Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween this year. Jackson dressed up as a dog and Kate a bee...the Queen Bee to be exact (totally fits her personality). The ward trunk or treat was a lot of fun and the kids got into trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with Theresa while Jason and I were out of town. Only downside is the mounds of candy we now have to stare down and try to keep Jackson from getting his hands on :)

Fun moments at home

I love playing with the kids in the morning because they usually are well-rested and happy. One morning I took these photos of Kate crawling and Jackson exploring his curious side...as always.

Saddle Up

A few weeks ago (October 15) we attended Jason's work party. It was held at a ranch about 30 minutes east of our home. It was fun to dress up like cowboys and cowgirls, watch Jason try to rope a calf, and eat the most amazing barbeque I've ever tasted. We had a great time. Thanks to Dr. Durrie, his wife Ann, and the amazing office staff for such a wonderful evening.

Kate's blessing day

Thanks to my Aunt Nettie, we have this one picture from Kate's blessing day. In the frenzy of her blessing and the luncheon and trying to get to my brother-in-law Sam's missionary farewell, we only took one picture. So grateful Nettie snapped it for us so we can remember this precious day.

Jackson driving

While unloading groceries a couple of weeks ago, I left Jackson in the garage to play with the bikes. He loves this. I thought I'd have just a few minutes to get the food from the car to the kitchen. When I came out to get my final load, I found this: Jackson trying to drive the car. This little boy truly is 2 going on 16. He loves to drive the car and I now find myself locking the doors so he can't get to the driver's seat. Boy, can you even imagine what it will be like teaching a child to drive a car when they're 16? I can wait 14 years to find out :)

Swinging

Kate just loves to swing. Jackson enjoyes it too especially when he's right next to his sister. In fact, at the park near our home Jackson has dubbed the swings "Kate's swing" and "Jackson's swing."

Orlando

Jason and I enjoyed traveling to Orlando, Florida for the AAO meeting a few weeks ago. It was fun meeting up with Jason's parents and his brother Eric for a couple of days. While Jason was in meetings, Sally and I headed to perhaps the best outlet mall I've been to. It was fun spending that time with her. We were also able to attend Jason's presentation Sunday before we flew out. He did a great job and I'm glad I was able to see him present the findings of a study he's been working on during his fellowship.

Kate's "friend" in the mirror

Kate has discovered a "friend" in the mirror. Sure, it's just her reflection staring back at her but she thinks this little girl staring back at her is just so funny. I love this stage when they're starting to discover more about things around them. Kate is no less curious than our Jackson. Boy, wish us luck.

Monkey Bizness

We found a great little inside play area for Jackson and Kate called Monkey Bizness. It's one of those made-of-sponge places where you can let your kids run wild and play with anything and not worry about them getting hurt. Jackson loves to climb on everything and Kate likes to play with their little cars.

Deanna Rose Farmstead

We loved spending lots of time at the Deanna Rose Farmstead this summer and fall. It is a petting farm about 10 minutes from our house that has a lot of fun attractions and is free. Jackson loved to ride on the tractors and looking at all of the animals. Kate still doesn't understand what's so great about this place but she likes to do anything Jackson does so it worked for both kids. I'm so grateful for all of the many inexpensive family attractions - like this - that are offered in Kansas City,