Halloween

We aren't huge fans of Halloween, but actually had a fun evening with friends--despite the frigid temperature!  I let the kids choose their own costumes (so long as they weren't too complicated to create or track down). Graham was the blue Ninja turtle, Miles was "Scream", and Owen was a KSU fan. The big kids trick-or-treated at BLAST and that alone earned them enough candy for 10 kids!  We went to a neighborhood party at the Snowdens' and then each kid went their separate way.  I was with Graham's group and they had a total blast!  We still (November 16) have enough candy to last us until the Easter Bunny restocks.

Christmas in Atwood

We spent the first week of winter break in Atwood.  Adam had to work all but three days, so the kids and I drove out early and stayed late so that they could maximize their cousin time.  There wasn't really any hot item on any of their lists this year, but they were very happy with their goods.  Santa brought Owen neon orange shoes, Elite socks, sweats, NCAA14 football, and an iTunes card (since he is really into "his own" music nowadays).  Miles desperately needed a bigger bike, so Santa came through with that, along with a racing game for PS3, sweats, and neon orange shoes.  Graham's best gift was probably his hoodie.  He always asks for one, but usually everything in his size is still zip up jackets.  Now he can also wear the same thing five days in a row like his big brothers!
The week went fast, and we had a great time.  For the kids--lots of PS3, playing at the grocery store, movies, art sales, staying up late, and enjoying/bothering each other.  For the adults--lots of food :)  I've been switching back and forth between two phones, and some of my phone pics are missing (from Christmas in Lebo).  Onto looking for those...

Church on Christmas Eve.  Not the professional picture I planned to get back in October (and never did, hence no Christmas cards from us this year) but at least we are all looking at the camera.  The boys must have been in the Christmas spirit because as there was only minimal complaining about the nice shirts and ties.

Christmas dinner--still in PJ's and hoodie.

Graham also asked for his own bed lamp since the bigs both have one for reading.  

All of the cousins with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Rosie.

New bike!

New shoes!

When they have it, my kids go through gum like crazy.  This rally bucket didn't last long.  

Pondering life I guess.

July 4th

We had a pretty low-key 4th. The bigs golfed with Adam. Graham and I joined them for lunch at Colbert. Neither Adam or I are into fireworks. We must have passed this gene along since they were completely satisfied with $13 worth of fireworks. The real satisfaction came from letting them hold their own punks.  The kids and I spent the 5th with Michelle and her kids (bounce house, lunch/play at Sonic, cousin time). Miles lost his other front tooth in the bounce house. 

Owen is growing up--ordering big people food off the menu, smoked salmon tacos and a salad. 

The other two are still digging the hot dogs and fries (secretly I prefer they order this so I can sneak some fries).

Mike and Connie are housing a couple of very friendly donkeys. 

Christmas Break, Part 1

Although we've been fairly "Grinchy" this Christmas season (no lights, no tree, no Christmas cards) we made up for it with a fun-filled first week of break.  We started the holiday break with a 4th grade basketball tournament in KC.  I always have visions that these tournaments will include shopping for Mom, but so far all we've managed to shop for is new glasses and a haircut for Adam.  Oh well, there's always another weekend.  Owen's team took first place (won their last game by just one point after being down 9 points).  Miles managed to score an extra shirt from Ky.

In Lebo we took the kids to the Burlington Rec Center to burn off some energy since it was so cold outside.  They enjoyed a couple of hours of basketball and trying out racquetball for the first time.  Grandma Jean was brave enough to allow Miles and Graham to decorate cookies on their own--lots of sprinkles and some of the cookies must have weighed a pound after all the M&M's Graham piled on.

The boys and I stayed in Lebo an extra day to meet up with my friends, Sharla and Amy, and their kids.  It's unusual for us to all be back at the same time, but glad it worked out.  My boys always have fun with Sharla's, and all the kids enjoyed little Ali (who is about to have a baby brother).

And then (to end this saga), the boys and I trekked it to Omaha to spend a couple of days helping my friend Lori decorate her nursery in anticipation of Baby #4 (I'll show you pics once her bedding arrives).  My boys always have a great time destroying the Boudreau house.  

Whew, that concludes the first week of break.  We made it home in time to catch some friends/family in town for the KSU basketball game on Saturday.  I guess that means this week it's time to get work done!

Half-Birthdays

The big boys both celebrated their summer birthdays at school today.  Grandma Jean (thank you, thank you) offered to make them KSU cookies to share with their classes--you don't have to ask me twice to take you up on your offer! I sound like a loser, but I've actually taken a ton of food to school(s) lately with teacher appreciation, student teacher going away parties, etc.  Plus I did not inherit my mom's ability to make the perfect sugar cookie.  Miles' buddy Aiden is a KU fan (boo!) so we dug out the Jayhawk cookie cutter as well.  Miles did notice that the Powercats were much bigger :)

Snow

Atwood had quite a bit more snow than Manhattan--the kids were glad I remembered to pack their boots.  They made two or three trips outside (each day) to play in the snow.  I only have pictures of them sledding in the neighbors' backyard, but Adam also pulled the sleds on the four wheeler which they thought was great.

 The four "big" kids ready to check out the snow.

 I love Miles' expression here.  He was actually the best at sledding, of course, that annoyed Owen.

Christmas #1

Owen had a basketball tournament (second place) in Lenexa on Saturday, so we made a weekend out of it and had Christmas with my family as well.  

 Graham loves these balls from Aunt Nancy and Uncle Rolland.  He carries at least one of them everywhere and says, "ball" over and over and over...

 The boys with their cousin McKinley.  Next Christmas she will have a little sister to join the mix.

 Very excited to get Under Armor sweatshirts (and UA turtlenecks as well).  Now Owen doesn't have to wear his blue one EVERY day.  He can at least mix the green in a few days here and there. Thank you Grandma Jean and Grandpa Harlan!

 Boise State jersey and Texas hoodie were hits as well--thanks to Aunt Susan and Uncle Quint!

 Graham had fun playing in McKinley's kitchen--we don't have any girlie stuff here.

 Pumped to get Oregon jerseys from Aunt Nancy and Uncle Rolland.

Thanks everyone for the gifts--as you can tell clothes are popular at our house.  We are fortunate to be able to spend time with both sides of our families around the holidays.  On Friday we'll head to Atwood to attempt to drive Rosie crazy--seven cousins, 3+ dogs, 8 adults and new hardwood floors.... hmmm...

Thanksgiving

What a great few days spent with family (and some old friends as well).  We definitely have a lot to be thankful for... I contributed nothing except starving, messy kids.  Let's hope that by the time it's my turn to host a holiday, it will be appropriate to order pizza!

Appetizer spread.... YUM!  

Cousins.

Graham digs the poppy seed cake, just like everyone else!

One of about ten ice cream cones in four days.

Rotating massage lines.

We had fun digging out some old favorites--like this "must wear
every day in the 7th grade" leather jacket!

Newman had some BFF time with Barney.

Diving to make a catch.

The much anticipated pillow fight--boys vs. Uncle Quint & Aunt Susan.

Grandpa Harlan taught Owen how to play solitaire.

Uncle Quint taking the Bigs down.