2023 Beggar's Night

I can't believe we are at Halloween already...  that's the start of the 'drop' to Christmas.  The weather is changing - cold and windy, and just the talk of the holidays. I can't believe it. 

Monday night was Beggar's Night for us - always the night before Halloween.  It was a cold night - not windy, but man, it was cold - I think the temp was about 34 degrees.

Cora, Cora A and Kemi from dance gathered and they were off in our neighborhood.  I think they had fun, and tried hard to stay warm. 

Kayson had Ben and Hud over this year...  no costumes, but they helped hand out candy, so that was nice.  Unfortunately, Kayson struggled to stay happy all night.  Like most besties/14 year olds - they give each other a hard time.  And a girl was brought up who Kayson apparently likes - he got embarrassed, and apparently pissed... and he didn't speak the rest of the night.  I was super disappointed, and quite pissed at him too.  I got his friends home, in the quiet - and then quickly yelled at Kayson and put him in his place.  I don't know how this happens, or why - but it's frustrating.  I'm so so mad and embarrassed for his behavior.  I made him apologize, and then I felt like I had to apologize to Lara and Jen. What a mess. 

Anyway, I do have pictures of the beginning of the night, when everyone was happy. 

our Giraffe

with Cora A (Happy Care Bear)

They truly are besties. Good kids.

Happy Care Bear, Giraffe, and Skater Barbie!!

Kayson - Drivers Ed & Student of the Month & Fall Conferences

Kayson is crushing life right now -- all while being super lazy! hahah.  Typical teen. 

Last week, Kayson finished up Drivers Ed, and passed.  We are now waiting on the paperwork and data to be in the Department of Transportation data.  

Kayson was also announced as a "Student of the Month" for September.  I'm super proud of him...  he, of course, doesn't think it's a big deal - but I do.  With the size of Timberline, heck yes - someone noticed that he's doing well - and being respectful, I'm taking that as a big win.  

In addition, fall conferences are in full force.  With Kayson, we choose to not do conferences - we just send an email to the main teachers, and see if there are concerns.  All the teachers responded with great words on Kayson - he's doing well, respectful and getting his work done.  

2023 Fall Pictures

Here are a few of my favorites from the kids' pictures.  Very pleased with them. 

This & That

We've had a quiet weekend... and week so far.  I can enjoy that. 

Some random things:

Cora and competition dance is going well - they are really in neck high in learning everything, and starting to clean dances.  I honestly think her dances this year are going to be cool.  Costumes might be interesting, but we can always look past those!

Kayson - drivers ed, Show Choir and basketball open gym.  That's his life right now.  It's a lot. 

Had the kids' fall pictures taken.  They've changed so much, so it was needed.  Next year we will do family pictures. 

Watched Ben play his last 9th grade Football game

The best trio!

Cora and Aylah have matching hair. 

Some fun at CESOD!

Last fun run!!

Cora wrapped up the last Miles for Maple Grove run last week.  Oh my goodness - there have been so many fun runs in our season at Maple Grove!  And this was the last.  Kind of crazy. 

Some of the 5th graders, including Cora, went all out with the 'look'.  Cora and a few others got stuffed faces/hats to wear.  I, of course, thought it was dumb, but it was fun and cute for her.  Gotta let her be a kid, right. 

The school raised the $40k, which was awesome.

Kayson - 9th Grade Show Choir

Kayson has made the 9th grade show choir (Infuego)  I'm so stinking excited for him!  He may not be that excited, but he made it!  The instructor actually pulled him aside at the time of auditions - and kind of pushed him to try out, she said they needed him and that he would have fun.  :)

They've had a few big practices - for choreography, and then two morning practices a week.  I know he's not a fan of getting up that early, but it's going well. 

2023 Alzheimer's Walk

A couple Saturdays ago (September 30), Team Hardy gathered in Des Moines this year for the Alzheimer's Walk.  We decided we wanted a change - the Fort Dodge one is fine, very quiet/small...  but if everyone was ok with coming to DSM - we wanted to try that again. 

And it was fun.  Such a vibe - such a big crowd, which was fun to see.  

After the walk, the family came to our house and we grilled out and just visited.