Pace not race!

Watching The Polar Express - and a case of the mismatched jammies happened to all 3 - it was the cool thing to do last night.
Our PopRocks Experiment

Thanksgiving Day hike

Quinn's meltdown on the trails

Nothing like eatin' a little pizza and readin' a book! I didn't capture it very well here but it was really cute.

Thanksgiving Friday hike - Aunt Steph, Konnor, and Hunter

This is right on the path to the trail - everytime we hike this the boys stand in awe of this backyard and always want me to snap a picture of it. So, I have several! The yard has a park, golf course, full court basketball court, trampoline, picnic tables, a bar, a pool/hot tub, and every other fun toy you can imagine:) They have asked Santa for it for Christmas if anyone wants to make an offer.

Remember me talking about the clouds sagging the other day? This is out my back window - below is another picture on a clear day. For some reason, these download all in the wrong order, but anyway, it's pretty cool to see the clouds come so close.

Isn't he cool?!

Here it is on a semi-clear day

I think in my previous post I pointed out that Konnor's PE teacher was teaching them to "pace not race" in the turkey trot - and of course, Konnor viewed it as "race not pace!" Well...his Mommy unfortunately has accepted she has to follow the "pace not race" rule! I have come to accept that I will never be a fast runner - I am running this 1/2 marathon to finish, in general, not finish as fast as a human possibly can. I of course have goals other then just finishing in general - but today I ran about 6.2 miles through the Foothills so nothing is flat - large, steep hills and long, gradual hills - nonetheless, a difficult run. I tried to pick up the pace on my way down the hills - but I think I'm as slow going down as I am up! My tired legs can't go as fast as my head tells them to. Oh well - I made the 6.2 mile trek in about 58 minutes so I figure hitting a 10 minute mile on a hilly course can't be too bad.

We had a fun Thanksgiving too by the way! Aunt Steph cooked pretty much everything for us (OK, she did cook everything, absolutely EVERYTHING). According to Konnor, "Aunt Steph even went out and caught the turkey's the night before! She didn't even have to shoot them, she just caught them!" Ha ha. Not sure we have any turkey's running around out here, Konnor. Coyotes, maybe?!

We spent a good 3 days just bumming around, making stuff, playing with toys, hiking, and watching movies while eating popcorn and pazookies! The boys have been really good about hiking - they made it the majority of the way up South Mountain's Telegraph Pass yesterday with Steph (Quinn and I made it about halfway before he fell asleep and became complete dead weight, however, I will mention I made my 3.5 mile run before that!). They enjoyed themselves - unfortunately I don't have pictures from the top to prove they made it b/c I forgot to pass my camera off on Steph -but I did get a few shots of where we hiked. It's right up the street from our house.

Today I spent the day running, catching up, cleaning, running errands, and counting my blessings. I'm so lucky to have 3 happy healthy little boys - and such a wonderful family all around. I so love the holiday season. Konnor made a little turkey "thankful" book with Aunt Steph - he's so sweet. It's so fun to hear what the kids are thankful for - food, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, Steph, Peterbilt's, and Hunter is ever so thankful for the Lions. Way to go buddy - glad you have some heart little man!

I can't believe it's almost December! Where does the time go.......enjoy our pictures from our Thanksgiving break.

And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Sara and her daughter JaLynn today - Sara is one of my best, and "oldest" friends. She shares a birthday with her daughter AND it's her golden birthday today. How fun!

Our family's 1st turkey trot!

Konnor stretching (his cute little teacher right in front of him to the left)
I caught Sanjog and Quinn on camera, but Konnor was far too quick to snap a shot
At the end, their thing in PE is to do the chicken dance. It was adorable! Good shot of Konnor shaking his little booty!
The cheering fan club - trying to stay warm (the gym doors were open!)

Kindergartner's Macy's Day Parade

Tuesday evening, sitting alone at my house, watching the evening news, I hear "every one out of twelve years we have rain in Phoenix on Thanksgiving. This is going to be that ONE!" Great - Konnor was soooo excited for his 1st turkey trot at school the next day. Sure enough, I wake up at 6, it's cloudy and dreary - in fact, so cloudy the clouds were sagging below the mountains across the street. BUT, it wasn't raining YET. 7:00 rolls around and it's downpouring - literally, raining full force. You see, for those of you who don't live here, this is foreign to us. It's rare to have rain here outside of July-August - but it's not something we usually have to worry about when planning outdoor events. Especially considering we were still in the upper 80's two days ago.

Well, today, of course, was an exception to that rule. Every school in Ahwatukee had turkey trots planned for kids and families, so of course, let it rain, right?! Fortunately, Estrella pulled it off indoors. The kids had to run for 4 minutes - the PE coaches taught them that this is a "pace, not race" event, however, Konnor doesn't listen to those kind of rules. He raced it, and I'm not bragging, but he not only won the race, but he even lapped some! They just ran through the hallways - it was chaotic - but cute. He was certain to have his running gear on today so he could go "the fastest!" Go figure.

In any case, it was a fun day for Konnor. His favorite part was ditching school at 10am already! What a luckyboy:) Taking after his Mommy.

We look forward to Estrella's 11th Annual Turkey Trot next year - with NO rain!

In the last picture, the Kindergartner's did a really cute Macy's Day Seasons parade on Tuesday morning. The kids were to dress up as something that had to do with a particular season. Konnor signed up to be a Summer Surfer. However, he insisted the day of (and even days before) that no one else was going to be actually "dressing" up. I failed at convincing him that "YES, kids were going to be ALL dressed up!" He was worried about having to change into his regular clothes to continue on with school that day. Rather than arguing with him, I let him be. There's no changing his mind sometimes. I did just convince him to be a hiker. So he wore his hiking shorts, a t-shirt, tennis shoes (which of course are his every day clothes anyway) and I brought along a water bottle for him to carry (which he refused). Once we got to school he realized "Oh crap, my Mom really was right!" He was quite disappointed, and sad. Although I was really sad for him (even though technically he was dressed as a hiker, but no one could tell) it was a lesson well learned. Mommy's and Daddy's aren't always wrong. As you can see from the photo, most of the kids went all out. It was super cute.

He was over the disappointment as soon as it started, the kids got to march through the library and halls and the older school kids clapped and cheered like a real parade and he looked as though he was having a good time. Unfortunately, I got an earful from him later that day saying I didn't tell him he "was supposed to dress up."

Kids are funny.

Happy Thanksgiving! For kids I am extremely thankful for!!

Moms Are the BEST! (and Grandma's too!)

'
I received a package in the mail the other day, addressed to me, from my Dad, and written by my Dad. I thought "Hmmm, that's odd! He always sends those truck magazines and quarters directly addressed to the BOYS, not me!" I wondered what my Dad could possibly be sending ME?! (Don't get me wrong, Dad, I love the truck mags, and I know you'd send me anything, anyday!) I opened it up - and in it was this adorable Thanksgiving book for the kids - and all of our ornaments from my Mom for 2008. Mine is this star (I love stars) but if you look closely, it is also an angel (my Mom collects angels) - so really cool and thoughtful ornament from my Mom, yet again, 28 years later. Konnor's is a soccer ball snowman, b/c of course, Konnor loves snow and soccer. Hunter's, yes, look closely, my Mother found a bowling ornament! I was so thrilled and excited for Hunter to see this one (he was even more thrilled to hang it)! And Quinn's is this cute little snowman - just like Quinn. Easy going - and cute. How do Mom's do this? Every year she finds one that suits us all perfectly, and each year is way different from the previous year.

Thanks, Mom! I am so lucky to have you! You are at the top of my list of "to be thankful" for - Mom and Grandma! I can only hope that someday I will be as awesome as you.

Moms truly are the best. Nothing and no one can compare to the unconditional love of a mother.

Dear Santa,

I want a bigger bike with flames, a bigger backpack with flames and a lunchbox with flames, a Mack truck like Jakob's, a soccer ball, and a Peterbilt.

Love,
Konnor

Konnor made this all by himself. I wish I had the actual letter to type out exactly how he spelled everything. I could clearly read and understand what he was asking for. He was so proud to have written it all by himself, he self made the envelope, addressed it, and put the stamp on. He didn't want to bring it to the actual USPS box today like we usually do, he wanted to put it in my mail box (which receives mail, but outgoing mail has to go to the bulk boxes). This thrilled me as I thought, "Hmmm...he can put it in my box - he can think he mailed it to Santa and I can take it out and keep it for a keepsake." Nope. Wrong. I forgot to grab it out before I left for work and even then, I thought the mailman would leave it in there b/c he only drops mail off, doesn't pick up - but IT IS GONE!!! He took the Santa letter - just as it looks above! Addressed to no one! Where do these things go? What is this mailman/woman think he/she is going to do with this?!!

I was actually really bummed. What I thought was a great plan - that I didn't even plan - failed miserably. However, the beauty of it is that Konnor asked me on the phone today if Santa got his letter and I didn't have to lie to him or hide it in his keepsake box.

"Believe with all your heart" hangs in my kitchen - I still believe in Santa, don't you? This was a sign to me to keep believin'! I am certain the big jolly guy received my baby's letter today - his 1st, real, written on his own and written legibly, "Dear Santa" letter.

Who needs a man when.....

you have a five year old stud?! Konnor is such a great kid - (so are the other two of course) -but he really is my little superman! In fact, as we were preparing to make room for the tree, these were his exact words...."Mom, let me move that plant for you - I need to learn to do this stuff on my own because, you know, pretty soon you are going to be too old to do it!" How bittersweet my little friend! So - he moved the plant, he moved all the boxes in the garage, he hung the star, he plugged everything in (with a little help from his Mommy), he packed things back up, he helped hammer the candy cane stakes into the ground outside, he hammered the nails into the doorway for the lights, hung the wreath - AND passed out at 7:30 pm. Thank you, Konnor. You are the best little boy Mommy could ever ask for! He does these things on a daily basis for me - makes my heart melt. He's learning really fast what it means to be a man, I am so proud of him. Wait, did I mention that he also picked up the whole entire house on Saturday without me even asking him to? We made a disaster of a mess playing with cars, farms, and blocks on Saturday afternoon - naptime rolled around - Quinn and Hunter fell asleep and Konnor got to work without me saying a word. Whew. This Mommy is proud.

'tis the season

My little artists! Hunter (upper left) Konnor (the other two) Quinn made one but I actually forgot to throw it in. I'm horrible! Check out Konnor's Christmas one - he whipped it up from scratch in about 2 minutes - our main tree in the middle, our 2nd tree on the left, stockings on the upper left, Santa in the middle, and our countdown calendar on the right. How cute.
Aunt Steph and Hunter with the cookie cutters - Hunter, you could at least pretend you're having fun!

Saturday's nutritious meal:)

These two are so cute together - Quinn adores both of his big brothers

Could he get any cuter? Friday night ice cream cone all over his face!

We had such a fun weekend decorating and doing all the fun holiday stuff! Konnor has been dying to get the Christmas stuff out, mainly the tree and lights - so as soon as we got home from school Friday, we dug in! Oh, what a mess! I cranked the Christmas tunes (which, might I add, they did not appreciate too much - 30 minutes later we resorted to cartoons) - lit up the Christmas candle - and away we went. Konnor was such a great helper, Hunter was pretty oblivious to the whole ordeal, and Quinn was just a little 19 month old terror like he's supposed to be I guess! When we started putting the Christmas ornaments up - we have a WHOLE bunch of Disney storybook ones - Quinn took off upstairs for some time and as soon as I realized he had been gone more than I'd like him to be, here I see him coming down the steps with two hands full of cars. He had gone upstairs to grab all the Disney Cars toys - and he went straight to the tree and said "here go!" It was incredibly cute - he thought we were just hanging toys so in an effort to help, he went and grabbed a bunch! Needless to say, I had to pretend to "hang" most of them b/c he was so insistent on hanging them! Thanks, Quinn! You're such a smart little boy!

Hunter enjoyed digging all the Lions stuff out - and very much enjoyed the stockings. He thinks they are socks (which, I guess they really are) so he finds it amusing to wear them around the house. Unfortunately the picture I got of him didn't turn out very good. Anyway, he was a great help too. Thanks, Hunter Bean! Good thing those Lions decided to be nice to the Bucaneers again today - such a nice team to always "let the other team win!" Ha ha!

We spent the rest of the weekend just hanging around and the boys loved it. We went to the park with some friends, Aunt Steph came over Saturday afternoon and we made sugar cookies, which was a huge disaster but fun nonetheless (let me just tell you all, I mistakingly gave the boys tubes of food coloring gel thinking it was the frosting gel tubes! OOPS!! What a mess!) - then we had a sleepover with spaghetti, movie, and popcorn with Aunt Stephanie Saturday night. Sunday we had eggs and pancakes for breakfast, played outside a whole bunch, went to church, had lunch, put the rest of the lights up outside, did homework, made playdough - bathed and went to bed.

I love the weekends when you just play it by ear - the kids all have colds - so they enjoyed just catching up and doing their own thing. So did I!

An update on the ants

Well, I wish I had good news to report for Konnor's sake but it looks as though my ability to raise an ant farm is far under par. I opened up the cupboard tonight to check in on those pesky things that were supposed to be graciously digging tunnels and cool things in there so I could show Konnor their progress tomorrow - but unfortunately I have nothing to show other than 25 balled up little fried ants. Poor things. 1, maybe 2 of them are still moving around rather s.l.o.w.l.y but they look miserable. Serves them right for failing us, right?

My best bet is of course to blame it on Uncle Milton who sent us these things! There is no way on earth I could've killed off 25 ants by doing everything the directions said. Heck, I checked the mail DAILY for 2 months waiting for them - and convincing Konnor that just maybe they would be here THE NEXT DAY. There's just no way I can raise 3 happy, healthy little children but kill 25 farm ants, is there?

Either way, they are dead. They have failed us.

The question that remains is - do we order more and wait 8+ weeks hoping the 2nd batch are more lively and excited about digging tunnels in a little 6x3 container of green gel that stinks - OR do we call it quits on being ant farm tunnelers?

The decision may take a few days to ponder.

Will keep you posted........

PS - I had taken a picture of the ant cemetery - but found it a little morbid to actually post to my blog that gears towards my children so I will spare you all : )

Get what you pay for......

So, we've all probably had hand-me-downs before or shared our children's clothes with friends, siblings, etc. right? Well, I nannied for a family beginning in 2001 - who at the time had a set of 7 month old triplets. 2 boys, 1 girl. About 15 months after I started, they added another child to the mix. Another boy. 13 months after that boy was added, we added Konnor to the mix. I worked with them until Konnor was about 18 months old. And then came Hunter, and then came Quinn.......

I never received hand-me-downs from anyone because I #1 - didn't have any friends who had boys prior to me and #2 - I was the first in my family to have a child. So.....the picture above is a picture of Quinn wearing a set of the most adorable, durable jammies in the world. Quinn will be the 6th child in 8 years who has worn these pajamas!!! I remember the triplet boys wearing them, and then their little brother, then Konnor, Hunter, and now Quinn. (I may have even passed them down to my nephew Jake, but I can't recall so I won't say for sure!).

Thank you, BabyGap for making the best quality kids' clothes in the world! These things still look new (except for the grip on the bottom of the feet) but who can see that part anyway?! Quinn received multiple compliments on them at Konnor's school - he slept in this morning until we were ready to walk out the door so he was able to model them at school.

Thank you, Kuechler family for passing them along to us. I think of the kids often - and can still see little Ryan running around in them...and by the time they reached Logan, I remember having to monitor him closely on the tile b/c he was always slipping and sliding:)

Look at the cute little feet on the things - little doggies or something?

This Mommy loves pajamas - but adores these soft, fuzzy, cuddly, smooshy, cutest.things.ever. - footy jammies.

The Race is ON!!!

We have added yet another popcorn junkie to our mix!

Boys eating a healthy, nutritious meal :) Konnor is really into being healthy lately - so he demands I cook healthy too. Can't hurt I guess?! Last night's menu was homemade chicken fingers, sweet corn, grapes, strawberries, and dipping sauce! Apparently I didn't do too bad b/c they licked their plates clean.

My little professional bowler. One day I will post pictures of our many sets of bowling pins Hunter practices on daily.

So I "officially" began training for the 1/2 marathon today. "Officially" just meaning I'm following a professional runner's advice/schedule for the next 9 weeks. Or at least, I'm trying to! Up until now, I have been doing short runs, semi-long runs, and doing some speedwork, but nothing on schedule necessarily. Believe it or not, the program requires just 3 days/week - so who wants to join me out there?!

I hit the treadmill out in the garage tonight as I had the kids this morning, worked all day and didn't get home until dark. If you know me, you know treadmills and I do not like each other very much! However, I do have one - and it does get a good amount of use. I especially don't like trying to run fast on it - but I hopped on tonight and did 30 minutes of speed-intervals. Nearly dead 30 minutes later - but did much better than I anticipated! I think I might start hanging posters up out in the garage or something - getting a little bored with staring at the white Expedition with cement slab white walls to back it up.

On a kids note - Konnor is "training" for his Turkey Trot next week in school. The Kindergartners get to run for 4 minutes as part of a PE program and efforts to get kids active. He got on the phone tonight and must have talked for 10 minutes about their practice today. His words were "Christian and Niles were in the front for awhile and then I decided I was the best so I ran really fast and passed them up." Apparently, the kid likes to win and will do whatever it takes - b/c he said he beat everyone, but has a sore throat tonight b/c he ran too hard. BUT was practicing running around Sanjog's house just minutes after he got off the phone. Oh...the joys of having an overachieving, must win at everything, perfectionist, yet stylish and oh so loving, son. I wonder who he takes after?

Some pictures from yesterday....we had a fun day bowling and taking advantage of the $.99 games b/w 3-5. Somehow shoes still rack up $8.00 in fees? Konnor was with us too but for some reason, his picture uploaded really super dark.

Also, for some odd reason, the pictures I upload post in the opposite order and will only appear at the top of each blog I write??

Lifechanging Moments......

Meet Mama Zippora and to her left, her daughter Caroline, to her right, her now deceased husband, Papa Isaac. They are from Kenya - and they founded the Huruma Children's Orphanage. It was founded after Mama Zippora had been hospitalized and the doctors told her she would never leave the hospital. She begged and pleaded with God to save her. She promised God she would do something good for Him. God saved her and so she founded the oprhanage shortly after her release.

I had the pleasure of listening to Mama Zippora and one of her 14 year old orphans, "Zippy" speak at church yesterday. Our church helps to fund the efforts of Huruma - and I am even more pleased to report that my sister Stephanie is going on a mission trip there next July.

Mama Zippora started this orphanage back in 1989 with just one child. She now houses over 160 children! Zippy, the 14 year old orphan she brought with her yesterday, spoke herself, in front of 1000's of people. She ended up in the orphanage at the age of 6 - her story goes something like this.....her Mother was out of town and her stepdad was left to care for her 4 year old brother and herself. She and her brother were over at a friend's house playing and came home too late, according to her stepdad, so he hung her in a tree - by hands and feet, for 2 days straight. Her 4 year old brother brought her water during this time, but he was unable to cook for her. When her Mother arrived home - she released her from the tree. However, in the meantime, some neighbors threatened to turn her stepdad into the police. The neighbors gave the Mother the option of either sending Zippy to the orphanage or having the stepdad turned into the police. Her Mother chose to not turn in the stepdad and send her daughter to the orphanage.

Zippy, as she spoke with such strength and faith in Jesus Christ today, was truly amazing. Amazing here would be an understatement. She has scars around her ankles and wrists to prove she was hanging for over 2 days straight. At some point, Zippy was adopted. However, she requested to her adopted family to be returned to Mama Zippora at the orphanage because her adoptive parents weren't "taking her to church and letting her grow with Jesus Christ. She wasn't happy and felt no security without Jesus Christ." Yes! This young child CHOSE to return to life in an orphanage, where she was sleeping in a small bed with 3 other children, eating off of the floors, and no toileting facilities other than a hole in the ground. She CHOSE this way of life so she could know Jesus Christ.

Every child in this orphanage is there b/c they were tortured in some way. And Pastor Linn said torture was a huge understatement. He couldn't emphasize enough how TORTURED these children had been.

2 weeks ago, Papa Isaac, passed away of a heart attack. No illness or any signs of a heart attack coming. He just dropped dead one day. A few women from our church were sent their way to help Mama Zippora - and in return, they brought her back to speak to the church. It was truly. a. life. changing. moment. Tears were piling up in my eyes - and all I kept thinking was "Wow. What can I do?"

While I cannot financially contribute a whole lot right now, I contributed everything I had yesterday to this cause and will pledge to continue to do so. It's about sacrificing. My kids don't need every toy under the sun - or name brand clothes and shoes. These things can be sacrificed to help such a cause.

Unfortunately it is rather difficult to adopt these little orphans from Kenya - the legal system there makes it extremely difficult to get one of these children. Although, I am still researching and researching....and will continue to pray and support this cause financially. Our church is raising $200,000 to build the children of Huruma dormitories so they no longer have to sleep 3 to a "stacked to the ceiling" bunkbed.

Please consider doing so yourself. If not to this specific cause, to some cause, especially during this holiday season. We have an angel tree at church - where I was able to choose a 4 year old boy - who must be rather large - he needs 5-6 year old clothing and wants a spiderman toy. Or there is Operation Christmas Child - which is an organization that ships shoeboxes of goodies to military children overseas. There are soooo many opportunities out there right now to get involved with. So get out there and make this sacrifice. We are so incredibly fortunate to live in America. Many of us have NO idea what goes on around this world. The service yesterday truly opened my eyes.

Let's not forget Grandma!

How many more kids can fit on that counter, Grandma?

My Mom tends to steer clear of the camera, much like I do - but she too gets her time in with the kiddos. She may not drive a super cool truck or do chores in that big John Deere tractor but she can make some mean chocolate chip cookies and is always loaded up with good treats. What else are Grandma's for, right?!

We love and miss you, Grandma!

The last of Iowa.....

I would be in soooo much trouble if I had a girl! I had such a blast combing Anneke's hair day after day - she even shakes her head back and forth and looks in the mirror when you tell her how pretty she looks!!

Mr.Independent at 19 months old

A very familiar sight at the Daale Farm - and a very fond memory of all of us girls

Not sure if we ever got THIS type of service though?!

I forgot to edit this picture - but had to post it. It's so Iowa!!

Doesn't she look freezing?! Funny how the kids could care less.

Seconds after this photo, Hunter decided to "knock" the snowman out..so he was no longer.

Such hard working little men!

Since we have so much fun in Iowa, I had to post just a few more pictures of while we were there. The boys got to play in the snow for a day - there are many times we are back in the Winter and the snow never pays a visit but we were fortunate this time to get at least a day of it in! There's nothing like the farm - and Grandpa whipping out the old lawn mower, tying the sled up, and pulling the kids all over the place. Just the four boys got to go (in the picture you can't see it, but Quinn is on Dad's lap). They were out there for hours! Grandpa helped them build a snowman - and Jake "borrowed" the carrot nose from Great Grandma. We got some great pictures, well, I should give the credit to my sister Stacy - I didn't brave the outdoors but I was happy to give her my camera for most of them : ) Quinn eventually made his way out there too - but of course the camera battery was "exhausted." Ugh!

The 3 older boys also had one last opportunity before we left to take a trip in the truck to Sioux City hauling beans. Nothing like front door service when Grandpa chauffers those boys around!!! He drives the truck right up to the door for those guys - and you wonder why Grandpa is a "hero" of so many. Konnor had a difficult time coming back - he truly loves the farm and riding in the truck. I'm so happy to be fortunate enough to take them there so often and have them do all the fun things I did as a kid - it's so special to watch them enjoy it all.

So, we are back! Unpacked and ready to gear up for the holiday season. I already saw a few houses decked out in lights from head to toe. Driving to go out for dinner last night with some friends one of the radio stations was already "all Christmas!" As I always say though, seems like so much time and money goes into holiday decorating, why not decorate early so we can enjoy it?

This is my absolute favorite time of year. I cannot wait to get all the stuff out with the boys this weekend. I've already got the apple cinnamon spice candle flamin'! Now I just need to get out those old Christmas tunes - "Thistle Hair the Christmas Bear, spreadin' the good news everywhere...." here we come!

Welcome, Holiday Season!!!

A trip down memory lane

It all started on Interstate-80 last Friday afternoon. Dad, myself, and 5 of the 6 kids took off around noon for our adventure across the great state of Iowa. (well, it didn't start on I-80 but I-80 holds a lot of memories for me, so my trip down memory lane began then:) ).

I think we made the 330 mile adventure across the state in about 5.15 hours - not bad at all considering we had 5 kids in the car. They did awesome - we never stopped other than to go thru the McDonald's drive thru! We arrived in Williamsburg and the kids barely gave themselves time to digest the pizza they gobbled up - and off to the pool they went. Thank goodness we had Uncle Dan and Aunt Jenna there or we couldn't have done it! The kids had a blast swimming and swimming and swimming!

Saturday was the big Iowa vs Penn State game. We all originally had great intentions of going until two major factors got in the way - #1 - the fact that it was November in Iowa and # 2 - the reality that it was 20 degrees out that day and 25 mph winds. What was supposed to be a fun family outing quickly turned into a day of misery for Dan and Ryan. Stacy, Steph and Jenna made it as far as tailgating but quickly ended up at the bar:) I stayed back with Dad and the kids - as I, even in the beginning, had no true intentions of going b/c of the above stated facts! NOT a cold weather fan! Lucky for Dan and Ryan - they got to see a great game which made it all worth it. Iowa won - 24-23. Go Hawks!

While everyone was at the game, Dad and I took a trip around Iowa City while the kids napped. We braved driving down past the stadium during game start time. Wow, was that ever interesting. The street that I used to travel to school/work every day had become a mosh pit of completely inebriated people. I mean, that had to be right? It was 20 degrees and windy outside! Some were so inebriated they had t-shirts on and didn't even look like they were cold. Others were so far gone they walked right up to our car and punched the side-view mirror in. And of course, there is always those super smart ones who just walk right in front of a moving car and hope you stop. Was I really ever 21?! We then traveled past the dorm I used to live in - and the college campus I was supposed to attend classes at! Then down past the Coralville Lake which was where I always took the little kids I nannied for to. We ended at the mall so the kids could eat and hit the arcade.

We swam again and ate birthday cupcakes to celebrate Grandpa's birthday! Sunday we swam, played at Jakob's Great-Grandma Florence's and then went to see Jenna and Dan's apartment which happens to be right across from where I used to live -same street address and everything! I hadn't been to Iowa City in about 8 years so it was a fun little adventure for me and lots of fun to see where Jenna and Dan live right now. Jenna gave us a tour of her school and we took off for a fun 6 1/2 hour drive back home in the dark. Again, the kids did great. I got to drive the backroads I used to travel so often back and forth from school - and all of my good friends' schools as well. It was really fun - and a lot of reminiscing! We even drove through about 6 of the towns I used to play high school sports at - since we live in such a rural area, many places were close to 2 hours away. It was fun to travel through again and relive those glory days!

Much fun was had by all. We arrived back to Grandpa and Grandma's at about 11:30 - the kids now wide awake of course. Grandpa had to truck to Aberdeen when we got back, Konnor was going to join him - so I gathered up Konnor's stuff, and at about 12:30am Hunter, Quinn and I got to see them off! Nothing like the good ol' days. I remember watching my dad leave at all hours - we would all stand at the front door and wave....at least, that is, if we weren't RIDING with him. We used to ride along all the time. There's nothing like hearing my Dad's truck hook up to his trailer and take off up the hill. In fact, when I moved out of our last house into my current one, Steph and I were packing up one last load, it was dark - and someone up the street was also moving with one of those big Mayflower moving trucks. It was loaded and came down the street into the cul-de-sac and we both sat outside like little 2 year olds in awe of the sound of a semi - coming down the street- and then taking off again. It really is like music to our ears. It still is - if Dad leaves in the early morning hours here, we hear it regardless while "sleeping" downstairs. Same goes with the tractor - you could always tell time without a clock downstairs here.

Here are a few pictures of our trip over the weekend. Enjoy!

Oh, how I remember the misery of being all bundled up, hot, and uncomfortable! Only we never sat in carseats - which probably make it even worse.

Playing at Ryan's Grandma Florence's - she lives 2 minutes from the hotel we stayed at

The boys loved me for getting them out of the car, in the freezing cold weather, to take pictures at the stadium

Kinnick Stadium and its new makeover! Much different than when I was there years ago!

It really looks great. We used to have a lot of fun at this field!

Little Miss Sassy shakin her booty!

Notice the snowflakes?! The pool went OUTSIDE!

You can do it, Jakob!

My little fish - he's become such a great little swimmer