my 32nd birthday

My birthday was on Tuesday, and it was a great day. =) I can't say that I feel like I'm 32... I still feel like a kid, but I have kids now... hmmm. Kinda random.

Anyway, Grayson went to Kindergarten, and it was Carter's first day back to Kids' Day Out. So, after dropping him off, my mom and I headed out to TJ Maxx and found LOTS of bargains. Woo-hoo!! We picked up Grayson from school and had a yummy lunch at Mediterranean Cafe. Then Grayson and I picked Carter up, went home for Carter's nap, and then we all went to my parents' house for a delicious dinner. Mom made one of my favorites -- Chinese Chicken Salad, and Jerry picked up my favorite dessert -- a DQ ice cream cake! It is nearly impossible to get a good smile from both boys at the same time... some day it WILL happen...
Carter loved bringing the gifts over to me =)

A big shout-out to Mom and Aunt Laura who picked out my newest purse... several of my co-workers have been getting great deals on Coach bags at the Coach outlet stores. Well, of course, there aren't any in KS. The closest one is in Branson, and then there are a few in California, and Mom and Aunt Laura found this one there. Thanks so much -- I love it!!

I admit, I love purses and bags. I also had picked out this darling Vera Bradley one awhile ago when we went to Kansas City. Anyway, I was letting Carter try it, and LOOK AT DAD'S FACE. He looks completely irritated that his daughter would let his grandson carry around a purse.

Awww... come on, Gramps!! =)

(Dad looks completely done with the b-day fun, now...)

Grayson helped me read about the online gift certificate from Dave, Kristen, and Brett. It was such a great idea. They have all talked so highly about the H&M store in Pittsburgh, so when Jerry and I visit them in just a few weeks, I can use the gift certificate. Thanks, guys! It was a great idea!!

Grayson's 1st day of Kindergarten

Hard to believe it, but my firstborn is headed to Kindergarten!

I very vividly remember the day he was born...

That was 5 1/2 years ago. Oh my.

We had no clue about being parents -- the joys, the sacrifices, those teachable moments.

And, here we are now. With a Kindergartner. Wow!! I wasn't sure if I'd be teary-eyed when I dropped him off.

I wasn't -- thankfully! I didn't sleep very well last night, though.

I am excited about his teacher, his school, and for the ways that he will grow and mature this year.

Here's Grayson (middle), standing outside his classroom, with his good buddies, Finley and Isaac.

Kindergarten -- here we come!!

Exploration Place

It's been unbearably hot here (15+ days of over 100 degrees), so we've been trying to be creative with some fun things to do before school starts. The boys and I headed to Exploration Place last week, and a great time was had by all!! Carter just followed Grayson around... and then he decided he was big enough to go exploring on his own.

Riding the horses outside the castle areaBoth boys loved the pretend vet's officeGiving the puppies their shots Getting to dress up... just like a vet!
Carter was playing the part of the receptionist... The travelling exhibit was called "Grossology" -- basically educating the kids on "gross" bodily functions and why we burp, pass gas, stomach growls, etc. Here they were making the guy burp. No suprise that my boys were enthralled. =)

Flying in a plane simulator

Carter checks out a steering wheel

And, dinosaur nuggets for lunch! Yum!!

Carter didn't want to hold his dino up to take a picture... he just wanted to eat... NOW!

8.12.00 -- Celebrating a Decade!

Happy Anniversary to my best friend and the love of my life!!

It's amazing what has happened in just 10 years...

3 houses, 4 pets, 2 kids, 4 vehicles, 5 cruises -- by the numbers

We've travelled as far north as Alaska, south as Curacao and Aruba, east as Maine and Novia Scotia

We have witnessed firsthand the joy of the birth of our boys, and endured the heartache of losing two other precious lives

We have learned about each other's strengths and weaknesses, love languages, and what makes the other "tick"

We have encouraged each other through struggles and hardships, and rejoiced together in our many celebrations

We are thankful to God, for it is because of Him that we can experience this blessing called marriage.

fearless

there's nothing AMAZING on this video... just documentation that my youngest is fearless. thought the uncles might get a kick out of carter diving through the the playhouse window... not once, but twice. (it happens after about a minute of the video running...)

oh, those summer nights

Cheesy popsicle smiles outside
Whoever invented the "slow melt" popsicle was a genius!!

Such a boy... a mixture of sawdust, sidewalk chalk, and some crickets he caught earlier...

I tried vincas for the first time this year and have LOVED them!! They can survive 10+ days of 100 degree weather!

Carter takes notice of the artwork. Check out the tool belt that Grayson's wearing. Why not?

They caught three crickets that night. Grayson is obsessed with insects right now.

The one thing that can stop them dead in their tracks... the UPS man!! G & C stand in awe of his truck and give him a big wave. (I secretly wish he's bringing me a package from Pottery Barn...)

And, Jerry, my rock star husband, is building sliding shelves for my pantry. From scratch. What can I say?? He's awesome. =)

Girls' Getaway

This past Saturday, my Mom and I headed up to the Kansas City area to do some shopping. It was a quick trip, but a very action-packed one!! We tried to hit all the places we wish Wichita had... like Marshalls, HomeGoods, Pottery Barn and PBKids, Crate and Barrel, DSW... the list could go on! We also tried a new restauarant -- Noodles
Here we are with our lunches... both of us had a small noodle bowl and a side salad

mine was more of an Asian flavor...

and Mom's was more of an Italian flavor with Feta on top.

Here we are at one of my ALL-TIME favorite places to eat -- California Pizza Kitchen! Yum!

Their Original BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad is the best! Right before we walked into Pottery Barn while at the Towne Center Plaza in Leawood, we looked up and saw a beautiful hot air balloon. I wish I had more of a zoom lens...

A gorgeous fountain outside Ingredient (yum!) in Leawood

Outside in the sweltering heat!

My best shopping find: a King size Ralph Lauren quilt for our bed that was $25.00! There were also matching shams for $7.99 each. Couldn't believe it!

What a fun girls' getaway!!