From Kansas to Disney

From the fields of Kansas to the magic of Disney World...

We hope all of you had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Another Season

Kate completed her second season of soccer yesterday. Although we never really pay attention to the scores, her team has come a long way from last season. It's amazing to watch the growth of some of the kids!

At the end of the game, each child received a medal from the coaches. Kate was thrilled to have another medal to display! We look forward to returning to the fields again in the spring for a third season.

Having Fun at the Beach...in October !?!

The first weekend in October we traveled to Myrtle Beach to spend the weekend with my Dad and Pat, who had been there the entire week. We had beautiful weather! (Pretty surprising for October) The girls took one walk on the beach (enjoying a doughnut), but spent the remainder of the time in the pool. One of the pools was only 3 1/2 feet so Kate could jump in and swim where ever she pleased.

On Sunday, we ventured over to Broadway at the Beach before heading home. There were several shops, restaurants, an IMAX theater, aquarium, mini-golf, and amusement rides. After walking around for an hour, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and then rode a couple of rides. Although it was only a couple of days, it was a nice getaway for the weekend.

Thanks, Dad and Pat!

Fire Chief Reporting for Duty

A couple of weeks ago, the fire department visited Lauren's preschool allowing all of the kids to see the firemen and the fire truck. Unaware that this event was to take place, it was a nice surprise when dropping Lauren off. Each of the kids was given a "Fire Chief" hat and sticker badge. When returning home, Lauren assumed her new position..."Fire Chief, reporting for duty." (I must admit, she's the cutest little fire chief I've seen.)

Life's a Beach!

We took our annual trip to Emerald Isle during track out for a relaxing week at the beach. The weather was beautiful with temperatures in the low 80s and sunshine every day but one. The girls enjoyed jumping in the ocean, searching for seashells, splashing in the pool, and looking at the starry sky at night. We even had the opportunity to have my previous boss and his wife over for dinner. They were vacationing the same week, about 4 miles away. It was great catching up...it had been 4 years since I last saw them

Here are some highlights from our trip. Thanks again to Grampy and Grammy for a wonderful week!

All Aboard!

After three weeks at home, Kate and Mark tracked back in for another 9 weeks of school. While home we enjoyed several fun and memorable family adventures! Our first adventure took us to Blowing Rock, NC to the Tweetsie Railroad, an amusement-type park with rides, shows, and a real coal locomotive. The girls had a blast! Lauren wasn't fond of the mock Wild West reenactments on the train ride, but eventually she joined in on the fun and rode several kid rides with Kate.

Here are just a few photos from our day. Enjoy!

Preschool Bound

Today was Lauren's first official day of preschool. She and I attended her orientation on Tuesday, in which we met her two teachers and the other girls in the class. Before leaving for school, we took Lauren's picture sporting her new pink backpack. Kate wanted to take one of Lauren and I as well.

Upon arriving at school, we hung Lauren's backpack in her cubby. She then quickly headed off to the toys to start playing. I snapped one last picture and pulled her away from the toys long enough to give her a kiss goodbye.

On the way to school Lauren was very curious as to what I was going to do all morning with both of them in school. She keeps telling me, "When you go home, Mommy, there won't be any kids in the house." That's right, Lauren. But don't worry, Mommy will miss both of you while you're gone.