Weekly Happenings - 10/10 - 10/16

1.  On Monday, Daddy left for his first work trip in a LONG time with his new job!  He was off to Minnesota for the week and he had a great week meeting some of his new co-workers who aren't located here at his local office, attending all-hands meetings and getting some training.  All in all I think it was a busy week but very productive!!

2.  With Daddy away, the kids were super cooperative and we had a great week!  Monday & Tuesday were dance for Peyton and Garrison was a trooper and very patient while she had her classes!  On Wednesday, Grammy came up to help with logistics since Peyton had piano at the same time as Garrison's swim lessons!  On Thursday I had a work dinner to send-off one of the individuals I work with back to his home in Japan.  Grammy & the kids had a great time at Burger King and relaxing without any activities for the evening!  After my dinner, a few of us went out for drinks and to my surprise, Chad met us at the bar 3 hours earlier than he was supposed to be home!!  It was great to see him after his week away!

3.  Friday brought another busy day - Peyton was off school and Garrison had a field trip to the cider mill!  I planned to go on the field trip but had a meeting pop up that I couldn't get out of so Grammy took the kids down to the cider mill and joined the field trip until I was able to make it.  I met up with everyone in time to enjoy cider, donuts and lots of playtime on field before it was time to head home. We had a great time at the cider mill!!

4.  EARLY on Saturday morning, Chad and his friend Patrick went down the lake to play a couple of golf on a great Fall weekend and to celebrate Chad's birthday!  Here are a couple of pictures of their fun weekend!

5.  On Friday night, Peyton had Mya come over for a sleepover!  The girls had tons of fun and were even asleep before 9:30 - I couldn't believe it!

6.  Garrison was busy on Saturday with a soccer match, his 2nd to last!  It was a bit chilly at the start of the game but the boys played well and had tons of fun!!  Grammy & Grandpa joined us for the match and cheered Garrison on with Peyton & I.  Garrison also was awarded his medal - he was SO proud!!  After a quick lunch at Salty Iguana, we were back at the field for Garrison's soccer pictures.  We took it easy most of the rest of the day which was just what we all needed!  Later in the afternoon, Peyton, Grammy & I went to church.

7.  Sunday was pretty low key to start!  Grammy & Grandpa stayed the night so the kids had fun playing games with them and hanging out in our pajamas in the morning.  Before we knew it it was time for lunch - Of course, we went with our go-to on Sundays and picked-up Dickey's for lunch.  After lunch, Grammy & Grandpa went home.  After a quick rest, Garrison went on a playdate with his friend Zach while I mowed the yard and Peyton knocked several things off of her to-do list for the week!  It was a fun and productive afternoon!

8.  Here is a picture of Garrison's "acts of kindness" that he was recognized for at school.  His acts of kindness, along with his classmate's, earned them a pizza party the following Friday!  He was so proud of his recognition and of course we are too!!!

9.  On Sunday afternoon, we had our neighborhood Fall event and the petting zoo came back!  This year we had animals from a Zdonk, turtle, kangaroo, camel, skunk and rabbits to a donkey, miniature pony and a cow!  But Garrison's fan favorite was the monkey and the nice lady that was handling the monkey!  He flirted, teased and had a grand ol' time with the monkey and its handler the entire event! I can't believe I didn't get any pictures but I think she was as entertained by Garrison as Garrison was by her and her monkey!  The kids fed several animals and petted many of them too.  My personal favorite was the baby kangaroo!  Not long into the event, Daddy made it home and the kids were super pumped to see him!!

10.  Since Sunday was Daddy's birthday, after the petting zoo event we went home to celebrate Dad!!!  The kids helped Daddy open his presents and then showed him the cherry coffee cake that they had made for him!  We are so very thankful for Daddy - he is amazing in so very many ways and we are so glad that he is ours!!!  Happy Birthday Daddy!!!