Weekend Whereabouts

We headed for St. Louis this past weekend in hopes of finding a home for fellowship starting in July. This wasn't an easy task as our wants and needs limited the homes available to only a few. We knew we needed to be close to the hospital so that Steven could go back and forth with ease. We knew we wanted a home that could easily fit a family of seven and was in a safe area with great schools. Nine homes and four hours later: mission accomplished. With a fifteen minute commute to the hospital, a great school, and safe area there was only one home that fit the bill. The only thing missing from our "wish" list was a huge, fenced backyard. You can't win them all. Besides, St. Louis is filled with so many wonderful attractions, a year without the ideal backyard isn't much of an issue.

After our house hunting adventures we ate a yummy dinner and headed downtown to our hotel. As we pulled up to the hotel we past hundreds of fans heading to the Cardinals game. We were surprised at this since the radio had reported tornado warnings throughout the area. Not twenty minutes passed after checking in when the sirens began, accompanied with crazy wind and rain. It lasted fifteen minutes but didn't phase Thatcher or Haley one bit. They were too busy playing with all of the toys the hotel had given them at check-in and eating the complimentary ice cream and cake they had sent up for my birthday. Awesome hotel, right!?

Two hours away in Kansas City the girls were busy preparing the best birthday surprise a Mom could ever ask for. Kadyn was having a very hard time due to our departure and their wonderful cousins took them under their "wings" and made the two days pass enjoyably. The boys played with them non stop while the older girls taught them how to make friendship bracelets and beautiful necklaces. They wrapped everything up cute and made wonderful cards and a bouquet of flowers. Steven had bought me a kindle for my birthday and it was waiting there as well. They made and decorated a delicious cake and had everything waiting as a surprise upon our arrival back. Our weekend ended of course with a wonderful Easter Sunday at church surrounded by family. It truly was an amazing way to turn 33!

Stumping Steven

Before our last visit to Kansas City Steven turned the big 36. Knowing we would be traveling on his actual birthday we prepared a party for him the evening prior. He loves cheesecake, and since I love making them it works out well. We picked a Key Lime cheesecake that turned out perfect in looks, and most importantly in taste.

We had found some great presents for him this year and the kiddos were excited to see his reaction. When Dad began shaking the boxes in hopes of guessing his presents they began jumping and giggling . They have tried for a few years now to stump him. Usually he's 100% accurate so when he only guessed 5 of 7 correctly they were beyond excitement. Wireless headphones for his computer and a GPS watch were the two items that got him. A friend had told me about this watch and said how lots of military guys loved it for exercise and their PT tests. The watch maps his runs, tells him when to speed up or slow down, and does about a million other things. It's amazing. He also got (and guessed) new shoes, a pediatric surgery book, a ps3 game, and the p90x system with the pull up bar. The last item is a duel gift for the two of us. After this cute little bundle arrives we are excited and ready to roll.

Happy Birthday to an amazing husband and father! We love you!

Blog Equals Book

I started our families blog a little over three year's ago. At moments I have wanted to quit but the idea of one day publishing it into a scrapbook has kept my motivation continually going. With our many moves and experiences. With the wonderful countless people we have been blessed to meet. For all of life's amazing moments and memories. How could I not document those gifts?

So, here's to three wonderful years and 200 pages later. After receiving the finished product and watching the excitement of our children as they read and remembered the past, I was so grateful to have not given up. I was also a little overwhelmed. Now I won't be able to stop until the last kiddo is out of the nest! I think I'm going to be doing this for quite a while.

Kansas City Cousins

We had a great time in Kansas City this past weekend. Our brother in law turned the big 50 last week and his daughters planned and executed an amazing surprise party in his honor. The gym was decked out in a 70's theme and guests were surrounded with food, dancing, treats, karaoke, and more. The kids had a wonderful time as well and had I brought my camera I would have solid evidence that Ryley can "get down" with any 70's song thrown at her. The entire evening was awesome. We spent the remaining weekend hanging out and enjoying their company. Saturday included The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Gelato, and riding horses. On Sunday, after a great afternoon of church, lunch, and visiting, we began gathering the children to head back toward Manhattan. There was much sorrow and lamenting with the idea of leaving their cousins behind, however, we'll return in two weeks as we pass through heading for St. Louis in hopes of finding a home to rent. Though tears still came, this new information made leaving at least bearable.

Thatcher's face at the start of his ride.

Thatcher's face at the end of his ride.

Haley J's face when you mention the words "horsey ride".

Spring Break Surprise

A week ago a friend and I were talking about the kids upcoming break. Her husband was going to be out of town and my husband is MIA while studying for his upcoming board exams. We began discussing all of the fun things that Kansas City has to offer, and by the end of our conversation we had planned a two day overnight trip complete with fun restaurants, wonderful shopping malls, and an indoor water park. We kept it a secret from the kiddos until Wednesday evening when I began to pack the suitcase. I explained to the girls what a huge undertaking this would be for Mom since we had never before ventured on an overnighter without Dad and that I would need their help more than ever. Bottom line, they were fantastic! I couldn't have asked for kiddos who were more well-mannered and willing to help at Mom's first sign of need. My friend and her daughters were also amazingly helpful and kind in assisting me. With the exception of our missing hubbies it was by far one of the best "quick trips" we have ever taken. The best part of all, Steven's board exams are over tomorrow!

Before

During

Pool Parties

We have always appreciated the extra bonuses that the military offers to children. They always plan great activities that our kids seem to love. The indoor pool here on post has been a blast recently. During spring break they pick daily "themes" and turn the pool area into a veritable wonderland for the kiddos with free food, games, toys, and daily raffle items. Just today Thatcher found himself the proud winner of a brand new basketball. It was great! After hours of swimming and constant entertainment we return home with happy, tired kids who are ready for bed and a Mom grateful to the many individuals who have helped entertain them. I'm ready for bed too, but with nine weeks left of pregnancy, I'm always ready for bed. :)