Katelyn's 6th Birthday

The festivities started on Sunday the 8th when we had a combined family/friends birthday celebration. Katelyn chose a glamour cats theme and invited several of her classmates as well as family and friends. The kids played pin the tail on the donkey and a hot tomato game which they seemed to really enjoy. We had juice boxes, cake, and ice cream sandwiches and opened gifts. Katelyn's got so many cute things and was so excited to open gifts in front of everyone. On her birthday day (Tuesday) Ryan took off early from work and we went to the ever famous Chuck E. Cheese. We didn't eat there since their food is less than desirable but allowed the kids to play for an hour or so. We then went to Greenfields for a pancake supper and home for baths and bedtime. Funny story I thought I'd share to commemorate Katelyn growing one year older. The Friday night before her bday her and I had a girls supper at Runza (her favorite) and I forgot to order her honey mustard. I told her to go up to the counter and ask politely for some honey mustard which she proudly did. When she came back to the table I told her how proud I was and that she is growing into such a big girl. Her response.......

"Do you want me to drive you home Mommy?"

It was so flippin cute, I can't even tell you. She said it so nonchalantly! I am so proud of the little lady that she is becoming but so sad that time if flying by so quickly. I can't believe I have a 6 year old!!

And, now for a POTTY UPDATE on Cooper!!!!
We have finally turned a corner after 3 months of potty training and Cooper is finally managing to not only stay dry in his underwear BUT he is pooping in the potty too! HUGE RELIEF! I was beginning to think he'd have to go to preschool in training pants. I am so proud of him for this accomplishment. It amazes me how you can go from battling them just to pee in the potty a couple of times a day to 3 dry days in a row. Go COOP!!!! Love you buddy!

Can we say "Chaos?"

CHAOS=MESSIAH WINTER CARNIVAL

A couple of weeks ago Messiah held its annual winter carnival fundraiser. We took both kids this year and they both had a blast. Cooper really got into the games this year while Katelyn preferred jumping in the bounce house and sliding down the huge inflatable slide. While the number of kids and families there and the noise was quite maddening, it was all worthwhile! A few ibuprofen and a good nights sleep later the night proved to be a SUCCESS!

Vacation flashback

This video is of the kids first glimpse of the ocean when we went to Cape Cod.

Christmas Take 2

Christmas Take 1

Our Christmas was crazy busy this year but we had a blast. This was the first year that Cooper really had a good take on what was going on and he was so cute to watch. Our celebrations started on Christmas Eve. We packed up that morning and took off for Ryan's parents for a delicious home cooked meal. The kids were allowed to open 1 gift each which was there Christmas Eve pj's from Mom and Dad. They were then given a gift together which was a Gingerbread Train kit. We spent the afternoon decorating that which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. Cooper and I took a nap since I was up until 3 am doing last minute Christmas stuff. We made a quick stop at Great Grandma Kelso's apartment where we were greeted with a big tin of her world famous fudge!! We were then off to church at my parents church for the childrens program which my nephew and 2 nieces were in. After church it was to my sisters house for soup, sandwiches, and cinnamon rolls (yummy). We exchanged gifts and laughed til we about peed our pants. Apparently evening Christmas celebrations make my family a bit crazy! We arrived back home in Lincoln at 1 am and shortly after, hit the sack. Christmas morning we had a nice, not so quiet gift opening witht the kids. We were able to play with their new stuff for awhile and then I had to nap and head to work where I had a horrific night (a whole separate story). Friday was cleanup day at our house to prepare for the Neumann family Christmas at our house. Everyone came over at 11:30 am on Saturday and we had a fantastic meal and gift exchange. The afternoon was spent just hanging out, looking at my scrapbooks, video gaming, and eating pie. I actually made a homemade pear pie which turned out fantastic. No, really IT DID! I was so proud of myself. Thanks so much to all of our family for making Christmas so special and fun this year. Can't wait for next year!!

Club Kicks Christmas Recital

The recital took place on Sunday, Dec. 14th which if you recall was a SUPER cold day. We braved the low temps and made it to Katelyn's dance recital. They performed at the Cotner Center first for the residents and then for family. The girls were adorable and the recital inspired Katelyn to start doing ballet. So after the first of the year we are going to get her signed up.

Star City Parade

One benefit of Ryan working downtown is the ability to watch the Star City Parade from inside his building downtown. This was the first year that we went and the kids really enjoyed it. The view from Nelnet's windows was perfect and we were even able to hear the music as the bands went by. It was toasty warm. In fact, we were complaining that it was soooo hot sitting in that window sill. I am willing to bet that the people outside would have switched places in a heartbeat so please forgive me for complaining.