First Snow

While little as it may be we had our first snow of the year last night. The kids were thrilled to see the snow and automatically asked if we were having a snow day. We have trained them well. Maybe the next one will be reason enough to dig out our snow boot and hats. White Christmas this year maybe? 

Road Trip

A few weeks ago the kids and I along with my friend Shelly and her 2 kids traveled to Springfield for a bit of kid fun and to watch our amazing runner friend Megan compete In a marathon.  We had a great trip including a visit to the science museum, bass pro shop, and lots of swimming at the hotel.  I think kids believe that anytime you stay In a hotel it is about as good as it gets.  There was lots of jumping on beds and squelling coming for our room, sorry for our neighbors.  We got up bright and early on Sunday morning to watch Megan run.  She is very brave because it was super cold.  The cold did not damped the enthusiasm of our cheering crew.  The kids were so impressed with the runners and loved cheering for everyone that ran by.  Megan came in 2nd with an impressive 2 hr 55min time.  I am always in awe of how effortlessly she makes running look.  We were super proud of Megan and grateful we had some sleepy travelers for the way home.  Way to go Megan!!

 

 

Summertime Sadness

I found this picture the other day as I was going through my camera and I had a immediate longing for summertime.  I am dying for tank tops, shades, and time off to relax with my family.  How many days till summer break?????

Halloween 2013

Again better late than never, my blogging has been on the back burner lately so I am going to try to catch up with a few posts.  Halloween has always been one of our favorite holidays but even more so that we have little ones to get in the spirit with us.  We looked a bit crazy as we all left for school on Halloween day with Briggs as a pilot, Harper as a kitty, Me as Taylor Swift, and Greg as Jack Frost from the guardians (sorry no pictures of the adults).  The kids had a blast at their school parties and did not lose steam as they headed home for more fun.  We went out Trick or Treating about 6:00 with Haddie and Hudson and a small entourage of adults to handle the kids.  Briggs and Harper got far more into the whole Trick or Treating action this year.  They practically ran from house to house collecting their treats.  We only made it about one square block before we were ready to head back and hand out some of our own candy.  Briggs loved being in charge of the handling of the candy and making sure that everyone got their fair share.  Such a fun night and so awesome to see the kids having such a great time. 

 

Hudson as the cutest banana ever!

 



Not a real photogenic bunch this year so the pictures are sparse. 

She was so proud to be a kitty and what a cute kitty she was.

The crew heading out for the first door.

 



So not excited to stop and smile for the camera.

 



I could not find our little kitty after we got back home until I found her by the back door with her bucket empty and tearing into candy as fast as she could.  Sneaky little kitty!

1st swim lesson

I have to say I was a bit apprehensive when we signed Briggs up for his first swim lesson. This is the boy who cries at the thought of getting a drop of water in his eyes In the bathtub. Much to my surprise he was a total champ. Although pretty basic he did kick with a paddle board, jump from the side of the pool, and went complety under the water.  I was very proud and impressed with his skills and great attitude. I am looking forward to watching him improve each week.      

Birthday Craziness

I am a bit overdue for birthday posts but wanted to share our celebrations none the less.  As always birthday week at our house is full of fun, parties, lots do cake, and a bit of chaos.  I love birthdays, I always have but they have taken on a whole new meaning since getting to share them with my boys.  We started the celebrations on Friday night with an adults only date for Greg and I. My mom and dad came to watch the kids so Greg and I could hit the town for some drinks and dinner.  We were able to enjoy a great dinner and even better conversation.  Being the party animals we are we still even ended up in bed by 11:00, oh how the times have changed.

We spent Saturday getting prepped for Briggs party and playing at home.  Saturday evening we headed out to our good friends, The Dickeys house for a bonfire and weeny roast.  They have such a great house for entertaining and it was a nice way to celebrate Greg's birthday.  Sunday morning I was up at the break of dawn to start making the breakfast feast for Briggs party.  I attempted my first batch of homemade cinnamon rolls and was actually pretty impressed with the end result. Briggs party was great, he loved having all his cousins over to help him celebrate. He was in heaven with his loot of cars he received.

Monday Greg and I both took the day off work to spend Briggs actual birthday with him. We left Harper with Gram for the day so we could truly devote all our efforts to Briggs. We decided to hit up Paradise Park in Lee Summit for the day and ended up having a blast. Briggs got to ride his first go-cart with Greg and loved it.  We had his favorite lunch of chip and dip before upon his request going home to play with his new toys.  Tuesday brought about his school party with yet more cupcakes and a full day of Briggs getting to feel pretty special. 

 

Can't believe that we are parents to a 5 year old, man that seems so old.  We are so proud of Briggs and the sweet little man he is becoming.  I am simply amazed everyday that I get to be the Mommy to such a awesome kid.  I know this year will bring so much growing up and so many changes for Briggs and we are so excited to experience them all with him.  Happy birthday BB.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hudson Lawrence

We are so happy to welcome the newest member to the Herron Clan, Hudson Lawrence Keeler.  He was born on October 17th weighing 8.13 lbs and measuring 21.5 inches.  I was so privileged to be able to be in the room to witness the arrival of our sweet boy.  I know I have had 2 of my own children but being able to witness first hand the miracle of birth was something that you can't put into words.  Kelli was such a trooper and did an amazing job bringing Hudson into the world.  He is utterly adorable and in a moment of weakness could make me want to have another (on second thought maybe not). We are so lucky to round out our boy to girl ratio with such a sweet little boy.  Congrats Kelli, Jason, and Haddie on your sweet little bundle. 

 

 

 

 

Picture day

Today was picture day at school and I am pretty sure we might have the cutest kids in the world. Harper is such a ham so i am excited to see what her pictures turn out like. Cheese!

Summer Recap

So it appears as if the summer came and went this year without a chance to recap the pure awesomeness of it all.  Having my whole family home all summer was nothing short of wonderful.  While Greg worked just till noon through June we still had an abundance of time to all be together.  I think being able to see the working mom side of life makes me appreciate getting to live the stay at home mom life for awhile.  As I set at school some days I literally count the days until I get to be at home with my sweeties again.  So here are a few of our favorite things/accomplishments from this summer :

 

1.  Getting up every morning without an agenda and sleeping as late as we wanted (actually make that as late as the kids wanted).

2. Our outings to Deanna Rose, the zoo, train place, parks on a daily basis.

3.  Trips during the week to visit Papa and DoeDoe.

4. Swimming. Harper going down the slipper slide at Gram's pool for the first time. Lots of backyard blow-up pool time.

5. Harper becoming potty trained.  She was a rock star with only a few accidents.

6. Briggs riding his big boy bike.

7. Harper transitioning to a big girl bed.

8. Enjoying a cup of coffee outside on cool morning while playing with the kids.

9.  Our new swing set.  I can only imagine how many countless hours we spent pushing swings.

10.   The feeling of going to bed at night with no stress and waking up without rushing around. 

 

I think Greg and I knew that we would love having our time together in the summer but never did we anticipate how perfect it would actually be.  I feel so fortunate not only that I have a job that I love but a job that affords me the opportunity to spend some good quality time with my sweet little family.  Here's hoping next summer gets here soon and we have many more beautiful summer days together.

 

Some recent pictures of our cuties!

 

Lake Perry

We braved the heat this past weekend to take in a short trip to Perry Lake with the Granfor's family.  They have 2 girls that are both within a month of age of both of our kids so it is perfect.   We headed up Saturday morning for some time on the boat, some play time for the kids, biking, swimming, and fun.  The kids have not been on a boat since before they were old enough to remember and they loved it. Of course our motor head Briggs wanted to go super fast and Harper just thought it was great being on the water.  Harper hopped right in the water with me while Briggs was very fearful of fish and decided to just dip his feet of the boat.  Seems to be pretty par for course for our two Mrs. Adventure and Mr. Cautious.  We did finally get Briggs in at the beach, he loved being able to touch.  We had fully planned on camping in our tent but the heat proved to be a bit much so we retreated to the Granfor's cabin for a crazy night with 4 kiddos in the same room.  Lets just say a few wake-ups, a throwing up child, and sleeping on a hardwood floor with 2 kids really made me feel old the next day.  Needless to say we had a great time and the kids loved seeing each other and playing.  I am sure we will be planning another trip for next year. 



Nothing says camping like bike riding shirtless.  Love those bare little arms.  Less than 3 weeks till those training wheels come off!


Feeding the fish at the marina.  Quite possibly the ugliest fish I have ever seen.  I kind of don't blame Briggs for not getting in the water now.




Admiring the view.  These two stayed in this position most of the time in the boat.


Trying to wrangle Harper from heading overboard.  I would not put it past her to jump off.



So handsome in the setting sun.

We took a sunset cruise which was beautiful.  Briggs feel asleep on the boat ride home. 

Could you die for those eyes!

Harper and I braving the fish infested waters.  Not going to lie lake water is not my favorite but I do a lot of things for my kids that I never thought I would.

Greg enjoying a mud treatment courtesy of the mud bottom lake.  He is such a kid.