Nora Turns 2!

Nora turned two this past Saturday, December 10. She had a fun-filled day including a Candy Land-themed party. I simply cannot believe it was two years ago that this little (and I do mean little) girl came into our lives and hearts. She is so spunky, so funny and so determined (read, stubborn), and I just can't imagine life without her! Oh, and by the way, now that she is two, she insists on telling people that she is five!

So here's a funny story (or, I am told I will think it is funny someday). We were at our friends the Guernseys' house on Nora's birthday eating lunch and all the kids were upstairs playing very quietly. I decided that it had been quiet for a bit too long and went upstairs to check on them. To my surprise, I found two two-year-olds (one Micah and one Nora) and one three-year-old (Joel) covered in glue and sparkly puff paint from head to toe (and yes, that includes hair). As soon as I laid eyes on them, they knew they were in trouble, which was obvious when Joel turned and said very simply...."Mommy, we're really sorry." Oh my! What a mess!!! *Sigh...memories made, I suppose. And such is life with a toddler and a preschooler....never a dull moment!

Halloween Fun

This year, the kids really enjoyed Halloween festivities. Joel dressed up as a "scary astronaut", and Nora was her version of Strawberry Shortcake (or, as she calls it "a Strawberry Girl"). We kicked things off by attending Lone Star church's Harvest Festival, where the kids were able to play games and have fun with friends. Then, we went trick-or-treating with our friends the Raineys and the Deerings. The kids had so much fun walking around the neighborhoods, collecting candy and just being silly!

No-Nap Nora

Okay, this entry is as much an update as it is a cry for help. As of late, Miss Sassypants has decided that she is too big for naps. Now, I LOVE my little girl, but 14 hours straight with her each day with no break is a little much...especially come evening when she is a total grouch! I am hoping that this is a phase, but as I have come to learn with Nora, if she has her mind set on something, it usually doesn't change. She's such a strong-willed little girl, which I know is a great quality if it is directed in the right way. Lord, help me pray for her correctly and direct her in the way you want her to go.

It's the Great Pumpkin!

On one beautiful fall day, we enjoyed some time at The Red Barn Farm in Weston with our friends, the Raineys. Joel, Nora, Lucy and Beau had a great time looking at the animals and the pumpkins, and us adults had fun enjoying each other's company and the fabulous fall weather! I just love fall!

Puppy Pound

Side Note: After looking through my pictures from this past month, I feel like I should change the name of this blog to "The Adventures of Joel and Lucy"! These two (and of course our darling Nora)  are just so fun to photograph that I cannot help myself! 
At the beginning of September, Joel started at his little two-day-a-week preschool called Puppy Pound. The class is held at the high school and is taught by Mrs. Rose and a team of students. They do the most adorable crafts and activities with the kids, and Joel just loves going! In fact, he cries pretty much every day that is not a "school day." Here's our little man on his first day of school.

 Kissing his sissy goodbye before heading off to school.

The little sweetie even brought Lucy some nice (artificial) flowers before her first day of school! 

Bulldog Pride

In September we spent a lot of time at SHHS football games, including all the homecoming festivities. Joel really enjoys going to the games and running around with his friends, and Nora is up for anything that is social! Here's some shots of our little Bulldogs. I would like to think it is a long way off, but I know all to well that it won't feel like very long before they are playing football and cheerleading. Time just goes so fast!

 Joel and Lucy at the football game. 

 Joel, Nora, Lucy and Micah at the homecoming parade. 

Fun at the Fair

Well, as summer comes to a close, I, for one, look forward to cooler temperatures, football, soup, mums, pumpkins an cozy sweaters. However, before we can get into the full swing of autumn, we must be graced with the presence of the NW MO State Fair. This year, Joel and Nora enjoyed the fair festivities more than ever. Joel, once again, loved the rides, and he especially loved riding them with his friend Lucy. These two have made the fair a tradition of sorts, enjoying hanging out together at the fair for the past three years!

 Lucy telling Joel what ride they are going to next! 

 Best Buddies! 

This was Joel's face when I told him Lucy had to go home!

Here are pics of Joel and Lucy from the past two years at the fair. I suppose we have made this a tradition that we will keep for years to come. 

Nora had a good time riding the one ride that she was big enough to ride as well. Maybe before next year our little runt baby will be big enough to have some more fun on the rides! 

R.I.P. Buzz

We are sad to report that last Sunday we lost a beloved member of our family, our little yellow dog, Buzz. He appears to have died from complications from the extreme summer heat and was laid to rest in our backyard. The kids took the news much, much better than Jack and I did, but the member of our family who was the most torn up about the news was undoubtedly our other furry friend, Jessie. Buzz and Jessie have been inseparable since we found them, and she is slowly but surely finding out how to live without him. On the up side, we have been spoiling her silly for the past week, and she has become much friendlier and much more interactive with the kids. We are sad to lose Buzz, but we are still so happy to have Jessie to play with and love. R.I.P. Buzz. You are missed, and we love you!

Fun with Cousins!

About a week ago, we enjoyed a visit from all of Joel and Nora's cousins (four from Denver, CO and one from Springfield, MO). The kids had the time of their lives with all the kids around, enjoying everything from swimming in grandma's backyard to playing dress up. Needless to say, Joel and Nora were very very sad to see them go, and they are already looking forward to their next visit!

 Nora and her little cousin, Baby Seth.

All the cousins (Olivia, Megan, Owen, Nora, Joel, Aiden and Seth)

Iowa Bound

At the end of July, the four of us traveled up to my grandma and grandpa's house in northwest Iowa for a family reunion with my mom's side of the family. Of course, seeing extended family was wonderful, but I think the highlight of the weekend was Joel's many biking expeditions. He really became comfortable with riding his bike on sidewalks; he and Jack even rode all the way to the pool! I know he made some really good memories!