Fun Fall

Busy Summer...

Since I haven't updated in a while, I thought I would put up a few pictures of what we have been doing over the summer. Yes, both of the boys had a birthday! Kade turned 7 and Cole turned 4. It's amazing how fast time goes as an adult!

We have had such a fun and busy summer - we've been camping several times, over to Lapine twice, ha

d a few last minute trips and so many things to do around here. We've been berry picking and spent a lot of time with great friends! I'm hoping for a bit of a slow down in August, but I seriously doubt that it's going to happen!

More Tooth Fairy Visits

Miss Kennedy Rose lost her first tooth! There was a lot of drama and then the tooth finally just fell into her mouth! She's hoping that the same thing happens with her next loose tooth - we'll see!

We've been busy!

I just can't imagine how people with more than 3 kids can do it! We have been so swamped with school, sports, activities, birthday parties and everything else that goes along with having three small children! I know that one day I will miss all of "this", so I am trying to keep things in perspective and to enjoy the little moments that happen!

Kade is still enjoying basketball, which he is doing very well at. He is also excelling in school, which he seems to enjoy and is a very attentive student! His mouth, at this point, is a beautiful mess of holes and half grown teeth! We love him and what a good boy he is!

Kennedy recently started "cheer"...it has been interesting. With our crazy weather this spring, they have only cheered at two games (flag football), but she really seems to enjoy it and...let's face it...the outfit is darling! This is Kennedy's last year of preschool and she is doing great! She is starting to read and is more than ready to join Kade at St. Mary's for Kindergarten! Our strong willed and compassionate girl gives us much to feel blessed about!

What can I say about our youngest darling? Cole is a funny, funny, sweet, precocious boy! He loves to play with his brother and sister and is definitely the "baby". He cannot wait to start sports, as he has been watching his siblings play for sooooo long! Cole is doing well in preschool and will continue next year. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't laugh and marvel at what an amazing boy Cole is!

So...as I think about where our busy lives will take us next, I am grateful for many things in my life! Most of all, our children, our good health and our wonderful family and friends!

25th Reunion....am I that old?

We just recently had our 25th reunion in Salem. Wow, I can't believe that we are that old! Maybe that has something to do with the fact that my kids are still very young. It was fun to help plan and then see everyone at the event. I always look forward to reunions because I get to see some of my best friends that don't live in Oregon! One note: I am too old to stay up until 2am, 3am two nights in a row and still be able to function!!

Disneyland!

We decided to take the family to Disneyland for our vacation! We had such a great trip...the kids all loved it in their own ways. Kade was all about the rides, Kennedy loved the characters (Cinderella!), and Cole....well, he loved the swimming pool. He wasn't too excited about anything that was dark or loud, so that eliminates quite a few things! Kade's favorite ride was Splash Mountain!

First Visit from the Tooth Fairy!

special box with tooth #2

Well, our little boy lost his first tooth! This was BIG news around here. We had prepared by making a special "Tooth Fairy Box", which Kade decorated and had ready for this moment. We barely twisted the tooth and it popped out! There was quite a bit of blood, but he was so excited that he didn't even care! Now he has actually lost another one (not as easy as the first) and the first one is grown in! Time flies...

I just had to post this picture of the "cool Kaip boys!". I think I was telling them to act tough and thought that this was classic!

Holiday Cheer

We had a great weekend decorating the house and getting our tree! The kids are so into Christmas this year that it's really fun. I'm trying to get everything done by this weekend so I can relax and enjoy the holidays with them! Good luck to me...

"Kade has a girlfriend!"

Well, I have to admit that I do remember having a "boyfriend" in Kindergarten. His name was Darren - so, I guess this is not unusual. Kade is truly smitten with little Crystel! He has actually said she was his girlfriend and he coaxed his sister into inviting her to her birthday party. Lucky for us, she's the sweetest little thing! We'll see how long this lasts...maybe until he gets into the "girls are yucky stage". When is that exactly?

Kennedy is 4

Well, my little girl is 4 years old! It's hard to believe...She had a hard time deciding if she wanted a Cinderella birthday or a horse birthday. She loves both so much! But, Safeway doesn't make a "horse" cake, so that decided it for her. We had such a fun time celebrating on her actual birthday and then at her "bowling birthday", which she has been talking about for months. Happy Birthday Kiki!

Baby Kiki

Ok, so I had to bring a baby picture of Kennedy to school this week and I started looking through her baby album. Two things happened: First, I could not believe how much she has grown! (and how darn CUTE she was/is!) Second, I realized that Cole doesn't even have an album with pictures and that I better get moving on that! Anyway, I just had to put a couple up because they are so cute!

Wildlife Safari

We had a great time at Wildlife Safari in late August. The animals were SO close to the car and the kids loved it!

We got a great deal at a local hotel, so we were able to hang out and enjoy - Although, we promised to go swimming and it was FREEZING!! We'll definitely go back again.

Space Needle

We enjoyed our ride to the top of the Space Needle in Seattle. The kids also loved making pressed pennies and playing a few games.

Happy Birthday Justin and Emma

We had a great time at Justin and Emma's birthday parties! The kids always enjoy their time with the "cousins". We were glad to be able to be there! We spent the week with Grama and Papa, which was great. Papa surprised the kids with a real tree house, complete with a trap door that locks! Don't tell Abbey if you see her - she'll be the last grandchild to see the big surprise!

Trip to SF

I had a great time in San Francisco and Healdsburg last weekend! Jean was a great hostess and her, Megan and I enjoyed some much needed girl time! I walked through my old neighborhood and did some reminiscing...we went wine tasting...AND - we ate at restaurants with NO children's menu! Even my airport time was relaxing...I finished 1 1/2 books!

I can't believe how big our little Kader is! He is officially riding his bike with no training wheels. He just decided to do it and it's done...well, with a few scrapes and bruises and close calls! But we are extrememly proud of him and all of his hard work and determination!

Cari and Amanda came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. For those that know them, you may not recognize Amanda! Where is our little 3 year old neighbor??? She's a girl and not a baby anymore! The kids all had a great time playing together and we had so much fun catching up and reminiscing about the old neighborhood.....

Another year gone by!

Well, I'm a year older now but things still seem pretty much the same, which is good I guess. We spent my birthday going to mass, playing outside and finished up with dinner at Red Robin! This is more for the kids, as they love watching them sing "Happy Happy Birthday!" (although, I do love the Whiskey River Chicken Salad - minus the chicken!) Then Cole entertained us with his guitar and cowboy hat...he is quite a rocker!!