Annual Branson Trip - Day 1

Daddy wasn't able to go on the trip this year, but lucky for us Kevin rode! We left out at 8:30 after all had a nice dose of Dramamine. *Merida is there with her bow and arrow. :)

Tough life now on road trips with TVs and iPads. Ross had Poppy's iPad too. 

When we got to the house Granny had a surprise for Avery - her own crocheted blanket! 

After playing around we decided it would be a good idea to build a fire in the pit and roast hot dogs and marshmallows for Smores'. 

The kids loved it! 

Gavin was a hoot!

Roasting marshmallows. It was a good night to be a kid.  

A few firepit videos. 

Pizza Making on a Friday

A few weeks ago when it was just me and the kids I decided it would be fun to get a pizza and movie snacks, move their little table into the living room and enjoy pizza, movie, and snacks. Well they liked it so much they've wanted to do it every Friday night. We get the pizza from Papa Murphy's and cook it at home. The last time we did it I got them mini-murphs and they made their own at home. 

Putting on the sauce. 

Avery's calls it salsa. She also calls bbq sauce the same. 

Pepperoni next. 

Ross did sauce, cheese, kind of swirled that together and then did pepperoni. Avery did hers sauce, pepperoni, cheese. 

She loves tomato stuff. 

Finished products before cooking. Avery's. 

Ross'. 

After cooked. Ross' is on top. Avery's on bottom. I love the difference of their little minds. 

Spirit Week/ Fun Run

The week of homecoming was Spirit Week at school. All week they did something different. They also had their Fun Run that week. 

Both kids liked sporting the sweatband. 

One day was a crazy hair day. 

Aves had to get in on it too. 

Fun Run Day!

He completed all his laps with 2 extra! He was SO hot and funky after. He loves the Fun Run! 

His good friend Griffin! 

Annual Zoo Field Trip with Grace

The annual zoo field trip came upon us, and true to the past field trips it was HOT! 

She was quite excited to see her good friend Nora right from the start. 

Next to arrive were Will and Elle. Honestly at this point she was set as her "best friends" had all arrived.

I can't remember what was there, but it was obviously cool. 

Elephants are her favorite! 

Despite the fact that I had a stroller she, of course, hijacked Elle's seat. Elle was quite ok with it though. 

Happiness on the train! 

Checking out the penguins after the train ride. These 3 stuck together the entire time.

Headed to leave. I love sweet pictures. 

The trip ended with a picnic and some more playtime at the park. 

Well, actually it ended with a nap.

Painted Pig

I got the opportunity to take both kids to The Painted Pig separately to paint things for Mam, Granny, and Daddy's birthday. I hate I didn't take pictures of the finished products after I picked them up. 

For Daddy Ross picked out a skull cup and a jack-o-lantern sack.

He picked out an M for Mam. 

We had a fun day! Glad when we can spend one on one time together with the kids. 

Next Avery got to go. She loves this place! 

She pained Daddy a leaf. Mam a unicorn. 

Granny got a ballet slipper. 

I do believe the gifts were a hit! 

Weekend Report

We had to make a super quick, unexpected trip to check on Granny this past weekend. Grandparents and Aunts/Uncles stepped in to pick up the slack with the kids. Ross had his first sleepover with cousin Alex. This was his weekend report. 

This is my sweet little first grader that gives the weekend report. School pictures are awesome!

Annual Farm Trip with Ross

The kids and I made our way to ride the combine before all the corn was cut. Poppy actually saved some just for us. Actually though since Avery had just spent several days on the farm she stayed with Granny and Ross and I went to the field. We love harvest time! 

Annual picture. I will never forget the first year. Ross was in the stranger-danger phase. 

Our annual selfie on the combine. I love that toothless grin! 

Still his favorite part. 

So nice to have a big place to sit and even stand while on the combine. Fun times as always! 

The day was finished up hauling the load of corn. I wonder if that's the first time the big truck has had a booster seat in it. :)

 Meanwhile, Avery and Granny were busy cooking. 

 Rounded out the trip with some wrestling of Uncle Steve.