September and Such

An obligatory post to report about September...  Clearly, I don't really mourn the passing of September like I do July.  I don't believe any teacher has ever hoped that September would continue on...not to wish my life away...but you know.

Celebrating September birthdays in the Bend over Labor Day

My Papa and I built a valence for my mom's kitchen.  He really did everything, I just pretended to help.  But somehow I still had a sense of accomplishment when we finished.

Sorry the only "finished" shot also showcases my booty...I like big...valences and I cannot lie.

Impromptu visit from Nathan and Brooke made the weekend even more eventful!

Grandma Sauder and Dad

Other things that my phone says we were up to in September...

An afternoon drive!

Cade started his second year of preschool, 3-days a week for this year.  We are breaking him in little by little.  He is really enjoying Ms. Amy's "Kanga Class."

Cade is playing soccer through Olathe Parks & Rec...mainly because I missed the t-ball deadline.  Wah, wah, parenting fail.  But, he is loving soccer and we enjoy watching him.  He takes it very seriously!

And Reese is a very serious fan.

Reese went to the cutest little Mermaid-themed birthday party where they made these fun little outfits.  So cute.  Mandy throws amazing birthday parties!!

Sometimes we go to Wal-Mart or Toys R Us for fun...is that weird?

Almost wedding time!!  Flower girl and ring bearer in training!

Reese had a little run-in with the driveway...good thing she's so tough!

Cade wanted to commemorate his tattoo from Beckett's party.  He said I had to take a picture of it before we could wash it off.

So there's our random September!  Blog post...check!!

The Fastest July Ever!!

July is my favorite month.  Hands down.  It cannot be beat.



C'mon...summer, my birthday, no work, the pool, fun activities with the kids, impromptu trips to Lawrence or the Bend, our anniversary...seriously, best month ever!

This year it seemed to zoom by so fast, like all good things.

So here is our July in pictures...ok...and some words.  I'm an over-explainer, I know.  You should see my sub-plans.

Birthday flowers from Matt since he was traveling on my birthday.

My friend, Amy, absolutely spoiled us for my birthday.  It's no secret that I love DQ ice cream cake.  Like I could eat it for every meal kind of love it.  How sweet of Amy to bring us Panera and mini DQ ice cream cakes!

Reese approved.

We had so much fun, thank you, Amy & Brenley!!

We celebrated again when we took a trip to the Bend later that week.  

My pink hair phase...go with it.

GB fun for all...

Many trips to the neighborhood park.

Fun in Lawrence at Aud's.  Why do we not go there more often?

Selfie right before Planes 2 started.  We had the Great Mall theater to ourselves that afternoon!  

My little chef.  

Reese is the best helper...sorry Cade...but you know it's true.

We love Deanna Rose!

Our annual trip to Paradise Park with the cousins.  The kids had a blast!

Crown Center exhibit with the Heine's.  We miss them so much already!

Our scientist...

And our Superhero?

We enjoyed many lunch picnics at Heritage Park and Black Bob Park.

We celebrated our anniversary as a family at the Legends by eating at the T. Rex Restaurant.

Matt and I agreed...probably not going to do that again...

The long-anticipated JT concert finished off the month!

Jamie and I...too old for selfies?!

Pretty much all of KC was there...and our seats were quite high...but still such a fun experience.  

Can't wait til my huge JT poster arrives...for my classroom.  Speaking of which, I've been back to school since August 1st.  Woof.  See why I always dread July coming to an end?  Next post = new classroom...and my thoughts on it.  

I'm focusing on being thankful that our super-duper fun July happened, rather than super-duper bummed that it's over.  So thankful for my sweet time with the kiddos this summer and ALL that KC has to see and do!

The Berry Patch

We loved our trip to The Berry Patch with our besties this summer!!

While we were picking I was brainstorming all the wonderful blueberry-laden baked goods we'd soon be making with our inevitable loot...

...before I realized that, with this crew, gathering more than 1/4 pound would be miraculous!

But a fun time was had by all!  

Even if we gathered $3 worth of berries...and then played. 

Actually, my favorite part of our outing went undocumented in pictures.  There was this train with cars made out of barrels being pulled by a tractor lawn mower that the kids were excited to ride. 

Here's a pic from the website.

Just before boarding, Cade refused to ride unless I rode with him.  I was a little annoyed as there's definitely a reason most adults don't ride the lawn mower/barrel/train...but then it was actually a lot of fun to cuddle up with my boy who wanted to ride the train close to his mama!  

Cade often says, "Mom, remember when we rode that train together?"  

(No mention of the berry picking...)  

Yes, Cade, I'll remember it always!

Mahaffie

The kids and I enjoyed a visit to the historic Mahaffie House and Farmstead a few weeks ago during one of their free Thursday night events.  I had never been to Mahaffie before.  It was great "free" fun but not sure I would've paid to get in.

Reese enjoyed seeing the house.

Cade enjoyed learning how to do laundry.  Note to self...

It was "Civil War" themed-night.

Stagecoach selfies!

We enjoyed walking around the grounds.  The volunteers who are there to explain the artifacts to the kids did a really nice job.  Like I said, great free fun and definitely neat to have in our community!