Happy Birthday Susan!

This weekend we celebrated Susan's 30th in KC. The kids had fun staying in a hotel and the adults had more fun out on the town!

1st stop: Piano Bar. Susan was a great sport, even though the singer did his best to embarrass her in front of a big crowd. He sang his special birthday song, she spun the wheel (and got ice dumped on her), and he concluded with the K-State fight song--even though the Cats weren't doing so hot at that point.
Life is a highway! View from the bus window as we cruised down I-35.
Me and the birthday girl.

Grandpa Harlan's House

Last weekend the kids and I went to my parents' house while Adam relived the college days with his old roommates (in KC).

Miles wore his new vest all day--even though it was warm enough to go without. Owen won't let me dress him in cute stuff anymore, so I have to take advantage of Miles' willingness.
"Driving" one of Grandpa's tractors.
The kids--and dogs--enjoyed running and jumping on the rows of hay bales.

Halloween Decor

The kids and I decorated the fireplace for Halloween last weekend. I'm not in love with our fireplace to begin with, so maybe I will leave this up all year.

I spray painted some branches to make black "trees"--I figured this was a good idea because A) it was much cheaper than buying them, and B) I can throw them away and avoid storing them. Note: the dogs have since ate 3 of these little pumpkins, so they've been moved.
I love these banners I've been seeing for holidays and birthdays. So easy and fast to make--just my style!

Coming Soon...

And if anyone has seen a Luke Skywalker costume around town, let me know!

Wanted: Paper Grader

Pumpkins

Wouldn't you love to be a pumpkin grower?

These little mini's were 5 for $1.99, so I let them both pick out 5 things. They carefully inspected most of the pile, and fortunately didn't cause an avalanche!

Rain, Rain...

It was a rainy (but fun) night for MHS football and homecoming ceremonies. Luckily Jenn and I had this cave-like area underneath the stands to watch from--we were able to stay mostly dry. The Indians are 4-0 now--keep it up!

Thanks, Edie

School Fitness Run

Owen participated in the "School Fitness Run" sponsored by Manhattan Cross Country. The weather was perfect for running. Owen participated in the 1/4 mile, but said afterwards, "That's all?"

Newman did not actually run, but I'm sure he'd have won if he were eligible.
Owen and his good friend Mason after their big race.
The first heat of 1/4 milers getting organized.

Soccer Take Two

We found out that Miles is old enough for soccer this year. He's not the most aggressive one out there, but he seems to enjoy running around and taking drink breaks. I don't actually think he's picking his nose here, but who knows.

Golfers

So nice to have a weekend with minimal plans. We took the kids golfing until we figured out we were so slow that it wasn't worth it and came home after 4 holes. Two trips to Mike and Connie's for scooter riding (dog running) rounded out the weekend.

Newman in a tug-of-war with Tootie.
Look at that form!
Poor guy is stuck swinging left-handed with right-handed clubs. It probably doesn't matter much when he just swings it back and forth.

Weird??

We spent Sunday messing around in downtown Portland.

I think this might be an order....
Not sure what is going on in these pics, but there were people in costume all over this area. Maybe it's a Sunday afternoon thing??
Love this sign!
Miles enjoyed rock climbing while Owen played football with Adam.

Wedding Bells

We spent the long weekend in the Portland area for Nathan (Braxmeyer) and Elise's wedding. It ended up being a beautiful day for a wedding--which was outside at a nursery turned wedding grounds. Fun times!

Lots of beautiful flowers and greenery.
Great place for the kids--they quickly kicked off their shoes and played all forms of tag/tackle/keep-away/catch that you can think of.
Owen and Raly--pre-grass stains!
Nathan and Elise.
Twins??
Champagne??
Josh and his ladies.
The sister-in-laws.
Cole--#1 entertainment at the wedding.
I love these ball things.
Owen and Raly collected tons of these little bubble champagne bottles.

Love the Look

Miles and I hustled over to Topeka yesterday to pick up some shirts to go with their "tie shirts" since I hadn't found anything I liked in Manhattan (need for wedding this weekend). Without planning it, my Mom was there also (so her personal shopping trip turned into a temporary "help me corral Miles" time). Though the trip was short, I actually found all of the stuff I had been looking for.

Miles found these "must haves." Doesn't he look like a little dirtball in those socks? Wet and dirty from soccer that morning!
Perfect attire for a casual wedding!

Meet Jerry

Owen's class has been reading the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." His homework last night was to bring the class mouse, Jerry, home and read the book and make his own page. His read, "If you give a mouse a Star Wars Ship then he will want to fly."

Miles baby-sat Jerry when Owen was busy.

New (well not really NEW) Goods

These are the goods I bought last weekend that didn't exactly fit in the car. My mom and aunt brought them up in the truck this weekend. Originally the white cabinet was going to sit on the table (which is the look I've been trying to hunt down for a long time) but it was too overpowering for this house. But I love them separately as well. Thank you Mom and Aunt Nancy for helping me haul it in (had to wait till Adam left, it's much easier to accept new things when they are already in place and full :).

Owen used the table for his homework today.

Ouch!

This is the second phone I've had that died in a car accident. Oh the lost information!

But there's always a bright side--new I-phone, pink case and all. The bad part is I have a new number :(

First of First!

Today was Owen's first day of first grade. He wanted very little to do with me, and barely took time for this quick pose. He did choose his own outfit, and was very excited that he could finally wear his new Puma's (they've been in the closet for a few weeks). I think he will love his teacher--we are looking forward to another great year. Only 180ish more days of getting us to three different places in less than 20 minutes :)

(he has some type of faux-hawk--his hair is SO long right now)

100th Party

This past weekend we were able to attend a friend's 30th (and her dad's 70th, hence the "100"). It was great to spend a girl's night with Sharla, thanks to our families who took the kids home for us!

Child Labor

While Owen was at a friend's house playing, Miles had to get groceries (I think the orange flag must be for the safety of other customers :).

And then he had to clean the couches.  Not fair, huh?