A Few Days in Lawrence

While we had Monga visiting us in Manhattan, we decided to take a trip to Lawrence for a few days.  We needed some good cousin time, and Monga needed all her grandchildren together in one big messy cuddly lump.

We played non-stop for our two days together either at the playground or in Lily's bedroom, wreaking havoc wherever we went.

I rather enjoy watching strangers scramble to "rescue" Rose from playground equipment.  People seem to find it hard to believe that something so tiny could climb so high.  Rose may be small, but her will is mighty.

Just let her go.

A visit to Cale's backyard was in order on this trip to Lawrence.

Lily's cousin Cale.

We finished off the day with this lovely face.

A very common Rose face that is usually accompanied by a loud "NO!"

Olathe in One Day

I love my nephews and nieces.  They are rays of sunshine in my life, and it has been such a true and honest pleasure to be closer to them for the last few years, to see them grow and learn.  And they are all amazing, for sure, each in his or her own special way.

January 26, 2013

I was eager to get to Olathe for some basketball games, and even though Mark couldn't join us this time, I gathered up my personal support system and traveled to Olathe for one busy day with all my nieces and nephews.

First stop:  Max and Matthew's basketball game.  They had already been busy winning at the pinewood derby that morning, but they still managed to play quite a good game of basketball.

Matthew and Max, two cool basketball dudes.

No doubt if I am presented with an opportunity to take a few pictures of my insanely adorable children, I'm totally gonna do it.  So before we even left the game, my kids got their cute on for the camera.

My traveling support system would not be complete without cutie patootie Miss Lilybug herself.

At Uncle Scott and Auntie B's house, Max showed Rose all his pinewood derby cars from past years.  She was impressed.

This trip to Olathe was also to give Max and Matthew their birthday gifts.  Dale drew his cousins each a picture of a Dr. Who sonic screwdriver.

After dinner we were off to Mary's basketball game.  Let me tell you something, sister's got game!

It was getting late that evening, so the kids were becoming harder and harder to wrangle, but we stuck it out and rooted for the talented and fierce Mary.

Some of Mary's fans.

It's always exhausting, but I never regret it.  Thank you to my wonderful nieces and nephews.  You guys are all awesome.

A Christmas Program

December 21, 2012

At the end of the semester, Dale's preschool held a wonderful Christmas program at the church.  We got all dressed up and went downtown for the fun.

Dale looked so handsome that he got several compliments from the teachers.  He was very proud of himself.

I swear it was the best preschool Christmas program EVER!

Dale was absolutely adorable on that stage.  He did all the actions and sang all the songs.  His favorite song was called, "There's room in my heart for Jesus," and he still sings it at home today.

Once the program was over, the kids got to decorate and then eat cupcakes.  What a treat it was for Dale.  He picked his spot at the table right next to his best friend, Benen.

This is the only picture I got of Dale with his teacher Mrs. Armstrong, because he got all shy when she approached us.  Although Mrs. Armstrong swears Dale is the opposite of shy in class.  Hmmm.

Once we got back home, the kids played for several hours.

Eventually everyone pooped out.

Christmas With the Riehns

December 20, 2012

This year's Christmas celebrations began with a visit from the Riehns.  Rose, Lily and Dale were all so adorable and happy.

The kids opened lots of presents, such as jewelry, costumes and cars.

Monga loved her art from Dale and Rose.

It was a magical day.  We even got a visit from a family of deer in our backyard.

And thanks to Great Aunt Sally, we got to enjoy Josie's spaghetti and antipasto for dinner.

In case you were wondering where Pasha was all day...

Not the most comfortable spot.

Everyone was pretty worn out from a full day of fun, so we settled down with baths and sponge curlers.

It's just so cute!