  We worked on a puzzle and had a quick supper, and baths.  Kayson was asleep before Cora.

I'm going to put my feet up and just watch some TV.  I'm tired too!