Catching up

Yesterday we went to Bruneau with Josh to visit our friends the Colyers. They were having a heifer sale and dinner. Kyle and Bobby Jean are Emma's godparents and they have a little girl, Piper, who is a couple months older than Emma. It was nice seeing them and some other folks we hadn't talked to in awhile. We always end up staying late because we don't see each other often enough, so it was a very late night, but we're so glad we all went. 

Seems like the week went by fast, but I can't remember what all we did! It was nice to not have a work deadline and focus on more time with the girls and some house stuff. One afternoon MJ and I played restaurant. I wish I could bottle some of her energy and imagination. It would come in handy many days! I finished trimming rose bushes and hedges outside today, so I feel the yard is almost ready for winter. I'd like to get some fertilizer on it soon and cut one more time before it gets too cold. Yesterday we woke up to rain, which was nice for the lawn. I haven't had to water it much lately. Luckily, the weather cleared when we left town. 

Mackenzie had another soccer clinic in the morning. She has gone three times and has one more this fall. She says she's having fun. Last Wednesday, she kept running off the field and back to me, but this time she participated in all the drills and did well. They are just learning all the fundamentals. We'll see if she likes it enough to play in the games next year. Right before they ended the session, they let the kids all go after the ball and try to make a goal. She got right in there and enjoyed running around with the other kids. Some days she seems really timid and not interested; others more aggressive and ready to play. Not too concerned about it. I just want her to try the things she wants and stick with whatever activity she decides to do. 

My friend Jennifer recently posted about things she was thankful for. I thought I'd try that too. It's always nice to stop and remember the good things in life even if we're caught up in the craziness of it all. 

Things I'm thankful for today:

Spending time snuggling with Josh and the girls in bed in the morning.

Watching my children running around the yard laughing and enjoying the fresh air.

Catching up with old friends. 

The smell of a homemade apple pie baking in the oven.

No immediate work deadlines.  

Trip to the firestation

Last Thursday, Mackenzie had her first preschool field trip-a trip to the local firestation. Emma and I were able to go along too. They learned about fire safety, got to use the hose to put out pretend fires and rode in the fire truck. Mackenzie even answered some of the firemen's questions about safety. Both the girls enjoyed the outing. 

When the EMT asked if the kids wanted to climb inside the ambulance to look around, Emma was the first to jump right in. She didn't want to get out either! She's our little adventurer.

Grandma Jo and Granddad Brock

I admit I did a terrible job taking photos the week my folks were here. I guess we were just so busy. But, I did get one of them with the girls before they left. We had a great visit. They helped us finish up some projects around the house and we had plenty of time to catch up. 

I think they enjoyed being able to help us get more settled, and we can't thank them enough for their help. The girls sure enjoyed the time with them too. I wish we lived closer, but we were figuring out all the time we've been able to see them despite the distance, and for that we feel very blessed. It's also nice to know as much as I love visiting Kansas and having them visit us, I know this is our home. That's a great feeling to know my parents gave me roots and wings. Thanks again. Love you both! 

Funny story: We were all sitting at the table one morning while MJ was working on a new coloring project she got for her birthday (similar to this picture). My Mom and Dad were there and we were all just watching her. I wondered to myself if she knew we were and all of a sudden without looking up or missing a beat, she asked, "Why is everyone staring at me?" It was the funniest thing. She comes up with some really funny stuff. One of her preschool teachers said she is a really funny kid and makes her laugh all the time without even trying. 

On Sunday, we had family over to celebrate MJ's birthday.  

Friend party

On Saturday, MJ had friends over to play for her birthday. They had lots of fun despite a very good rain the night before. 

Luckily, the clouds cleared and they enjoyed time outside. Emma also got a new baby too. When I handed her the bag to open, she looked at me with an expression as if to say, "For me?" She carted that baby around everywhere feeding and taking care of it. 

Not to miss any of the fun, Emma also got some treats including some new ColorWonder markers (the no mess kind) and a Cars book to write in. Granddad Brock helped her get started. 

She also wanted to try on MJ's new jacket. She kind of has a thing for jackets and loves pulling them out of her closet to try on. 

MJ and Grandma Jo had fun frosting some strawberry cupcakes for the birthday party.

MJ's birthday

On Friday, Sept. 19, Mackenzie turned five years old. My parents flew into town that afternoon so we picked them up at the airport then ran a few errands around Nampa. After a stop for Idaho Pizza Company to grab dinner we headed home. MJ picked out dessert at Albertsons then we enjoyed a little mini family party. She opened presents from us and family in Kansas.