Weekly Happenings - 8/17 - 8/23

1.  A few weeks ago we had pictures taken for our church directory.  They turned out well - probably the first "formal" picture our family has ever taken!!

2.  On Tuesday, we had "back to school" night at Peyton's school where the parents go to meet the teacher (without the kids) and learn a bit more about how their daily schedule will work, etc.  Peyton's teacher is great and everything is going super well so far this year!  Below is the art she had hanging on the wall for that evening.  

3.  On Friday, Garrison had a field trip to the KC Ballet.  The kids have been learning all about different artists and one they have been studying, Degas, who captured his art in motion.  Garrison raved about this field trip and was proud that his class got to watch the ballerinas for longer than expected because they used their manners and were on their best behavior!  Two weeks later he is still talking about the visit to the ballet and seeing all of the boy and girl dancers!

4.  On Friday afternoon, I worked from home so I walked with one of my neighbors up to the school for pick-up.  Peyton wanted to help pull one of her friend's sisters in the wagon on the way home - fun!

5.  The last few months we have been getting "Little Passports" in the mail and it has been a ton of fun!  Each month, the kids get a package in the mail from a different country and each package includes a passport "stamp", a marker for their map and an activity.  This month, our package was from Egypt and we got a pyramid with a surprise inside.  Here's Garrison diligently working to break away the plaster to get to the surprise!

6.  On Saturday, Garrison had his first soccer game "on the real field."  He was super excited but a bit nervous when we first arrived.  After the practice session, he jumped in full force and had a smile on his face the entire time he was on the field!  He met some new friends and listened very well to his coaches!  He was also excited that Peyton & I as well as Grammy & Grandpa were there to watch him play.  

A few days before his game, Daddy helped Garrison try on all of his "gear" so he knew what to expect the day of the game.  After he was ready, Peyton tried to give him some pointers on soccer, you know, since "I am a great soccer player, I just don't play anymore!"  Chad & I could barely contain our laughter at this comment since she only semi-played one session of soccer.  ;)

7.  After the game, we went out to lunch at Salty Iguana and then to Orange Leaf to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.  It was a fun treat for everyone to enjoy!!

8.  On Sunday, the kids & I met our friends Angie, Hailey and Ethan at the zoo for a fun morning of exploring!  We had an awesome time and the kids did great playing together and walking the entire time!  One highlight was watching the zookeepers feed the orangutans through the gate up close and personal!  What a great way to spend a beautiful August morning!!

Weekly Happenings - 8/10 - 8/16

This week brought Peyton's first day of 1st grade but first it was time for a little fun.

1.  On Monday, I took the day off to spend with Peyton & her friend Hailey.  We started our day at Kaleidoscope and walking around Crown Center where we found this fun piano!  The girls had a ton of fun creating!  Next up was lunch at Fritz's and then back home for a dip in the pool.  The day went by fast and it was so fun to see Peyton out and about with one of her friends!

2.  On Tuesday, Peyton spent the day with Hailey and her mom, Angie.  They had a super fun day too with bowling, more swimming and a trip to the park!  These were two tired girls at the end of their two fun days together!!

3.  Wednesday was the big day - the 1st day of 1st grade!!  Peyton started at Cottonwood Point and her teacher this year is Mrs. Simms.  She is super pumped for the year!!

4.  Wednesday was also a big day for Garrison - his 4 year check-up!  Garrison is doing very well and growing right on schedule!  He is 36 pounds and 40" tall, 50% on both.  Most importantly, he is happy and healthy!!  Now, to get that 4-year picture with Mickey Mouse that he doesn't want me to take!  

5.  On Thursday, Peyton had her first Girl Scouts meeting of the year - aren't they adorable in their Daisy vests?  Such a fun group of girls!!

6.  Friday brought the end of the week and a trip to the K to cheer on our Royals with our friends the Heckmans.  We got to the stadium plenty early which gave us time to eat dinner and play in the outfield area before the game started.  We watched the first 4 innings before it was time to find snacks and then we were back in our seats for the 7-9th innings.  We even made it to the end of the game and were able to watch the fireworks.  This was our first firework display where Peyton and Garrison both had a bit of the "awe" feeling while watching (instead of holding their ears).  One of the best quotes, however, was Peyton wondering if the fireworks hurt God or people in heaven.  When I told her no, they didn't go that high, she says, "then I bet they like watching them too, especially Grandma Mintun."

7.  Saturday morning was pretty laid back which was good given we had our fun neighborhood block party that evening.  We played on the slide and in the pool for almost 5 hours and the kids still weren't ready to go home!  And what was great this year was how independent both kids were since they are so much more comfortable around the pool and with the slide.  They were able to play and hang with their friends without us getting in the way!  The snow cone truck even came by for a treat - can't be beat!!

Weekly Happenings - 8/3 - 8/9

1.  We have recently remodeled the laundry room (I need to take some pics and post because it turned out great!!).  One addition to the room was a couple of storage cabinets.  Garrison was Daddy's helper in putting them together - check-out the teamwork going on here.

2.  On Wednesday, Peyton had her Grammy & Peyton day and they had a great time!  They started with breakfast at McDonalds followed by a long trip to Scheels, the new sporting goods store.  Scheels even has a ferris wheel, mini bowling alley, shooting range and all other types of fun stuff!  Next up was lunch at Spin, a first for Grammy and a favorite of Peyton's, then shopping for new dance gear.  They wrapped up their day with some sweet treats - they had a fun day together for sure!

3.  On Thursday, Daddy & I took the day off for an end-of-summer fun day at Schlitterbahn.  It was more crowded than we anticipated but we had a fantastic day playing in the water, going on a couple of slides and on the lazy / wave rivers!  The weather was perfect - warm but not steamy hot and sunny the whole day.  

4.   Friday brought the kids' debut on stage with a rendition of Three Billygoats Gruff.  Peyton was the troll and Garrison was the sheep.  Both kids knew all of their lines and Peyton did an awesome job playing the part.  Garrison said his line the third time around as he was a bit nervous (in his words, "I was just freaked out a little bit") but he did great as well!  I'm so thankful for the program that comes to the kids' school to teach them acting and confidence skills!

5.  A few weeks ago, a new family moved to our neighborhood and they have a daughter that is Peyton's age.  Peyton & Claire have become fast friends and they had a playdate on Saturday.  I had fun visiting with Claire's mom, Jamie, and the girls played for several hours with dolls, they created their own obstacle course and overall had a fun time!

6.  On Sunday, Grammy & Grandpa came up for lunch and a visit.  The kids always love fine dining when they are in town so we went to Freddy's :P but had a tasty meal!  While I spent time organizing and trying to declutter / get rid of a few things, Grammy & Grandpa kept the kids busy with games and playing outside (or was it the other way around?).  We had a fun visit!!

Weekly Happenings - 7/27 - 8/2

This week was a busy one!!

1.  On Monday, Garrison had his first karate belt testing and Daddy & I were able to go for the ceremony.  Garrison had to demonstrate what he had learned over the last 8 weeks and then complete his white belt kick.  He did a great job (albeit a bit shy at first) and earned his yellow belt.  He is excited to start karate again in September!

2.  Also on Monday, Peyton & I got to celebrate Grammy's birthday with a fun afternoon and evening!  We started our celebration with manis and pedis then we were off to dinner at Ted's (Peyton's choice) which was super tasty.  The main event was up next so we drove downtown to the Music Hall where we saw "Move" a show performed by Derik and Julianne Hough (dancers from Dancing with the Stars).  We got downtown without any issues and found great parking right away so we were a bit early but it just gave us plenty of time to hang-out before the show.  Our seats were fantastic and the show was absolutely amazing!  We danced and clapped along to several of the dances and all around had a GREAT time!  Peyton did well through the show too, which was good since it started after her bedtime!  She slept through the last 15 minutes or so but all of us truly enjoyed the show.  Our exit was as smooth as our entry and we made it home before 11.  What a great way to celebrate Grammy's 60th birthday!!

3.  On Wednesday, Garrison celebrated his 4th birthday - big man!!  He started his morning with opening presents and then got to blow out a candle for his birthday donut cake!  Not a bad way to start a birthday!!  He took cookies to school to celebrate with his friends and then we went out to Olive Garden for dinner.  They brought him a tasty dessert and sang Happy Birthday to him as well - awesome!!

4.  Peyton had her science fair on Friday and she presented her research on Cheetah's.  Of course, she had to dress like a cheetah for her presentation.  She made a great display board and was proud of her work!

5.  On Saturday, we celebrated Garrison's birthday with family and friends at the house - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles style.  The weather was warm but we had such a fun time with lots of games (pass the water, balloon bop, bean bag toss and water balloons), a piñata, cake and presents!  We were so lucky to have Grammy & Grandpa, Grandma & Grandpa Todd and Wyatt & Whitney join us as well as Garrison's friends (and a few of their parents!) Zach, Ethan & Hailey, Kylie & Aubrey, Carsyn and Couper, Harlow and Zoey, Ruby and Rose.  This little man is loved by so many it is incredible!!

6.  On Saturday afternoon, Peyton's friend Victoria asked Peyton over for a play date and man did they have a great time!  They played at Victoria's, went to the pool and then out to dinner at Spin before coming to our house to spend the night (Victoria's first sleepover!).  They were up too late but had such a great time.  These girls don't see each other often anymore but they always pick back up as if they have never been apart - true friends for sure!!  The second pic is of Victoria in the scarf Peyton finger knitted for her - adorable!!