This & That

• Kayson had baseball practice Tuesday night... on an actual baseball field.  It's the little things.  :)  Cora and I took him, as Ryan had something going on.  Ashley came and hung out with us while we watched, so that was nice.  K did well - seemed to enjoy himself, and he hit the ball a couple times, which he loved. 
• I'm LOVING my new car.  EEk.  It's so amazing. 
• Ryan and I had a date night last night.  A date - a real evening (even though it was 2 hours) for just us.  It was so nice!  We needed it.
• Cora has been going #2 on the potty for the past week or so.  THIS IS HUGE!!!  Even though she's not even close to being potty trained, I'm excited that she knows when she has to go, and she follows through!  :) 
• We are really enjoying the basketball hoop!  Kayson loves it and wants to play every night.  Fine by me!  We've even let him go out there on his own (for a short time)... and he seems to do really well.  We had to have 'the talk' about strangers, and ensuring he is aware of his surroundings, etc.  It's a hard thing to understand for him (or any kid), but we'll keep talking to him about it and hope that he's smart enough to do the right thing if anything would happen.
• Work has been crazy busy lately...  it's all good, as I've said before - I'd rather be busy then bored!  I have a ton of little projects going on... and today was a day where I didn't know where to start and what to stop and so on!
• Not much else going on...  been enjoying life and the weather around here!

Hope's Senior Prom

Today we all headed up to Clarion for the day to see my niece Hope get all dolled up for her Senior Prom... and to just spend some time with my family. 

We got up there around 11... kids started playing right away (well - just Kayson - Cora took about 2 hours to even warm up to anyone... then she had to nap!)  Anyway, we enjoyed a quick lunch at Tricia's... then just hung out.  Ryan and Lindsay came over to hang out...  Hope and some of her friends were over for pictures...  we played... we laughed...  everything!  Cora did take a nice, long nap on Trish's bed, which was good... she needed it, she was up early.  The day was just really relaxing and enjoyable.  It was great to just be there. 

Mom and Dad came in to visit with us as well...  Mom doesn't look good.  She's always been thin, but she's really thin.  Her hair is really looking bad too - Trish is actually taking her this week to get it cut and permed.  We are hoping that will help it out a little, b/c Mom just doesn't take care of it anymore...  doesn't shower/wash it.  So...  anyway, Mom was the lady today that hovered over Cora and worried about her and wondered who was taking her home today.  She's very confused...  and seems to really concentrate her time on Cora.  *big sigh*  It's hard being there, but she needs to be reminded of the grandkids, so she won't forget them.

Moving on...  we all went up to the HS to watch all the girls and guys 'walk in' for Prom...  then back to Tricia and Greg's for pizza.  We stuck around pretty late... thinking/hoping Cora would sleep on the way home.  Man - that girl.  She's a challenge even at 10pm!!!  FINALLY after almost an hour of driving, she fell asleep.  Kayson was asleep a good 30 minutes before her!  ha.  So opposite!

We had a good day...  much needed to get away, be with our family and just laugh.  

My girl.

We giggle a lot.  Love her.

Hope & Logan

Some fun for Ryan and Kayson!

Cora - 2 Years 8 Months

Cora's over the 2 1/2 year mark...  she'll be three before we know it, and it makes me SO crazy sad.  HOWEVER, at the same time - I want her to grow out of the stage/phase she's in right now.  PLEASE tell me that will happen!

• She's struggling at bedtime now.  This is new - probably about a week or two new.  We do our same routine - bath around 7ish, give or take, then kisses/hugs (which takes a good 5 minutes), then we read books.  We typically read about 3 books.  We turn off the lamp, turn on night light and 'panda' (plays quiet music)... and then we lay her down.  Now - when Ryan puts her to bed - she doesn't make a peep, she keeps fairly quiet.  When I put her to bed - she throws a fit, screams and cries.  Those things have always been this way...  but the last week or so, she's been laying in there (after her fits) just talking and singing to herself.  Yah, that's fine - but she's not really falling asleep until well-past 8:30.  Ryan and I talked tonight --- we may just have to push her bedtime back.  I HATE that, only b/c she has trouble getting up, and I truly think she's tired at 7:30.  (and not just cuz we are arguing and experiencing meltdowns!).  So... we'll see what happens.  This will be a 'be continued...' moment, I'm sure. 
• Diapers - size 5. 
• Pottying - she's doing well.  She seems to actually stay dry and go potty 2 or 3 times at daycare.  Other times, she's wet.  Tonight she actually told me she needed to poop - and she went in the potty!  I may have did a happy dance!  :)  I was pretty darn excited for her.  She kept saying "Good job Cora May!!"
• Shoes - size 7 or 8, depends on brand.
• Clothes - 4T tops, 3T bottoms.  
• She's feisty, there is NO DOUBT about that.  She knows she's cute, she knows she'll get her way (95% of the time), and she knows how to push my buttons.  But man, when we do have quiet time, and she's being 'nice', she's SOOO enjoyable, and I just want to eat her up. 
• She uses her imagination a lot...which I love.  She talks to herself a lot.  She 'reads' to herself a lot too.  
• She can ride her little trike we have...  she pushes the pedals about half the time, but does like it.  (More than Kayson ever did!)
• She has a new passion for Murphy.  She likes Quincy too, but is always concerned about where Murphy is, what he's doing and wanting to take him outside.  It's pretty sweet, but the dogs are pretty timid around her - she's rough!!  I don't blame them.  
• Car rides are still a struggle.  She's pretty decent for me from daycare to school - I may or may not get a shoe thrown at me during that time.  Either way, she's pretty bossy during the short time - wanting a song, wanting her window down, wanting a mint.  You name it.  (I can't wait to have a conversation about her day for once).  Once we have Kayson with us - she's usually pretty naughty for me.  Even when Ryan is in the car - she's not the best.  She's definitely not a fan of being strapped down.  ha.

My guess is in 4 short months - most of this stuff won't really change, but I felt I needed to write some of this stuff down.  

This & That

• I heart my new car.  EEk.  This morning, driving Kayson to school... then to work... I was excited, and nervous.  "Stay out of my way people!!!"  ha.   I joke - I didn't go fast at all... I totally enjoyed the drive, but I did want people to stay away!  
• My sciatic nerve has been flaring up for about a week now...  this is normal for me, but it did seem a little more 'out of control' over the past couple days.  I got into the chiropractor this afternoon...  she adjusted me and sent me on my way.  It does feel better... hoping tomorrow I can make it through an entire meeting without standing. 
• I've had a terrible headache tonight... I believe it was a start of a little migraine actually.  My eyes were really sensitive to the light.  I actually just layed on the couch and rested my eyes... for about an hour.  Ryan kept Kayson busy, which was super nice.
• Cora and I had yet another struggle tonight when we got home.  She's gotten back to trying to hit... mostly me.  We had pulled into the garage... Kayson wanted out fast, he had to go poop.  So he tried getting past her, she kicked her legs out and was pretty much pushing on him.  I told her to stop and let K through.  I got K out... and she proceeded to scream and attempt to hit me several times.  I got her out and I put her in her room... she cried and screamed for about 15 minutes.  I honestly don't know what to do anymore.  She is only this way around me...  and I'm her Mom.  I can't just walk away... I can't just ignore this...  :(  Makes me sad.  
• Ryan's been walking at night time...  it's been good for him.  I've been trying to do some small weights and exercises too, which I've enjoyed.  I just need to keep at it. 
• Kayson's been pretty good for us lately.  Tonight he played really well with Ryan...  and just really wanted to be with us, and not have Cora around.  Man, I don't blame him. 

Weekend

It's been a super wet weekend!  Since Saturday morning, it's rained off and on literally all weekend.  I don't mind the rain sometimes, but man - I would have enjoyed seeing a PEEK of the sun!  But we didn't.  

Friday evening we went to watch Ryan's cousin, Jenna, play in her traveling AAU basketball game.  It was in Urbandale - so no reason for us not to go!  Afterwards, we went out for ice cream.  

Saturday morning I went back to Dick's Sporting Goods TWICE, yes twice, to return/exchange baseball pants for Kayson.  Good gravy it's nearly impossible finding baseball pants for a tall, skinny kid and not have them look dorky.  ah.  They look dorky either way, but they fit him ok.  :)  Kayson had baseball pictures that morning, so him and I did that...  it was quick, which was awesome, then back home.  We got in the car, my old car now!, and headed to Creston.  We grabbed a quick lunch on the road...  and then did the trade in of my Edge to the Explorer.  It was smooth and quick - Lester had all the paperwork handled, and soon we were on the road again!  Back home.  

Cora took about a 40 minute nap on the way home... which wasn't long enough.  I need to write about her sometime... she's been a huge challenge for us lately.  There are times this weekend that Ryan and I looked at each other and asked - "What is wrong with her?!?!"  Lots of meltdowns, talking back and being 2 1/2.  I guess that's probably our answer.  

Anyway, Saturday night we stayed in - ordered pizza and let Kayson watch a movie.  

Today we all went to the grocery store, then out for El Rodeo lunch and back home to stay in from more rain.  Ryan and Kayson went to watch Jenna play again this afternoon... Cora is resting... I've done a load of laundry, and ironed... now sitting.  It's even thundering, which is kind of weird in the afternoon!  I should be taking a nap!  :)

It was a good weekend...  just rainy!!  

Tucked in for the movie.

Snugglin' with K's monkey.

Upgraded

Ryan and I made a large purchase yesterday...  a new car for me.  We've been wanting to get something a little bigger for me for awhile now, I've had my eyes on Ford Explorers for a LONG time it seems.  So we finally bit the bullet yesterday morning.  

Ryan's good friend, Lester, helped us out...  as he is the sales manager at Creston Automotive.  He looked for us over the last couple weeks... and found a couple we could choose from.  We narrowed it down, and done!

I love everything about it!! 

It was a rainy pick up... but still fun!

Kayson - Kindergarten Music Concert

Tonight was Kayson's first 'official' concert of his many years at school!  The theme was "Old McDonald" - and the teachers encouraged the kids to either dress like an animal, or a farmer.  We chose a farmer.  Easy enough.  At first - I thought, overalls and decking him all out would be fun, but to be honest - I KNEW we'd never wear anything like that again, so we just went simple.  Jeans, flannel shirt and a John Deere cap.  Just like Papa Paul.  Perfect. 

The concert was really nice...  Papa Mike and Grandma JeanAnn came to watch as well, so that was nice.  Especially since Ryan's out of town, so he had to miss.  :(  The kids did great - could hear them well, Kayson seemed focused (for the most part!!) and there were smiles.  

Best pic I could get...  pretty handsome.

Weekend

We have had a BUSY weekend!!
Friday evening, we did stay in... it was nice.  We grilled...  enjoyed the weather with a walk... and just hung out.  Very nice night in. 

Saturday morning we just hung out at home...  Kayson's little friend, Riley (his friend for years from daycare!) came to play.  She arrived around 9:45... and was mad to leave at noon!  The kids really haven't seen each other for quite a while (well - probably since Riley's birthday party in January!)  They hit it off right away (with the help of Cora being right there in the mix!) - we played downstairs, they did great...  we went outside for awhile too, which was super nice.  They did kind of get a little 'owley' towards each other, but it was ok...  typical!  :)  It was a good couple of hours, and I'm super glad we had Riley over.  

Saturday afternoon we just hung out at home - I did loads and loads of laundry, and did an errand.  Then Saturday night Ryan and I met up with a couple neighbors for dinner.  We had a really nice time.  Colby (Ryan's cousin) and his girlfriend, Kylie stayed with the kids.  The kids have been talking about this for WEEKS... and from what I understand, Kayson did well, but Cora was hesitant.  Bummer.  We'll just have to have them over again!  :)  But overall, it was a good evening!

Today, I got up and got groceries...  and we just hung out.  Kayson had a super busy afternoon - a birthday party, then he started baseball practice.  Cora and I drove separate, so we could just play - there was a little playground near by, so we did that... she had a snack... and we enjoyed the (windy) weather.  Kayson seemed to like the practice...  we have a lot of learning to do still - and maybe a little bit of an attention problem.  :)  It makes me giggle...  it's so me.  :)

We got home... and tried to relax.  Kayson was so tired...  saying his legs ached.  Poor kid.  I had to get cleaned up as I was meeting up with some volleyball girls for a little baby shower for one of our old teammates.  It was a great couple hours - dinner, drinks and just great conversation.  We had a good time.  

I got home... Cora was in bed, and Kayson was on his way.  Good night!!  :)

It was a good weekend...  bummed to see it end, especially when everything went smoothly, and no huge meltdowns!!  :)  

Riley & Kayson - 6 years of friendship!

All smiles from this one.  (thank god!)

Park fun!

Practicing catching.

Practicing hitting.

Kisses to Daddy.

Notice baby...  oops.  :)

Easter 2015

We spent our weekend/Easter with the Taylor family.  My sister, Trish, did 'host' Easter at her house today... and she said everyone had a good time, and everything went smooth.  She said Mom seemed to have a good day too. 

So this morning we all got up...  got ourselves ready and 'pretty' for Easter Sunday church.  It was a nice service...  Kayson did well, Cora was loud.  (She's not a very good whisperer!)  But overall, it was fine!  

We got back to Papa's - changed our clothes immediately!!!  and played.  We had lunch, then the kids did a little Easter egg hunt AND a pinata!!  That was fun for the kids.  Cora, Tate and Kayson all got some chances to swing and try to break it...  good fun.  Then all of the sudden - you should have seen all the candy!  haha.  

We stuck around for a little while this afternoon, but were on the road by 2:45.  The kids were tired - there were SEVERAL meltdowns by Kayson (which only really happens when he's tired).  Cora was pretty whiny as well, but it's all expected.  It's just too bad that we have to pack so much into a weekend and get so little sleep!!  But oh well! 

Here are some pictures from today.  Good fun for all of us!

Happy Easter!

Tate & K

Cora has not changed her feelings about Landry - LOVES HER.

Sportin' the tie on Easter.  So cute!

and a pretty dress for the girl.

Huntin' for eggs.

EEK CANDY!!!

Grandma Janis - 75 Years

We had a busy weekend!
We made a trip to Creston/Diagonal to celebrate (and more importantly SURPRISE) Grandma Janis on her 75th birthday!  JeanAnn, Mike and the other brothers families planned a great surprise for Grandma.  

Saturday morning we headed down to Creston...  Blair's were already there, so we figured they needed to play all day!  The kids played... we hung out... did a few errands... and then before we knew it, it was time for the party!  We headed to Diagonal to meet up with the immediate family for supper.  Grandma thought NONE of us would be there (as we had all called her and said we were just making a 'day trip' on Sunday).  So when she walked in to the restaurant and saw all of us, she was thrilled and surprised!  It was so great!  We enjoyed a very nice supper...  kids were crazy, good talks and good food. 

Following eating, the restaurant has a really cool basement area (where we had the Taylor family reunion)... so there's tons of space.  We told Grandma we were going to do a mock Easter egg hunt for the kids, just for fun (since some of the families wouldn't be around today).  We all headed downstairs and there was more surprises - many of Grandma's friends, neighbors and more extended family were there!!  And again - another surprise.  She was amazed, and very thankful.  It was a great time.   The kids, little and big, played for hours... ran and ran... ate and ate...   

It was a great evening - very special for our family!

My little cheeser.

Happy Birthday!!!  (minus Landry - she was snoozin'!)

SURPRISE!!!  #2

K and some big kids!

Happy Birthday to you Grandma!

All of us.  What a great picture!!!

This & That

•  Glad it's Thursday.  Wish is was Friday at Noon, but glad it's Thursday.
• Tomorrow we meet with a contractor for the basement...  crossing my fingers he has great news, has great designs and we can move forward.

• I got my second StitchFix.com 'fix' tonight.  It's an online shopping tool where you get your own personal shopper.  Heaven!  I was hesitant at first, but the first 'fix' they sent, I was hooked.  It's just so cool - they send you things you wouldn't' normally buy... it comes to your HOME (meaning - I don't have to go to the mall!!)... and it's fun.   This 'fix' I got today - I like the stuff, however, I'm only keeping one item.  They sent some really cute tops, but they were just too big - too loose on me, they looked funny...  so they'll go back.  And that's ok!
• Cora's been a HUGE cry-baby lately. She cries a lot, she yells a lot...  tells me to do things "Right Now."  Ugh.  I hate it.  I looked back at Kayson's notes at 2 1/2 - Yep, right on.  Exactly the same.  All the same meltdowns.  Good gravy I can't wait for this stage to be over!
• The weather has been great the last couple days...  We've really enjoyed it. 
• The basketball hoop has been marked - so we hope to get that SOON!  (Maybe after the Easter holiday).
• We got Kayson signed up for the summer program at school...  it's going to be more pricey (on a weekly basis), but we have to look at it as - he's safe, he loves it, he's familiar with the kids/teachers, they'll do field trips, etc.  It's all worth it.  
• Not much else here!

Doesn't look like a cry-baby huh???