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. 

We are still HERE!!

Phew....well I have gotten way off the blog bandwagon. So sorry for those Kies Family followers who have been checking to continually see the 'Tinkerbell' post.   It just seems other things have been more important than the blog lately. I've also been on a bit of a photo hiatus!!  So as you glance through all the wooded family pictures I think you'll find some cute ones of the kids. We had our neighbor take these family photos last week.  I think most of them turned out great.  They are taken at the quarry just down the road from our house....I had no idea this great photo space existed.  I love how she was able to capture the reflection of the trees in the water.  The kids did a fairly good job of cooperating with Kim and she showered them with candy when they fulfilled her directions!!  Hey, it works!  My favorites are of both Kennon and Maddox together and solo. Great expressions on Kennon's face!!

Flowers from my garden...they are loving this cool fall weather!!  So pretty!! 

The next set of pictures are just sort of random ones. Eric and I were lucky enough to catch a Hawkeye game at Kinnick the end of September.  Thanks to Grandma Jean and Grandpa Jim for coming over to watch the kiddos!! They were even brave enough to take both the kids to the Family Museum for a special Dance Day AND they even made at stop at McD's for lunch before coming home for naps!! What a totally cool special treat. So glad they got to enjoy the day with them. Eric and I made a quick stop at Scheels as the game was a total blow out. I picked up these cute hair bands and have already gotten a fair amount of use out of mine. Maddox isn't so keen on hers..but I have started French braiding her hair quite a bit which she doesn't seem to mind.  It is just the right length to get two small ones in.   She is looking soooo old and is growing up. 

I think Kennon is thinking 'what is that silly thing on your head?'

But, to give him a little credit...he is fresh up from a nap here...!!  That kid loves his afternoon nap...sometimes 3 hours!

My favorite Quad City Art Fair, Riverssaince was the same weekend as the Hawkeye game as well as the same weekend that Eric and I decided to throw the Quad City Half Marathon into our schedule. After the 1/2, Maddox and I loaded up and headed for the fair while Kennon and Eric hit Lowe's for a guys trip. Maddox was exquisitely well behaved, enjoyed the sun, art and playground, danced with me to the live Jazz music, and painted in the kid's art tent. Kennon was apparently blessed with the same great attitude. Eric said he thought they were going to hire him as 'store manager' before they left. He just smiled and waved and greeted everyone that came near their shopping cart. I think it is really important to bank in 'solo' time with the kids. They really need to know they are each individually special.  

Maddox and I soaking up the 70 degree sun while she played her little heart out at the playground nearby the festival. I just sat and enjoyed the Jazz music and watcher her little smile as she found new friends to play with each time a new family come over. 

Random fun time in the tree house after nap!!

Not sure how many of you know but Great Grandma Berg was transferred from her assisted living facility to a nursing home back in mid September.   She is now on hospice but has been doing sort of ok  but seems is on the downhill slide the last couple of days per reports from Papa Dick.  The kids, Eric and I drove up to see her new abode ie ROOM a couple of weeks ago. Luckily it was a beautiful fall day AND there is a playground right behind the nursing home.  The kids had a ball but more importantly Great Grandma's face lit up when she saw the kids!!  She was so happy to see them.  We stayed till we had ridden every wheelchair and made a 100 laps up and down the hallway!!  The kids were good but the four walls of the building closed in rather quickly post the 1.5 hour mark or so.  The extremely friendly staff LOVED the energy of the kids and we even got to see the therapy dog!! We topped off the visit with a nice dinner with Papa Dick at California Pizza Kitchen. We are planning another trip up to visit Grandma this weekend!! She is going to be 94 the end of the month!! PHEW!

We met our friends the Wentlands at the Quad City Balloon festival the last weekend in September. It was too windy for the balloons to actually launch but they still blew several of them up for the balloon glow as it got dark.  The kids really got a kick out of them and enjoyed playing with the Wentlands and some of their neighbors.  Little Kennon was a crazy fool kicking their football around...yes kicking.... he kinda had the wrong ball but he didn't seem to mind. The kid is SOOO much more sports inclined than Maddox. Speaking of Maddox and sports.... she has her last soccer game this weekend.  I"m sure she isn't too sad ;)  But she has actually improved.  Her last game she threw the ball in a couple of times ( you know you have to throw it in when it goes out of bounds....or at least I think that is one of the rules...) and she did actually kick it once or twice as well.  Eric has remained a sort of assistant coach and is out on the field with Coach Ken the entire game. This has inevitably helped Maddox to be less fearful.  We are really proud of her and praise her for stickin' it out!!  Way to go Maddox. .......but look out next year....Kennon is gonna run the ball all over the field!! 

I snapped this picture at the park after I picked the kids up from Kindercare a couple of weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and the sun was just right. I just love his little toothy/tongued smile!!

So I have jumped on the Frozen Yogurt bandwagon....and the kids have benefited from my love as well. We have our favorite spot called Peachwave!! It is really close to the house and always has some of our favorite flavors. Kennon really has no idea of all the choices of candies behind that wall!! For now he is happy to just have whatever Maddox gets which is sprinkles gummy bears and usually a gummy worm...depending on her mood.  Although really Kennon is happy with spinkles. He doesn't seem to be all that interested in those frozen hard  gummy things ( I'm with you Kennon!!).  Kennon always asks for chocolate and Maddox vanilla. Speaking of worms...my daughter who doesn't like to get dirty came to the slider on Monday with a dirty hand FULL of worms asking to bring them inside!!! WHAT.... what happened to my Maddox? She loves worms! and doesn't seem to mind to get her hands dirty to explore them.  I happily gave her a napkin to put them on and shoooed her outside. She was as happy as a lark....worms and all!

Eric and Uncle Brian

Last weekend we added an annual St. Louis trip to our race calendar. Sunday Eric, Brian and I ran the inaugural Go! St. Louis Halloween Half Marathon. It was a fun race and definitely a 'MUST' for next year.  We love to go to St. Louis and are already planning our Spring trip for the Go! St. Louis Family weekend half.  Maddox and Kennon love to visit with Aunt Diane, Uncle Brian, and Cousin Hannah. This year we took a trip to the 'Lehigh Lane' corn patch ( ie Ed and Kathy's garden...Ed and Kathy are Brian and Diane's fabulous neighbors).  They let Diane hide a couple of pumpkins for the kids to find as well as we got to pick apples and pears right off their trees!  The kids had a blast! We only chuckled when Maddox asked why there was a price tag on her pumpkin she had just picked from the pumpkin patch??  Don't get much past her anymore. Anyhow we had a great weekend!! Thanks to the Gillaspies for hosting us as usual and congrats to Eric on his blazing time and to Uncle Brian for taking more than 15 minutes off of his last 1/2 marathon time.  I however blew out my hamstring during my last 11 mile training run a couple of weeks ago so I brought up the rear but was still really happy with my time! 

On our way home from St. Louis we stopped in Keokuk to see Grandma Doris. The kids are always happy to see Grandma Doris and ride her red tricycle and play with her old metal type John Deere tractors. Kennon must have crawled more than a mile around her circle type home.  We got to see Aunt Lora, Aunt Lori, Uncle Jim, Uncle Brian and most importantly cousin Kelby!!!  Kelby is almost the same age as cousin Hannah and Maddox worships the 'older girls'!!  So glad we were able to see everyone!! I didn't get any pictures of the kids with Grandma Doris but the above and below grasses are from a park nearby Doris' house.  I LOVE the color and am already thinking where I can put them in our landscaping. Doris has a HUGE flower bed up a Rand Park ( the main park in town near her house) that she is sort of in charge of. She showed me all her work and we talked about how to prepare all the plants for the winter.  I could have stayed there chatting all morning about all the different and familiar plants but the scream of Kennon from the playground area lured me away :) 

Kennon finding his pumpkin in the pumpkin ( IE corn stalk) patch!!

Uncle Brian and Maddox and her find.

So let's see what else is happening!!  We have made it through a couple of colds/fevers both of which impacted our weekend plans  ( had to skip our planned Hawkeye game with the Knowles family and had to delay our St. Louis trip by one day). But, we are doing well now. I just expect that between like October and March at any moments notice we'll be sick in some fashion.... the beauty of a daycare center.   Kennon is really developing a little personality.  He is very mischievous and gives us these little devilish grins every now and then. He definitely knows how to push his big sis's buttons.  They play totally well some times and other times not so well. We had a new TV installed today in the basement so I"m looking forward to pulling out all the toys they haven't seen in a while and hanging out in the basement for shows and football games!! Work for me is still crazy busy and really a drag lately. In fact we are moving towards me not working at VNA hopefully in the very near future.  It has gotten really pretty bad.  Kennon and Maddox are really loving Church School.  Maddox got to make homemade applesauce today. Her teacher told me as I waited to pick her up today that she was the best operator of the apple, peeler, corer slicer thingy. She said the other kids had a hard time turning the handle but she jumped in and went to town!!  She has been doing a special cooking class at Kindercare too.  Last week they made pumpkin soup!! It is just like 5 kids and a teacher and pull out special deal on Friday mornings. She loves to cook.  Kennon....well.....all's I'll say is we are still in the thick of potty training......and still doing a lot of laundry!! Enough said.  You'll get it soon buddy!!