Kayson - Braces update

Kayson has had a couple more ortho appointments --- 

Spacers to space out those big teeth in his small mouth.  He's hated it, and his teeth/gums have been sore.  I feel for him. 

Spacers were in for about a week --- 

then we moved to the appointment of putting the 'rings' in around the four teeth where the expander will be.  That was a challenge of an appointment...  again, he hated it, and they had trouble getting the rings in to make the impression.  There were tears and he kept saying it hurt.  There was one bad tooth that's not straight (obviously), and it was tough getting that ring around it. 

After that was done... finally...  the impression was taken, then the spacers went back in (so we wouldn't loose the 'space' he had created).  

And now the expander was installed today.  What a mess, he hates it. 

He's struggling to swallow and it just hurts.  I know it's early, and 'new', but man I feel so bad for the kid.  

We will 'crank' the expander twice a day for two weeks... then we will return for a follow up, then depending on the results - we will continue to have the expander in for about 4 months.  Seems like forever. 

Praying he can get used to this and the pain eliminates soon. 

Kayson - COVID vaccine #2

The second vaccine is in Kayson's arm/body!

He's becoming a big champ with these shot!  I'm so proud of him. 

Unfortunately, Saturday morning he woke not feeling well - cold sweats, white as a ghost and his tummy hurt.  Once he calmed down and got some water, and we talked a little... he rested another couple hours and felt a little better. 

The rest of Saturday he was just chill... he ate a little, drank a ton, and just took it easy.  

We can handle that!!

Cora - 1st day of 3rd Grade!

She was ready...  but didn't want to admit it.  She wanted to sleep longer too! 

She was excited to be dropped off, and barely looked at me when she closed the car door.  So...  she's ready to go and ready to be with her friends. 

Here's to a great, safe year!!  I hope!

Kayson - 1st day of 7th Grade!

7th grade?!  How is this possible?  I'm happy, I'm excited, I'm sad - I mean, I just can't believe it. 

As of now, no masks are required, but they are encouraged.  We are sending masks with Kayson and will leave it up to him to be responsible and wear if he feels necessary.  He is vaccinated (almost 'fully'), so I do feel better about that. 

Cora's 9th birthday party!

Saturday afternoon, we hosted three friends of Cora's - Zoe, Charlotte & Cora A.  She always has a list of friends she'd like to invite to things like this, but in the end we like to keep stuff like this small - germs and just it seems like better use of time if it's a smaller group.

The girls arrived, and they played on the slip and slide that we borrowed from Grandma...  they talked, giggled and then danced around too.  Soon enough it was present time (and Cora was spoiled by her friends!!)  Then we worked on a craft - it was the cutest little flower pot craft.  I personally loved it!  

It was a great 3 hours, and I was pooped!  ha.  

Cora's 9th birthday!!

What!?  9 years old!?!?

I know this happens every year... but seriously, I can't believe she's 9.  Time just flies anymore, and it's sad.  I remember so much of her being 'little', and she's no longer little.  She's a big girl with a big attitude!!  Cora is caring, but won't show that very often.  She's funny, very funny actually.  I laugh at her (and with her) a lot.  She's strong and fierce at a lot of things - especially with her brother and dance.  

I'm proud of the little human she's become.  

For her birthday, I did take the day off.  I was needing a day off, and I knew she would need attention!  She was up early (earlier than she's been all summer of course!), and we just hung out in the morning.  Hope came and visited - we did lunch and played some board games.  The time flew by!!  Then in the afternoon Cora played with some neighbors and finally opened her gifts!!  (Ryan had been travelling and he requested her to wait until he got home!!)  :)

Then at night we had our end of the season Whiffle Ball game with the Aces family.  It was a fun night, and Cora had a good time getting attention from that family, and playing with friends.  

I think she had a successful day!

CESOD 2021 Iowa State Fair performance

It was an option to perform at the Iowa State Fair for dance...  I figured, why not.  Yes, more money, but practices were two days/all day long and they learned more and were with friends.  Yes, a lot of work, but in the end - seemed pretty fun for the dancers and Cora. 

The kids performed at 9am today at the Bill Riley stage. They did an awesome job!!

Mother & Son Adventure!

K and I (and Jen and Hud) headed to MN Saturday morning to have a "24 hour adventure!"  That's what we called it!  

We had a great drive to MN, got settled into the hotel... then headed on the tram to go to the Broncos vs. Vikings pre-season FB game!!   This is something that Jen and Hud have done for years (going to the Vikings stadium for a pre-season game), and this year we were able to go!  

The game was fun - Broncos for the big win!  We stayed through the 3rd quarter, then headed out...  back to the Mall of America.  We walked around, shopped a little, the boys played at an Arcade, we had some appetizers, then back to the hotel.  

Jen and I got our jammies on, and chilled!!!  K and Hud swam for about 45 minutes, then we all snuggled in and watched a movie.  It was honestly a great little day!  

Unfortunately, we had to get up SUPER early Sunday morning (as Jen needed to be back early), but it was ok... we survived!!)  

Some fun memories with these friends!!

Kayson - COVID vaccine

Friday, Kayson received his first COVID vaccine - the Pfizer shot.  

He did great!!! and was 'a-ok' with it, as I know he feels it's important, and all his other friends have gotten it!  Hoping this works, and keeps him safe throughout the school year!

Summer... more! Part 3 (Plus Diagonal Bball camp!)

Some recent summer pictures.  Kids only have a couple more weeks of summer!  It's just flown by!