Winter Break

The kids are off school for a full 2 weeks!  

We did some random things during break... nothing too thrilling!  Ryan and I did have to work some, so then the kids went to BTB where they did a few field trips.

We did go to Brenton Skating Plaza ice skating with Trish, Greg, Hope, Logan, Eden and Salvi.  This was an experience, for sure.  Cora was excited to go, Kayson not so much...  Then they both whined and hated it for the first 45 minutes... complaining... all the negative things.  Then at about one hour in - they both were somewhat enjoying themselves.  Cora more than K.  Cora is so darn determined to do things, so she was going to do it before we left... and she did.  It was cute, but annoying too!  ha.  

We spent an evening with friends - Daughtery's and Hummel's - no pics, but was nice to see them. 

The kids begged to go to Lifetime pool... so we did that one afternoon.  Unfortunately, they were owly and quite bratty.  That irritated me!!  but I was still able to get a few smiles.

Other random pics from the break:

Practicing his new DribbleUp basketball

Lots of LEGOS

Helping at Sophia & John's baby shower

Watched the Iowa bowl game with Duke - it was a win, plus the boys had a ton of fun

Christmas 2019 - Hardy's

Once we got somewhat settled at home... we got cleaned up and headed to Clarion to the farm.  This seems to be the tradition lately, which I enjoy... especially when the weather is perfect!  It was about 55 degrees on Christmas Day - crazy, almost unheard of actually!  I do have to say...  being at the farm is definitely harder as time goes on...  just proof of how Mom is not here and not here to clean like she used to.  All the things.  I miss her.

Anyway, we got to the farm about 1ish...  for the kids, going to the farm is probably not their favorite thing - mainly because there is no internet.  OMGOSH. ha.  We just hung out... and unfortunately, Cora always seems to act pretty terrible when we are with my family.  I don't understand it - I don't know if it's because she doesn't really have anyone to 'play' with, even though her cousins talk with her and do play with her... I know it's different then Landry, but it's really frustrating.  I actually was pretty upset with her for awhile.  

Anyway, we had soup for a late lunch, then of course - time to do presents.   Tricia planned a game for the kids - which was the saran wrap ball - it's full of random things, like money, candy, lottery tickets... things like that.  So the kids worked on that... and laughed for a REALLY long time doing that...  it was fun to watch.  Kayson got into it pretty good, which was fun to see. 

We just hung out for a while... and soon everyone was heading out.  Us, and Dad went up to the cemetery to see Mom and put a candle at her grave.  We've been meaning to do that for MONTHS...  and it's so perfect. now.  I'm glad we did that... and she's no longer in the 'dark'.  

We ended up staying the night with Dad...  not a great nights sleep, which is always frustrating, but also we just needed to.  He appreciated it and always likes having Ryan to talk with.  

Thursday morning:
Up early... got ready for the day, then stopped in at Hope and Logan's place... such a nice little house they are renting.  So that was fun, then headed home.  

From there, it was hours and hours of organizing and doing laundry.  and I'm not even close to being done!!!

What a great picture... that sunset, those smiles.

SO TRUE!!!

Christmas 2019 - Us

Our tradition is to spend Christmas morning at home...  because of Kayson's birthday, and that's just what's best for our little family.  
The kids were up early...  excited for Santa!

The kids saw their goodies from Santa... then we had breakfast.  We tried to 'go slow' with everything and just enjoy the quiet and the morning...  but the kids were excited to just keep going!  I don't blame them...  

We went downstairs and dug into the gifts...  it was fun. The kids got great gifts and seemed to really enjoy all of them, and were thankful, which is always a plus!  We enjoyed that time, and quickly it was over.  

Thankful for our morning and our little family.

Christmas Eve service at church.

Kayson's 11th Birthday

Yet another year has passed...  and now we have an 11 year old.  WHAT??
We woke up Christmas morning... early.  The kids were up early - like 6:30 early.  Not cool!  ha.  We made them 'chill' for about 30 minutes just because!!! 

Finally...  Santa gifts were revealed.  

Anyway, Kayson seemed happy...  gave hugs and was happy it was his birthday (and Christmas), like every year.  

The day always seems to be so rushed, and mixed together...  which is unfortunate for him.  But it was a good day. 

Kayson is definitely growing up...  still learning a lot about maturing, but he's getting there.  His 5th grade class has just recently went through a Human Growth & Development series of classes... which was interesting.  He had good questions, and some interesting comments...  definitely not mature enough for some of it, but it was good. 

• He's smart, and school is good for him. 
• He loves his friends and his family... even his sister, although they fight like cats and dogs sometimes - but then the next minute, they love each other and are talking so kindly to one another.  It's like they are bi-polar!  ha.  Typical siblings, I'm sure.
• He's getting better at basketball...  it's been fun to watch him. 
• He's still got some learning to do when it comes to being responsible at home... and just helping out.  This is his mother's fault (yes, MINE).  I do everything... and I'm trying to teach him to step up a little.  
• He's growing, but still skinny!  I'm anxious to see officially how much he weighs and has grown.  I feel like he's taller, but still nothing compares to some of his friends.  
• Shoe size - 5.5. He jumped BIG over the last 6 months or so!
• Clothes size - Youth Medium for pants (solely because of his tiny tummy/waist), and Youth Large is most tops, depends on the brand.
• He still loves video games - Fortnite and Madden (are main ones right now)
• He's a people-pleaser still... however, he has a very stubborn side to him now as he's gotten older and also gets mad sometimes!  

I love this kid...  and want to be close to him and have him know how much I love him.  (seems silly to write that down, but it's so true).  Being a mom to him and Cora - I only want the best for them - Pray they are happy, healthy and safe.  

No snow this year for his birthday - instead 55 degrees with a beautiful sunset!

Christmas 2019 - Taylor's

First - the weather has been in the 40s and 50s the last few days!!  Holy cow, that's been amazing... and so much easier on my nerves when we travel!  ha.

Friday night we wrapped up our week... the kids had good days - celebrating their holiday parties with their friends and teachers and Kayson's 5th graders had an assembly for the school - singing and band.  He said it was fun.

Friday night we stayed in... ordered pizza and put together the gingerbread houses (with some fighting and crying!)... and got ready for the weekend.  

Saturday morning, we slept in.  Kids slept til about 7:45...  and we started our day - prepping for the weekend, packing up, etc... got on the road about 10ish to head to Creston.  We instantly hopped in to the cousins playing and we just enjoyed the day.  JeanAnn, Martina and I went up town to a cute boutique so that was fun...  the kids played... including the boys playing outside for hours!  Rhett rested...  it was just a really good day.  

Then it was present time...  always spoiled.  The kids enjoyed themselves, and the best gift for Kayson was AirPods.  He was thrilled and it was pretty sweet.  The adults enjoyed opening gifts too... and then we just ordered pizza and hung out.  Joni came and visited for a bit too...  feeling sad for her, and just heartbroken.  Still can't believe Bill isn't with us.

Sunday:
We hung out in the morning a little...  with the chaos of trying to get everything packed up, ourselves ready, etc...  we got out the door about 10:30 - drove to Diagonal to the cemetery to see Papa Dick and Grandma Ann.  Again, weather was great... so we stood there for a little bit.  

On to the farm...  everyone was there and we had such a good time.  Great food, great gift, and so many laughs.  Even tho Bill wasn't there...  I do feel that we made the best of it, and Joni laughed and enjoyed herself, but I know we all had some tears...  I know I did at least.  The boys played outside again, almost all day...  Cora and Lanny did pretty well too.   It was a great little day. 

Winner of the cheeseballs!

Coloring party!

My $5 grab bag shirt - super women!!

That's one lucky Grandma Janis

We got on the road about 6ish... 

A blessed weekend with the Taylor's.  I still can't believe it's Christmas - the weather doesn't feel like it...  and just in general, it came so fast.  

Here's to a week off from work and just hanging out at home.  I'm really looking forward to the break.