Back to School

Carson started back to school on August 13th. Hard to believe he's in 7th grade already...such a young man. This is his 3rd year of middle school for him and he's officially in the "cool" hallway- their school is split with 5/6th grade down one hall and 7/8th down the other.He is still in the gifted program, and also does Advanced Math (which is Algebra 1). We're so proud of him, and he's so smart. We are fortunate that we've never had to worry about his grades. Also, this year he gets to play sports for the school for the first time, so he's chosen to do football and basketball. He is so excited to be a Jaguar! He will continue to do baseball in the Spring/Summer and made the Natural Baseball Academy AAA team, which he is very excited about. He still enjoys playing guitar and has weekly lessons. He's really getting so good. Right now, he's starting on "Angel" by Aerosmith for Doug & Jennie's wedding in April. He is definitely keeping busy- and keeping us running around with his busy schedule.

Cal turns 3!!!!

Cal turned 3 on August 10. where has the time gone? He had a great birthday weekend. Friday on his official birthday, we took cupcakes into daycare and then picked up Lexi for a night of fun at Chucky Cheese. They had a blast!!! Saturday was his birthday party, and we did a simple baseball themed party at home (no more parks after last year)! We had hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and a baseball glove cake. I was so happy it turned out okay:) cal had a great time! The big hit was the train table Jeff made him. He wants to play on it nonstop. He's obsessed with trains right now- so it was perfect! No injuries to report, it was a really great day. Sunday our friends, the Cole's invited us out on their boat....so Cal continued his fun weekend by swimming and tubing. It was a really fabulous weekend, and he loved every second of it! His three year stats: height 39 1/2" (75%), weight 35lbs (85%)....and he got to pee in a cup which he thought was hilarious:) Some pics of the birthday boy!

The Basement is DONE!!!!

Well, a blog once every 6 months is about all I seem to do! But, part of the reason for not blogging is just lack of time. We've been so busy with baseball and the basement, and work...I just haven't had the time. The basement is at long last, finished. And, we are absolutely thrilled with the results!While we still have a few more things to get in order to complete it how we want, it's a great space and we are already enjoying it. I will try to go back and add posts of all the wonderful things we've done this summer including the Home Run Derby, Deanna Rose, Hillsdale with the Cole's, and so much more. But, for now- it seems a big achievement to post that the basement is finished!!!! Jeff did an amazing job- far better than my expectations in terms of the quality of work and the time it took him to complete it. He is so talented and determined....whatever he puts his mind to, he does- whether he knows how to or not...he will always figure it out. He's very handy and I'm so proud of him! The basement just came out perfect! We can't wait for everyone to see it:) Thanks to Jeff's Uncle John for his hard work on the drywall, and the help of our friend Brian with the HVAC and electrical. We are hopeful for everyone to come over for Jeff's birthday on the 20th and if not then, for Cal's 3rd birthday. Until you can come over to see it in person- here are some pics. Love to all!

Stairway

Bar

Bathroom

Bedroom/ Office

Cal in the bathroom

Main area

Entertainment area

Projection screen- 100"

Game table

Tiled bar area

Potty Power

We have been in potty training mode for just over 3 weeks now. Cal is doing wonderful in his big boy underwear. It's still about 50% him telling us and 50% just reminding him, but most days he's having 0-1 accidents. He got a "I mastered the potty" certificate at school today, since he's been doing so well:) This past weekend we drove up to Enterprise to visit my family and although I put him in a pull up, he stayed dry the whole day. I was really impressed. But, I'm so proud of my little man!

Thanksgiving

Well, as usual, I am behind on blogging. Better late than never, though:) I wanted to briefly post about our Thanksgiving. We went to San Antonio to visit Jeff's sister Lauren and her husband, Warren. Mom and Mo went down also, so we had such a good time. It was a long drive (12 hours), but well worth it. The boys did great on the drive and slept most of the way. Lauren's first Thanksgiving in their new house, was fabulous...and all the food was delicious (here are the two chefs in the kitchen). Thanks again for having us!

While we were there, we went to the Alamo, ate on the RiverWalk and took a boat ride, took the boys to a few museums, went to SeaWorld (the boys loved) and had authentic Mexican food. It really was a great trip. Here's some photos.

Where did Fall go?

I can't believe it's the end of November! Where did Fall go....I think we were so busy it passed us by without us realizing it. We had a super busy few months: football,my birthday, a trip to China, pumpkin patch, and Halloween. Since we are gearing up for ou Thanksgiving trip to San Antonio and Christmas, I thought I should wrap up Fall:)

Our trip to China was amazing!I took so many pictures that I am still sorting them and narrowing them to fit into my photo book=) Jeff and I had a wonderful time; it was a once in a lifetime trip that I will never forget. Jeff is a seasoned traveler, but it was my first time out of the country. I was so happy to be able to experience it with him and have him show me everything. The food was to die for- we ate everything from pigeon to pig ear to fish eyeballs. We saw so much- Yellow Mountain has to be the most beautiful place in the world. I mean it was breathtaking and getting to hike 15 miles up and down the mountains was just amazing. We saw a temple with the monks, a historic old town, a cave, and so much more. Everyday was filled with a new adventure. I'm so thankful Jeff took me this time.

Halloween was a week long event this year, as it always is. Cal and I went up to Boo at the Park which was fun. He had his school party which I baked cookies for and went to. Then, we had the Cole's annual Halloween Party. It was a lot of fun. We dressed as the wicked Wizard of Oz. I was demented Dorothy of course with a cut up toto in my basket (ha), Jeff was the Tin Man of terror, Carson the scary Scarecrow, and Cal was the lion. For trick or treating, we went with Amy, Lexi, Colleen and Madi. The big kids got to go seperately so they didn't have to wait for the wagon. Cal was Thor the Thundergod (Jeff said he was getting too old to be cutesy, although I disagree). My little Thor was so funny. He tried to go into several peoples houses, especially if they had a dog! And, he wanted to ride in the wagon after each house and refused to let go of his bucket of candy. It made the evening quite interesting. But, they had so much fun and I'm glad we got to go with friends. Jeff was at the Chiefs game that night.

Birthday Blunders

Well, it's taken me a whole month to get over the trauma of the world's worst birthday party. But, I feel like I have to write about it and capture the memory of it. It has been a month since Cal's 2nd birthday party, on August 13th. It inarguably has to go down in history as the worst party. I was so looking forward to it. Shirt, check; cake, check; food, check; family and friends, check; presents, check; injuries, check!!!

Originally, we planned to have it at the house and just do a small gathering with snacks and cake and ice cream- since his first birthday party was the hottest day of the year and we thought we might have a few heat casualties. At the last minute, we changed our plans and moved the party to the park- since it was supposed to be a beautiful day. And, my little Lightning McQueen loves the park. As Jeff and I were getting all the food set up, Cal and Carson were playing with my dad and brother. Carson was running with the football and tripped and landed on his shoulder. He was complaining it hurt, but I thought it's just bruised, we'll put some ice on it and it'll be fine. Certainly wasn't his first tumble. Then, we sang "Happy Birthday" and everyone was having a great time....when I was turned around cutting the cake....Cal fell off the picnic table bench onto the concrete! My heart litterly sank when I heard the noise. I knew exactly what it was. The lump on his head was literally the size of an egg. We took him to the ER just to make sure it wasn't a concussion. After spending the entire 2 hours of his birthday party there, he was fine. It was definitely bruised, but he was acting completely normal. We went back to the park, and everyone had waited. I couldn't believe the support and love we had. Cal opened his presents and received tons of wonderful gifts. But, it was an emotionally draining day for all of us. I think I cried more than Cal did=(

On Sunday, Carson was still complaining of his shoulder hurting so I said I'd make an appt for him with the doctor on Monday. Turns out, he broke his collar bone!!! Then, of course I feel terrible for freaking out about Cal's head and assuming Carson was totally fine. He has been in a sling for about 4 weeks, and was able to get it off just this week. He still has a couple weeks before he can get back into football and sports, but it is healing pretty well.

That same week, on Tuesday- Cal got sent home from daycare for a bloody stool. Turns out he had a polyp and the doctor said he might need a colonoscopy. My first thought was- is it related to his head injury? Thankfully, no. But, we had to go up to Children's Mercy and get an xray. The GI specialist said it probably passed and just to keep an eye on it. No more blood- so I think we are all on the mend now=)