Thanksgiving 2013 Plus…..

Well,  with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season the blog has just gotten away from me.  I uploaded this pictures last week and I am just now getting back to writing the post.  I already have pictures from our 'cut down the Christmas tree excursion' on my phone so hopefully I'll be able to get them posted in a more timely fashion than the Thanksgiving photos. I find with Maddox 4 and Kennon 2 there are just tons of cool activities to do around the holidays….some things at home and a TON in the Quad City area.  Eric and I try to expose them to as much as possible.   A few weeks ago we went to the Museum…a favorite of ours.  It was a Saturday which means two things…more people and more gray hairs on my head as KTK runs from activity to activity and I lose him in the masses of people. I think Eric was working that morning so I was solo. But, the kids always love the museum and beg to go everyday. They got to make a bird feeder this visit using a piece of bread, Crisco, and bird seed.  Maddox really loved the dancing area this go around!! It seems each visit they find something a little more interesting than the last. The hardest part is just getting them out of the place :)  Generally always a break down in the coat room….

Genesis Remembrance Tree

At the beginning of the holiday season (before Thanksgiving if I remember right) we loaded up Sienna on a very warm and windy night to see the lighting of the Genesis Remembrance Tree.  Genesis (my company) moved this tree from Niabi zoo to downtown Davenport a few years ago and it is lit each season with LED lights sponsored individually by families who have lost loved ones.  We sponsored a light in remembrance of Grammy.  The money goes to Genesis VNA and Hospice and the Clarissa Cook Hospice House which is an absolutely wonderful facility that I get to see patients in occasionally. It is truthfully like walking into zen when you open the front door of the facility. What a fabulous place to spend your last days, much like the Hospice House that mom was in at the end.  The ceremony consisted of some Christmas music including the hand bells (Grammy's favorite) some singing and then the lighting of the tree.  KTK decided he had to go potty right when they were going to light the tree so we had to make a B-line for the Radisson hotel after they flipped the switch. Phew…we made it only to discover that I had somewhere lost the keys to Sienna…..Whoops!!  ( I got the 'WHAT' look from Eric when I told him I didn't have the keys) What could have been a terrible scenario turned out ok when I found them about 20 minutes later.  Grammy must have been watching over us!!  We miss you every minute Grammy. 

Peter Pan and Captain Hook's crew at Disney on Ice

We made our annual trip to Disney on Ice a couple of weeks ago.  It was really good this year and captivated both Maddox and Kennon AND our attention for the entire show. Of course Maddox's favorite part was seeing  Tinkerbell, Peter Pan and the whole (insert name of the family….I can't seem to remember) family fly high above the ice.  An annual tradition for the Kies family for sure…for as long as the kids will allow it!! 

Captain Hook about to get eaten by Tick Tock Crock!! Look out Hook!

Maddox and Mrs Kinning leading the way into the sanctuary at Our Savior

Maddox had her Thanksgiving feast at Church school the week before Thanksgiving.  The 3 and 4 year old classes had prepared some songs and then a fabulous feast complete with homemade applesauce, pumpkin bars, jello,  and yummy honey butter and cornbread.  All the parents got to enjoy the songs and feast together. The tables were decorated with handmade place mats and centerpieces that each of us got to take home. Our Savior even gave us a copy of all the recipes to the foods that were part of the feast (this has to be the most organized pre-school….. !)   The festivities were fun and we even got to meet Rowan and her parents, one of Maddox's best girl friends from Church school.  We hear a lot about Rowan and their family apparently hears a lot about Maddox :)   

Maddox is in the top row, in the middle, in the back raising her hand up as if to wave. Brown dress.  I still don't seem to have that 'parental chip' that forces my way to the front row to catch the best shot of my kid…so for now we'll settle for the back pew blurry shots..!!  Eric was even able to leave work to join us!!  Anyone that wishes to come for the Christmas celebration December 16th is welcome…  10AM and Kennon's class will sing too!! We'd love to have anyone. They call it their Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration

This was the day of the Thanksgiving feast so I thought I'd grab a few more pictures of them in their sort of nice clothes.  They both look so old…Maddox with her braid and Kennon with his big boy striped sweater.   Cuties have been a popular item in our house since they came available a few week ago. Maddox was eating like 4 to 5 a day there for awhile and KTK wouldn't touch them for some reason. So one day Maddox, very big sister like, decided to show Kennon how to peel the cuties.  The whole thing was priceless completely unsolicited by myself and in the end Kennon loved the things as much as she did!!   She was so professional and sweet in her teaching to Kennon. I swear she is going to be a teacher…but then again I think all big sister 4 year olds like to teach their little bros how to roll (right Jody??)   

I love KTK's expression on his face here!! Like he was really gathering all the info on how to peel that round orange ball and storing it away for future use. 

Maddox and cousin Carter making their oreo  Thanksgiving turkeys.  

So most of you know we got to spend Thanksgiving weekend at the Knowles house in Madison. Their home is really warm and inviting and just the perfect place to host a nice Thanksgiving feast.  Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jean came up to join in the festivities as well.  Saturday morning Uncle Tyler and Eric and the grandparents  loaded up all 4 kiddos and headed to the Children's Museum on the square!! That left Brooke and I home to enjoy one of both of our favorite activities…..COOKING…and COOKING with no kiddos is an even more special treat!!  We prepared almost all the dishes together while they were gone and even got the bird a cookin'.  Brooke has this great new oven that has it's own probe that goes into the bird and keeps track of what the internal temp is. Totally cool….which made for a perfectly done turkey. Our plates and bellies were full after the yummy feast. GREAT JOB Aunt Brooke for a wonderful meal and your inaugural turkey!!  

I had seen on the food network just before Thanksgiving these absolutely adorable oreo cookie turkeys!!    After great naps Saturday afternoon, Carter and Maddox put them together.  They really had a ball, and so did  I helping them assemble all the parts. Both kids did really well with their find motor skills and even enjoyed in a few of the sugary snacks. In fact I"m pretty sure Carter has something in his mouth in most of these pictures :)

….maybe not this one….love that smile Carter James... darn it blurry iPhone… on the list before Christmas is to get over to the camera shop to see if they can get our regular camera working!! 

Dad,  a smug KTK and Uncle Tyler…   I think KTK probably has an olive in his mouth. He took a humungo nap on Saturday afternoon and woke up to give me these great happy shots with the beautiful color of the veggie tray provided by Grandma Jean!!!  Thanks for the black olives Grandma Jean…YUMMY!

'Peaking at you Uncle Tyler'

'Don't mind if I help myself to another...'

Open shut them prayer before our dinner!!

Sunday morning it was superbly warm for Madison so we bundled up and went over to the park so conveniently located like 200 feet from Uncle Tyler and Aunt Brooke's front door :)  The kids had fun and I was able to snap a few good colorful shots with the nice bright sun.   Happy kids when they all have their own space and no toys to share !!   

Ok…so I thought I'd challenge myself to get a shot of all 3 of them (Reid was at home taking his morning nap).  Both Maddox and Carter bought in, but little stinker KTK was definitely NOT going to participate. You can tell he is even trying NOT to smile. Making sure to turn his head just enough to not look at the camera.  We'll catch ya next time Kennon. Maddox and Carter look great with their hats and the nice brightly colored coats!!  Love to see the cousins together. 

Thanks to the Knowles family for hosting and to the grandparents for lending an extra hand at the museum and during the weekend.  It is nice to be able to to all stay under one roof and more importantly build the cousins' relationship, traditions, and memories.  So glad to have you on the Midwest side Knowles family. 

Look at that pout!! Very purposeful.  

So let's see what else is new..!!  Maddox is becoming whitier and smarter…  I need to start writing down our conversations because they are so fabulously funny!! She is a smart cookie and remembers the craziest things.   She is growing like a weed. Last night at church she had these black leggings on and looked so tall!! I bet she has even grown since my last post when we had gone for her 4 year old check up. Eric and I have already been thinking about the school year for 2014. We have a couple of options for the state funded 4 year old program.  We are pretty sure we'll keep her at Our Savior. So she'll go there 5 mornings a week from 8.45-11.45.  She really seems to love it there more than Kindercare, as does KTK, so it just makes sense to have her go there for the 4 year old preschool program rather than Kindercare's.  But we'll see. I'll have to stand in line on January 10th outside in the cold for likely greater than 2 hours to get her in. The doors open at 10AM for the registration process and last year I got there at 7am just to get her into the 3 year old program. I'll need to get there earlier this year for the 4 year old program….YES…I know crazy…but a sign that it is one of the best pre-schools around.  Kennon is still working on his potty training.  He does fine at Kindercare and generally fine at Our Savior but just is happy as can be to go in his pants here at home if he is busy doing something!!  So the process continues.   He and Maddox have really gotten into board games, more so Maddox than Kennon, and will play together and with us for a fair amount of time.  Kennon seems to be packing on the weight. He is a solid guy and has really filled out in the last few weeks or so.  He really isn't picky about food whatsoever eating just about anything with his favorites being Mac-n-Cheese and string cheese and basically any fruits and veggies other than kiwi… Come to think of it Maddox is eating her fair share of food too!!  Growth spurt. Both kids still take great afternoon naps and are looking forward to the holiday season and a visit from Santa. They are both totally into Christmas music.  We have a local station that has had Christmas music on since like Thanksgiving. They basically play the songs over and over as it is on 24 hours per day up until Christmas day.  Maddox and even Kennon are starting to know all the songs and even their words!! she is extremely emphatic if the station is turned to something other than the Christmas music.  

Oh I almost forgot Kennon and Maddox spent their first weekend at Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jean's a couple of weekends ago. Their first OVERNIGHT experience away from mom and dad.  It sounds like they had an absolutely ball and were absolute angels using manners and having no arguments or tantrums…hmmmmmm how does it always work that way??   Anyhow Eric and I got a ton of Christmas shopping done and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves free from the job of being a parent for like almost 36 hours!!  Thank you thank you thank you Grandpa and Grandma :) and Great Grandma Reta. 

The Planning Center is doing well!!   Two fee-only firms merged/are merging in with them. So soon there will be The Planning Center-Twin Cities (Minnesota) and The Planning Center-Fresno California. That means we are part of 6 business owners now instead of just 3.  Really cool stuff happening at The Planning Center.  These 2 other firms are truly excited to be part of the Planning Center. The Planning Center had their client open house on Thursday at the nice new office in Moline and then the employee Christmas Party on Friday. The new partners from Fresno and Minneapolis are really great and were part of the festivities on both nights. I spent a large portion of Friday night chatting with Caree who is the wife of  the new partner from Minneapolis…!!  She is fabulous and we really hit it off…! They have 6 kids!!!  Ages 12 down to 10 months. So we had a TON to talk about.    We now have another reason to head north Jody, Aunt Sue and Uncle Scott.  So The Planning Center's success is likely going to allow me to quit soon….YES…. I know I keep saying this but I think it'll happen soon.  I'm going to hang onto my great Genesis insurance to get through some Dr. appointments in January but then hopefully I'll be hanging my hat up on physical therapy pole for a while.  You all can hold me to it…!! 

Halloween and a 'few' other tidbits

Disney Jr Live came to Moline a couple of weeks ago. I wish I could have captured the sheer excitement on both Maddox and Kennon's faces as they sat on the edge of their seats and watched Sophia, Jack, Cinderella, Tinkerbell, Mickey and Minnie.  So absolutely fantastic to see them interact with the show. Definitely sealed the deal that the Kies family will be making our inaugural trip to Disney in 2014!! 

All the characters...see who you can pick out??!  

Maddox getting ready for her final soccer game.

Maddox is done with her first season of soccer.  Most of you know she didn't really love it. But she did a great job the last game a couple of weeks ago and even kept the other team from scoring a goal by running out in front of the ball and kicking it out of the danger zone!! Way to go Maddox.  I think we should maybe sign her up for one more season just to see if gets along a little better having a little more confidence the second time around. In fact they have another season in the Spring.  

Maddox had her 4 year check up on Monday. She is 35 1/2 pounds and is 41 1/2  inches tall. I have no idea what percentile that is but Dr. Delessio didn't make any comments so we'll just go with it.  I talked to Dr. about Maddox's frequent bruising and continued dis-coordination. She ordered a couple of blood tests, both of which came back perfect and recommended getting her into Tae Kwan Doe or dance class. She even gave us the name of a dance studio in Bettendorf she thought would be good for Maddox.  I plan to take her back to Dr. Pyevich in January for her yearly check up. He is the pediatric orthopaedic Dr. we saw about a year ago who said come back to me in a year if she is still falling down a lot....which she does!!  I have also noticed her knees have become more hyperextended in the last 6 months as well.  Maybe I need to get her into a good Physical Therapist... Ha Ha Ha....I'm sure you are thinking  'just do PT with her Laura' but it doesn't work that well in our own environment!!    We'll see what classes I can get her into in the coming months.  

We went to the commercialized pumpkin patch this year. Just couldn't fit in a trip out to the farmish one we normally go to. But, it was just as well, as both kids had a BALL jumping in the 2 jumpy houses that the garden center had while I picked out the pumpkins!!  Not sure they even cared what the pumpkins looked like they were just happy to be a jumpin' .

Maddox and Kennon both got on the tutu band wagon a couple of weeks ago. They were so cute twirling around the living room!!  Kennon's skirt is of course one of Maddox's and Maddox's skirt was hand made by Aunt Diane and cousin Hannah. So fun!!  When they behave well and don't pick on each other they are such a JOY to be around. This was one of those times. Just look at the happy smiles on their faces. 

Maddox and Kennon  practicing with their props for Halloween. Maddox with a fairy wand and KTK with his sword!! He's even got the stance down. 

Grandma Jean Maddox Kennon and Grandpa Jim carving pumpkins. 

 The Sunday before Halloween we invited Grandpa Jim and Grandma Jean over for some pumpkin' carvin' fun!!  Well I have to say KTK was really the only one interested in putting his hand in all that goop!!   Maddox still with the trait of not really wanting to get her hands dirty but  Kennon got right  in there. I think the pumpkins turned out great but best of all that we got to have G'pa and G'ma help us!!  Grandma Jean came with a BOAT ( or should I say Tundra ) load FULL of fun Halloween activities for the kids to do after the carving fun.  There were so many we didn't even have time for them all!!  My favorite ( and I think the kids' too) the HUMAN MUMMY!! We quick had some home made soup after the activities and then loaded up for the Bettendorf Halloween parade...which proved to be a parade we'll probably consider skipping next year.  Kinda blah!! But it was good to be outside in the sun, to see the pretty leaves and spend time with family. 

Cotton ball ghosts!! Notice that EACH kid has their own bottle of Elmer's Glue....that Grandma Jean sure does know it's way more fun to have your OWN bottle than to share with your big sis!!  Maddox is making the 'I'm working on a project face'.....complete with tongue action. 

Next up...baked bean can mummies. 

I love the look on KTK's face here. 

Super genuine smiles!! LOVE IT! 

Where's Kennon????

So despite the cold sort of rainy weather the kids and I headed out trick or treating last Thursday.  Both were totally in tune with the fact that they were going to get candy, a slight change from last years experience.  Since trick-or-treaters were slightly on the reduced numbers due to the weather most of the people handing out candy were more than willing to let the kids have more than one piece!!  In fact Maddox capitalized on the fact that most of our neighbors just put the bowl down in front of her and let her have free reign. We only made it down about half of our street and back again before it was time to go home and get WARM and fill up on Papa Murphy's Halloween Jack o Lantern pizza.... Wow...why didn't I come up with that idea.  I think the entire Quad Cities was having Papa Murphy's pizzas that night.  

So the Tuesday before Halloween Kindercare had a Fall Festival. They decorated each of the rooms at the center and had the kids dress up and go from room to room enjoying the fun. Kennon's room was turned into a Haunted Forest and Maddox's room had games and decorate a graham cracker, bobbing for ducks.  One room had a photo op and the other a big Halloween cake.. ( which if you can believe we actually skipped!!...)  The event was in the evening and allowed all parents to come. We ALL had a ball despite the fact that it wasn't really in my plan for the evening but when both kids came begging to me at pick up to go to the Halloween party I knew there was no following my plan for the night which just consisted of dinner and baths.  So glad we went though!! Super fun time.  Despite my frustrations with the center they sure do know how to make the kids feel loved and special. 

Maddox initially was not all that happy to have her Tinkerbell wings pinned on her back. Apparently the safety pin was 'poking'  her ( even thought I know it wasn't they probably just felt funny back there ) but after a ride in the car seat and a great big hello from the center director Mrs Maribeth everything was ALL GOOD!! 

Kennon, as Uncle Tyler put it, OWNED that pirate costume!!  He was so darn cute and just strutted around with his sword like he was ready to fight Captain Hook. AARRRGH Buddy!! 

He looks so old in this picture ...he is growing up.... sad..... 

Well this was the only real action trick-or-treating shot I got. Maddox was too quick for me running from house to house .The only reason I got this one is because the blue rain boots were too big for him so he had to walk or sort of hobble along.... As you can see though, breezy, rainy,  and no smile in between houses as it was CHILLY. Maybe next year we'll luck out with better weather. 

Carter and Maddox making pumpkin pie frosting in a Ziploc bag!! You mix it all up in the bag...no bowl needed and then pipe it out onto graham crackers!! YUM.  This was one of Grandma Jean's projects we didn't get to the previous weekend. We were happy to have the pre nap activity!!

We had a great visit with the Knowles' last weekend. Aunt Brooke and Uncle Tyler had tix to the Hawkeye game on Saturday against Wisconsin. So Eric and I watched all 4 kiddos!!  Phew...!!  I have to say it was the littlest one Reid who was by FAR the easiest.  He is such a happy little guy just smiles and is happy to crawl about and play with his toys.  Now the other 3 really needed a bit more chaperoning and I owe it to Eric for keeping those 3 kiddos under control. He even got all 3 kids down for naps completely BY HIMSELF while I gave Reid lunch and got him down for his afternoon nap.  There was actually an overlap of about 20 minutes where all 4 were sleeping at the same time!!!   ( and then Maddox woke up) Carter was genuinely perfect ( and I mean that in the sincerest way extremely well behaved), Maddox did a pretty good job of following directions, obeying, and playing with Carter but KTK.... boy that kid has gotten into a mean streak lately.   He is just really into hitting, pinching, patronizing and disobeying at the highest level possible.  I called him the devil child today in a text to Eric after he peed on the bench in the kitchen and then threw his chips from his lunch plate into the pee!!!  Now,  I'm not too upset about the pee....as he is cold and then hot with the potty training.... but the chips INTO the pee!! C'mon.  That is just how his little mind is rolling right now. Let's see what I can do to really urk mom and more excitedly!! what can I do to make Maddox run to mom crying.  Maddox on the other hand has had a bit of swing the opposite way. She has been quite good in the last couple of weeks. We are of course praising her behavior and hope that her 'good' streak continues...because now our attention is on getting Kennon back to the cute little sweet funny toddler that he was about 4 weeks ago. I know he's in there somewhere!

Saturday after the game we loaded up all the kiddos in Sienna and Pathfinder ( not sure what you all are calling your vehicle Knowles family) and headed out to the cemetery for our first visit to 'Grammy's box'  as we are calling it.  We explained to the kids that Grammy's spirit is up in Heaven and Grammy's box is just a place to go to remember her. I'm quite certain Maddox is still processing that  but it's the best we can do. I AM however CERTAIN she knows she is up with God and now up with Great Grandma Berg and giving us strength from above and ALSO watching our behavior :) The headstone company started setting Grammy's headstone last week so we were excited to see how it looked. Unfortunately only the base was in place....so we didn't get to see the 'pretty' part but that made for like the perfect launching pad and bench for the kids to stomp on. In any normal case I would have been mortified to let my kids jump and stomp on a grave but I am QUITE certain that Grammy was looking down smiling as she watched the kids frolic on her base.  We even managed to get them to all sit down on 'Grammy' and snap a picture. You can just see the granite base through their little legs.  It was a bitter sweet moment...super sad...really miss her but great to see the kids just embrace Grammy's box.  They are so resilient.  I absolutely love all their faces in these pictures I had to post them all. The sun was just right to kiss their little cheeks.  Check out the hats!!! 

Uncle Tyler reading books to the cousins before bed Saturday night.  "My buttons my buttons my four groovy buttons"

My  'little' happy nephew  Reid....!!! Love that smile.