Weekly Happenings - 4/20 - 4/26

1.  This week started our stream of house projects.  First up?  A new driveway and sidewalk.  The kids got to go to school a few minutes late on Tuesday so they could watch the guys pour the last segment of the driveway.  They were both in awe of all of the big machines and activity, especially Garrison (even if he doesn't look like it in this picture!).

2.  On Thursday, Peyton had a field trip to the Wilderness Science Center in Overland Park and I got to go with her.  It was an awesome day for both of us - and I was super excited that she wanted me to ride the bus and sit with her (I realize this won't last forever).  The kids did really well and my group had a great time making pine cone bird feeders, taking a nature walk, "petting" Shelly the Turtle, touching a baby alligator and looking at found nature treasures under the microscope.  Needless to say everyone was exhausted after our super fun day!

3.  On Friday, it was Garrison's turn to go on a field trip.  His preschool class went to the Nelson Atkin's Sculpture Garden to see several of Tony Cragg's pieces (along with many others) and then continued their trip by visiting the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art to see several of Dale Chihuly's pieces (along with others). The best part for the adults was hearing the kids tell the tour guide everything there was to know about Dale Chihuly, and then bragging about the installations they made for their classroom!  It is so amazing to listen to our 3 year old tell us all about the artists he has learned so much about - priceless!

4.  Also on Friday, I helped Grammy with the garage sale at Grandma Mintun's house to sell the all of her things that the family did not want to keep.  It was a big job (that started before 6 AM) but we had a great turn out and sold all but 5 small boxes of things that we were then able to take to the Samaritan Center.  The weather threatened rain pretty much all day but we only had rain for about 10 minutes of the day so we can't complain.  It was a great day to spend with my Mom!

5.  After the garage sale on Friday, Grammy rode with me back home so she could help me get the kids' things ready to go.  Peyton, Garrison & Grammy were picked-up by Grandpa later on Friday afternoon for a weekend at their house.  They had a great time going out to eat, playing outside with the great weather, going to see Home at the theater and making bird houses for Peeps (which sounds like it was a ton of fun, even if they didn't quite turn out).  Garrison also invited a new game - golf using a fly swatter with dandelions being the golf ball.  The kids were also excited to see Apollo who has extended his vacation at Grammy & Grandpa's until all of our house work is done.

6.  While the kids were away, the parents, we played!  Chad & I spent the weekend downtown in our "hometown" and it was a ton of fun!  On Friday night we met 3 other couples who are parents of Peyton's friends at Tannin which was a great place for dinner and wine.  We stayed out WAY past our bedtime (I'm talking past 2 am) but had a great time getting to know everyone better.  On Saturday we slept in a little then took a trip down to the City Market to check-out the Farmer's Market where we bought some tasty bread, enjoyed coffee and lots of people watching!  Then we were off to the Liberty Memorial to check-out the WWI museum.  This has been on Chad's list to check-out for a while so we were excited to finally make it.  And it was amazing.  The exhibits were fabulous, the view from the top of the tower was incredible - all in all it was a great activity!  Next we went to the Plaza for a bite to eat at PF Changs and then we did a little window shopping before heading back to the hotel for more people watching and relaxing before dinner.  We also stopped on our way back at Christopher Elbow to get some gourmet chocolates - they are as delicious as they look!  On Sunday we wrapped-up our staycation with room service for breakfast and then an early morning showing of Insurgent.  Before we knew it, it was time to head home and see the kiddos!  It was a great getaway weekend for us without going far!

7.  Before I forget (because I have for the last several weeks), I need to add one of Garrison's sayings - right now, he likes to say "I am getting drinky" for when he is thirsty.  Trust me, it is adorable!

Weekly Happenings - 4/13 - 4/19

1.  On Monday, Peyton was out of school.  As a special treat, Grammy came to spend the day with Peyton and they had a great time!  They went out to McDonald's for breakfast, ran a few errands, played lots of games and then it was off to the mall.  They shopped at American Girl, Peyton made an Elsa Build-A-Bear and they fine-dined at the pretzel stand (sitting on the ledge, Peyton's favorite part).  They had a great time!!

2.  For months, Peyton has BEGGED to go to Culver's for dinner for their family night on Monday night to take advantage of their face painting.  We were finally able to make it on a Monday and look at the result - she was thrilled, so was Garrison!

3.  On Friday, Peyton's friend Isabella invited us and Hailey's family over for a cookout.  We had a fantastic time and the weather was beautiful!  We even stayed out super late - 9:45 before the kids were in bed.  It was so great to have a relaxing night with friends!

4.  Peyton had a birthday party on Saturday that was a spa party.  She had a great time - they had mashed banana masks, cucumbers for their eyes and freshly painted nails.  How fun!

5.  On Saturday evening, we joined Daddy's work group for fun at the Royals game.  We got there about an hour before first pitch to walk around the stadium, play in the "Little K" and grab some food.  The kids also got to meet two of Daddy's co-workers that are from China (Sylvia) and Japan (Sean) which they thought was pretty cool!  We had a fantastic time at the game - the kids watched the game a lot, behaved really well and we even made it to the end of the game!  Unfortunately the Royals didn't win but we still had a great time!!

 

6.  On Sunday morning, Grandma & Grandpa Todd came up for a visit.  They weren't here long before Peyton brought out the games for everyone to play.  They played Hoot Owl Hoot, Princess Yahtzee and Memory.  We capped off our visit with a trip to Cheddar's for lunch - always a hit!  

Weekly Happenings - 4/7 - 4/12

1.  Peyton had a field trip on Thursday and this time Daddy got to join in on the fun!  Their trip was to Deanna Rose and Daddy was in-charge of Peyton and two of her friends from class.  They explored all morning and they kept Daddy on his toes!

2.  Saturday was a busy day for us.  Daddy started with mowing the yard while the kids & I stayed busy picking up inside and changing all of the beds, etc.  When we were all done with our first set of projects, it was time to get our garden started for the year!  The kids did such a great job helping even out the dirt, planting the seeds and plants and giving the garden its first drink of the season!  This year we planted a tomato plant, cherry tomato plant, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, lettuce and spinach.  We were pretty successful last year so we hope our 2nd year goes as well or better!  I think these are the two cutest gardeners around!!

3.  On Saturday afternoon, Peyton went to her friend Audri's house to help her celebrate a belated birthday with their other friend Victoria.  These three were inseparable when they were all still at daycare together so it was fun for them to get to spend the day together!  They played outside, acted like princesses and had snacks and of course - cake!

4.  While Peyton was away, Garrison enjoyed some time with Mommy & Daddy on his own!  He helped Daddy with some more outdoor projects, got to help pick-out dinner and play outside with undivided attention.  We had a great time!

5.  On Sunday, Daddy had his first golf tournament of the season and guess what - HE WON!!  What a way to start the 2015 season - congratulations Daddy!

6.  Also on Sunday, Grammy & Grandpa came up to spend part of the day with us and we had a great time!  The kids have a new favorite game - Hoot Owl Hoot - so we started with that and then moved on to games like Go Fish and High Card.  Peyton insisted that we go to Freddy's for lunch, mainly because she wanted to go up to the counter to order her own ice cream at the end of lunch!  After lunch it was nap time for Garrison and Grandpa while the girls ran a few errands.  We stayed busy but before we knew it, it was time for them to go home and take care of Apollo!

7.  After Garrison woke up from his nap, the weather had improved and we took our play outside!   Bubbles and chalk, welcome Spring!  We also grabbed the stroller and took a nice walk.  The kids both had fun taking turns pushing the babies.  Garrison even found a few rocks for his ever growing rock collection along the way.  It was a great afternoon!!

8.  I must admit, I'm nervous to actually say this, but I think Garrison has now fully mastered the whole potty training business!  He has gone several weeks now without a single accident and stops mid-play to take care of his business.  We are SO proud of him!!  Yay Garrison!!!

Weekly Happenings - 3/30 - 4/5

1.  Monday - Wednesday, we tried to keep the kids on routine as much as possible which was good for them.  On Wednesday evening, we went to Clinton to be with our family and prepare to say our final good byes to Grandma Mintun.  

2.  On Thursday, we went to the funeral home to see Grandma before her service.  She looked very peaceful and her bruises were gone.  She was buried with many of her favorites - her Bible, her flashlight and her inhaler.  The graveside service in the afternoon was very nice.  We then enjoyed a family dinner afterwards before going back to Grammy & Grandpa's.

3.  Friday was spent trying to help out as much as we could around Grandma's house.  There is still a lot more work to do but we made a dent which will help Grammy (hopefully) at least a little.  Although not under the best of circumstances, it was nice to have extra time to spend with the St. Louis Mintun family while they were all in town.

4.  Saturday was more of the same - lots of work around the house and family time.  Peyton & Garrison came over on Saturday, as did Chad, to help and spend time at Grandma's.  The kids had a lot of fun playing and were really talkative with the STL Mintuns and other friends that stopped by!  Check-out Garrison during his nap - hands in his pants and all.

5.  Saturday afternoon we tried to get back to a bit more "normal"!  We started our Easter celebration with dying Easter Eggs.  The kids had a ball and did a great job!  Check-out the final product!  We then went out to eat for dinner which was a nice outing.

6.  Sunday brought Easter and all that goes with it!  The Easter Bunny left some baskets with lots of goodies included!  Some favorites included Superhero and Frozen cereal (seriously, a big hit!), new books and other goodies.  The kids also got some goodies from Grammy & Grandpa - the highlight there was their membership to the Blue Crew for the Royals - they got decked-out in their gear almost immediately!  We attended church with Grammy & Grandpa and then the kids hunted eggs outside.  They had hunted eggs a few times on Saturday as well - they are really fast finding them these days!  The Easter Bunny may have to start hiding them in more difficult places!  It was then time to pack-up and head to the Todd/Sanders Easter celebration.  We had a great visit with Grammy & Grandpa!

7.  This year's Easter celebration was at Nana & Papa's and we had a great time seeing everyone, especially the three new babies since Christmas!  Landry, Christian and Tanner were all there and Peyton and Whitney were especially taken with all of the babies!  We had a tasty lunch and then it was time for the egg hunt!  Garrison & Morgan had a ball, Peyton & Whitney tag teamed their search and Wyatt was a great big cousin helping Garrison, Morgan and Lucas make sure they all found some eggs!  Easter wouldn't be Easter without baskets - the kids had fun with all of their goodies.  Before we knew it, it was time to head home and get ready for the week!