Kansas City

On October 16th, we headed up to Kansas City with several of Craig's family.

We stopped for lunch at this Brazilian Steakhouse.....so so so good!!!

Then we went to the National World War I Museum

It was interesting to look around because almost everything in this museum was actual items used in the war.....no replicas.

 



Craig and his dad creating propaganda.

 

It was a beautiful museum dedicated to those who gave so much to serve our country and defend freedom around the world.

That evening we went to see the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team play Guatemala in the World Cup qualifier game. This was an important game because the U.S. had to win in order to continue to advance in the World Cup playoffs.

Field before the game

All decked out Red,White, and Blue

Todd, Kelsey, Me, Craig, Dad, and Jeff

Getting warmed-up before the game

Team Huddle

 Craig and his Dad

Craig, his dad and his brother Jeff were all suprised on Father's Day when they opened up their gift and found out they would be going to this game. For the last 4 months, Craig has been telling me how excited he is to get this experience. 

 And it was no dissapointment. It was such a great game. Our seats were in the center of the field and only 8 rows from the front so we had great seats.

The U.S won 3-1 which made coming up to the game even sweeter!!!

Woolaroc Road Race 2012

(Kim, Andrea, Kelsey, Me)

This is my 3rd year in a row to participate in the Woolaroc 8K run. Every year I try to prepare myself well knowing that this run is 5 miles filled with hills. I thought I was well prepared but just like the last 2 years, those hills still put up quite a challenge!!  I did however meet my goal which was to finish faster this year than last. I finishing with a time of 48:13 (1 min and 20 seconds faster than last year).

Fun Family Time

Playing frisbee golf as a family.

The weather was great and the kids were awesome!! They had a fun time throwing their own frisbies and played until hole 16 when we stopped at the playground while Craig and his friend finished up. These kids are growing up...I think Austin is quickly becoming a "little Craig."

September Door of Fame

With the kids back in school, my kitchen door which has been ugly brown over the summer is now filled up again with worksheets and artwork. Yeah!!

My little girl is 4!!!

This girl is growing up fast.....sometimes I look at her and can't believe she isn't my baby anymore.

 Kayla enjoys playing with her dollhouse. She likes to take everything from the bucket and find a place for it in her house. I like listening to her from the other room as she imitates with her figures things that are part of her everyday real life.

 I laughed when I saw this........ daddy in the highchair.

 Kayla also likes to play with babies....and she has a lot of them. She always wants to be the boss and with her babies she can do that.

 Kayla LOVES her dogs.....they are her playmates when Austin is at school.

She does like to tease them sometimes which they do not like but they always forgive her. (Probably because they know Kayla is their source of people food. I can't even count how many times Abby has stolen Kayla's pop-tart from her hand).

 I never know what kind of things I will find in Kayla's bed at night.

A Few More of Kayla's Favorites:

• Riding her bike.....she gets going so fast sometimes that I get nervous how much it is going to hurt if she falls down.
• Playing Mario Brothers on the Wii....amazingly she does it quite well although she mostly plays the same 2 levels over and over and over again (which means I get to play those same 2 levels with her over and over and over again).
• Coloring....she can do this for at least an hour straight. She can even write a few letters.
• Reading books.......she loves to read books. Even though I read her some before bed I will frequently find a whole pile on the floor that she had gotten out to read after I left her room
• Puzzles......she loves this activity and is pretty good at putting them together by herself  
• Playing with Friends....she doesn't play by herself very well but always wants to be playing with someone....she is a people person.

 Kayla was really excited about her birthday party. I think this is the first year that she actually understood what "it's your birthday" means----cake and presents!!  She had a fun time making invitations and taking them to her friends.
 It's Birthday Party Time!!!

 Kayla's party friends

(Buddy, Kambria, Kaitlyn, Eliza, Austin, and Lenny who showed up just after we took this picture)

 Playing ring around the rosies

 Playing Duck Duck Goose

 Present time!!!

I finally caved this year and purchased Kayla's birthday cake.....she loves CARE BEARS and when I saw these at the store for a good price I couldn't resist.  

 I added spinkles on the table cause I felt it needed a little more party flavor but the kids loved eating them while waiting for their cake and ice-cream. 

 Make a wish!!

(Austin's face in the background makes me smile)

 Out with the first blow.

Happy Birthday my sweet, smart, funny, energetic, and loving little girl!

We love you!!