Saturday, I made 4 trips driving Justin to and from Mulvane (20 min each way). Starting with practice at 7 (he let them sleep in since it was Saturday... nice, huh?) picking him up, then to the Winter dance and ending up back at the school at 11pm to pick him up. TOO much driving, which is why we went ahead and bought Justin a car. It's not really his, but we'll let him think it is for now. We might have to get personalized plates with Caden's name, because Caden really thinks it's his car. Might keep Justin humble. 
I wanted the whole experience. This fall, I missed picking apples at the apple orchard, didn't make it to the pumpkin patch or even the corn maze. I didn't want to miss out on picking out a Christmas tree at a tree farm. 
but after our morning at the tree farm it's definitely a new tradition for us! 
We decided to give a fried turkey a 2nd try and it was SO worth it! Jim and Jassen did a great job watching the temp and cooking our turkey. Actually, they cooked two so we had plenty of leftovers! Yummy stuff!
my act together early, I just can't seem to get there! It was a busy weekend filled with lots of activity and fun with Jassen, Dawn and Kota. We had our Thanksgiving dinner, caught a movie or two, Justin took his first spin and decided he LOVES to drive (blog post in iteself), found a tree farm, experienced the tree farm (blog post with a zillion photos to come), decorated for Christmas, took the tractor out, played, and made a few new memories. It was fast and furious as our pace always is... I'm ready for another 4-day weekend already! Basketball games start this week in full swing. I'm trying to figure out how we're going to do it. Should be fun, I just want to enjoy the time more than being caught up in it feeling exhausted all the time. More photos to come- I took a bunch this weekend! (no surprise, I'm sure!)
We're going to make our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, since they're getting here later today. I know that makes it not feel like Thanksgiving, but also the weather and scenery are really confusing me. Even for our second year here in Kansas, it just feels strange not to be bundled up with at least some snow and ice on the ground. I don't miss it AT ALL... but, I didn't expect it to be built in to my mindset. I guess I just can't shake Alaska that quick... I can admit, I'll always be an Alaskan. My body just doesn't like the cold that comes with the territory.
I just love photos of Caden sleeping. Guess it's because his naps are so rare!
to start driving. He's the craziest kid who hasn't had ANY desire to drive. We don't understand, but haven't been too worried... until this week...
who begged for a horse for Christmas every year. Of course back then, I thought our little corner lot with chain-link fencing was a big enough spot for a horse. I now understand! We had a neighbor with horses who let me take care of them while she was out of town- a dream for me! I would just pretend they were mine. I didn't even mind feeding and hauling water up the street to them at 6:00am in the dead of winter- usually with way below zero temperatures. 
I love riding as well, but have enjoyed watching the boys just as much- as their eyes light up each time they get in the saddle. 
This is our second year living in Kansas, but I'm still in awe of the fall weather! I can't ever remember a Halloween that the boys weren't covered with their coats, snowpants, gloves, and hats with costumes underneath. What's the point? 
Maybe that's why I have NEVER enjoyed Halloween! The weather here has been just beautiful, and I'm starting to realize why so many, including Jim, consider Fall their favorite time of year. I've always dreaded fall because it's really just the start of winter in Alaska- chill in the air, snow usually on the ground, frost on the windshield. This week, we've enjoyed mid to upper 70's... and it's November! I can't believe it- feels like HEAVEN! 
There is nothing that makes my big boys more irritated than to come home and find their little brothers into their "stuff." They finally have doors and doorknobs that lock, but the little guys still seem to make their way inside. Today, Justin and Ty came home and for the first time- and smiled once they saw what Coleman and Caden were up to. Caden discovered Justin's football gear and they had a great time with it. With two uniforms, they each had a full set! They even found a pair of shoes for each of them to wear. Kept them busy for well over an hour. I don't know what I'm going to do once Coleman is in Kindergarten next year- they're such little creative playmates!
he decided he wanted to score a touchdown. Caden just pretends to tackle all day... pretty much sums up his personality! 
We can't believe he's 3! Caden had a great birthday- celebrated a little early while Grandma was still here. For his birthday dinner, we had shish-kebobs and steamed rice- definitely his all-time favorite food. 
Goodbyes are always so difficult! For the last couple of months, we've been spoiled to have Grandma visiting. She came down the end of August, and headed back North yesterday. With the exception of just over a week at my brother's house and just over a week at my sister's house, we had her for almost two months. For some, this might be a little long for a mother/mother-in-law visit, but we weren't ready for her to leave. We definitely worked too much while she was here, but enjoyed the visit. 
The extra hands, best foot rubs in the world, laundry mysteriously washed, help with dishes, miles and miles and miles of driving to pick up and drop off the big boys, errands all over the place and all the other help was greatly appreciated! We miss you already... and your bed is already made with clean sheets for you to come back! 
on record. There were very few sunny days and lots of rain. Grandma came down in August, for some summer sunshine! Unfortunately, this week Wichita (or Kansas as a whole) broke a record set in the '50's for the most rainfall. This weekend is her last for this trip- luckily, it is supposed to be nice! It's in the 70's here which is better than the snow that has already fallen in Anchorage! Maybe, next 
summer will be a little hotter!
course, it was the "biggest promotional sale," and the coolest everything... I guess for them to come out with just a new saw and a couple of drills wasn't too much 
damage. It could have been worse for two guys who LOVE tools with a passion! 
brother are out shopping. Sounds crazy, I know. What's even more crazy is that I didn't even blink when they took off. They went once, came home and I told them to go out for more. What was I thinking?
new screen door and I'm so happy with it! It adds a little color to our front... and the screen rolls up in to the door so it really doesn't even look like a screen door. We had to special order this one since the first one had brass fixtures... I just love brushed nickle... had to have it!
I'm so excited my brother Steele is here visiting this week from the Portland area! We hit the zoo on Wednesday and I'm about to crack open some projects and see if I can put him to work! LOVE having him here! Now, I have to convince my other brother that Kansas isn't too bad to visit... even for a weekend... please Seth...
Before and After 
We've been in our house just over a year now, and finally have the trim up around the doors in the basement. What a difference it makes- looks finished. We're pretty happy with it! I'm happy the sanding is over- hate that stage!! The sun hit the door on the left at a strange angle- the paint is even!
The Downstairs Bathroom
in at our house. As I opened the door she kindly asked, "Are you remodeling?" It took me a minute to figure out what she was saying, then I took a look at myself. She's very kind, but yes- new to the neighborhood. Since we've now lived here for more than a year, any other neighbor wouldn't even have blinked an eye to see me covered in paint, sawdust and anything else I picked up while working in the garage- I'm a mess! Oh how, I'd love to be the put- together wife and mom with my make up just right, cute clothes and hair done everyday to meet and greet my family and anyone else who would happen to stop by! Fact of the matter is- 99% of the time I probably look like I am remodeling.
He really did a great job- and got the first coat on ALL of it- so much work! 
With ten years between the big boys and little boys. Coleman and Caden are constantly trying to be just like their older brothers. They have practice, and play coach. They catch the bus and go to school as well- all in their creative minds and daily imaginary play. Seeing a soccer clinic for ages 3-6 I was able to sign the up for their own "practice." Of course, they each had to have their own Gatorade- just like the big boys. Yesterday was the first of four Saturday mornings and while it was mostly chasing a ball around, they had fun! 
We miss you guys!!!
