Mayhem at the Milnes'

The Jelly Prayer

2012-02-02T21:22:00.003-06:00

Like many kids at bedtime, we have Joshua say his prayers before tucking him under the covers. Mind you this follows a bath (most days) and many books so we have done our "settling down". He often uses this little time to his advantage to stay up later. Anyone relate? Tonight, he gave me an interesting one.

Me: Okay, what prayer are we going to say tonight.

J: How about the honey prayer.

Me: Well I don't know how that one goes nor do I think it is real so pick a new one, buddy.

J: YES! It IS real.

Me: Okay, so how does it go?

J: Well, I can't remember right now.

Me: So pick a new one.

J: How about the jelly prayer.

Me: Joshua, when we say prayers, we are talking to God. He loves us very much and He doesn't want us to be silly when we pray. Pick a new one.

J: Mom, you said that God is always the happiest when we sing. And I like to sing.

Me: Yes, God likes you to sing. Would you like to sing something tonight?

J: Yeah. I will sing the Jelly Prayer.

Me: Joshua, be serious.

J: (Stated with much passion) I AM!! God made jelly and jelly tastes good and he made jelly fish which have lots of jelly in them so God really likes jelly and He wants to hear how I like it too.

Me: Fine, have at it.

J: (In a beautiful singing voice) Oh jelly prayer, jelly prayer. This is the jelly prayer. God you made jelly. Jelly, jelly, jelly, this is the jelly prayer.

Me: Thank you.

J: God likes it when I sing.

Me: Yes, I hope God enjoyed that. Why don't you tell Him what you are thankful for.

J: Hmmm. I am thankful for trees. And apples. And pears. And trees that have the pears.

Me: Oh I am too. Good choices.

J: And kiwi. And bananas. And blueberries. And oreos. And honey. And alarms because they keep us safe. (PAUSE)

Me: Anything else?

J: Well, jelly. Amen.

Pop goes Sadie's Foot

2012-01-20T14:48:00.003-06:00

Miss Thing just discovered this little trick and as you can tell, it really amused her family. So now she does it all the time...love her silly side! And I need to remember to apologize to her in the future for inheriting my big feet....geez girl!!

A Little R & R

2012-01-15T12:11:00.001-06:00

Oh, the Cotton Bowl. My Cats were playing in the big game against Arizona and with much anticipation, we set our sights on Dallas for a weekend of fun. I had relatives going down as well, which would have added to the fun. Even more importantly though, we were going to be able to finally catch up with Art's parents! It had been way too long! And how cool would it be to have Joshua's first game in the new Cowboy stadium?!

As things work out though, Art's dad ended up out of town that weekend, Katy had to work some, and then Art got called to a meeting in Arizona on Thursday.

So back to the drawing board. Daddy and Mommy needed a break. Ten months of a baby who does not sleep through the night and a preschooler who does not have an off switch (suppose neither of our kids do for that matter) can create a bit of tension for Mommy and Daddy's end of the quarter was insane with travel and work. No other word for it. Mimi and Papa expressed our need for a break too, so long story long, I decided to join the hubby in Scottsdale at the last second since the D town was not going to happen.

Now, I have never been to a Resort and Spa before. And oh my goodness!! It was FABULOUS! Arizona has them a dime a dozen it seems. We settled on the Montelucia Resort and Spa at the base of Camelback Mountain. Wow. Wow, wow, wow! I would not have even left the room had I not had to eat! Beautiful! I like to rate places on their porch view, comfort of a the bed (of course, I'm a very light sleeper), and the bathroom. I know, a bathroom shouldn't be too exciting, but since it doesn't NEED to be that great, a great place will MAKE it great. They did not disappoint!

The extended weekend consisted of sunrise yoga sessions with mountain views (wow!), spa services (la!), amazing food (nom, nom), holy moly drinks (repeat the holy moly for sangria!), and heck of cool people (good mix of SoCal and Colorado vibe)!! I even got to finish a book, front to back! (Hunger Games....ohhhh!) The weather was perfect and the scenery made us wonder what, again, we are doing in Kansas. All and all, Scottsdale has been added to my top three favorite US cities I love to visit along side San Diego and New Orleans:).

***Kind of funny, it dawned on us at the airport that I had not been away from Sadie for more than four hours since she was born!!! Yep, it was time to rip the band-aid and all did swimmingly while we were gone!***

Night time at the pool

Part of our bathroom...yes, helped to give the trip a top score...the rest of the room did not disappoint either

Rest and Relaxation room at the spa- the room was actually very dark (flash made it bright). To the right were beds you could draw these curtains around and take a rest with candle light. I want one now in our house:).

Part of the ladies gathering area in the changing room.

Pool in the ladies room

The spa pool on the roof. Not the hotel pool which was pretty sweet too. Loved this because I was the only one there all morning (Art had to work or else he would have joined!). Yoga room was directly under it so this was the view I had watching the sunrise for yoga! How could you not have a great day when you start your day that way???

The only picture we got of the two of us the entire trip. Guess relaxation was more of a priority

Relaxing by the fire pit after and evening out

Taken on my way to yoga early one morning. They modeled this fountain after one in Granada, Spain.

Sunrise on the mountains

Never seen a cactus up close! They are so cool! We took a drive out to the dessert one morning in the convertible (another added trip bonus!). Must thank Art for taking the picture since he was deathly afraid a rattlesnake was going to chase him down.

Missing our buddy!

Cafe where we would go for lunch...and end up having way to much sangria and socializing with the cool bartenders. Think I am still hurting from this little place!

Bliss

Okay, so the resort was dead. They said that the week after New Years always is. But we were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves. Except for this crew that joined us at the pool each day. They had come in for a big wedding and it made for fabulous people watching;). I am fascinated with the Indian culture. I have been known to laugh with friends about how I would love to be Indian so I could sport a Sari. Call me crazy, I think they are gorgeous! Such bold, rich colors! No black! How gorgeous! AND, you don't have to worry about having a Fat Day in a Sari...who wouldn't want that??? :)

That's a Wrap 2011!!

2012-01-15T11:33:00.001-06:00

Another year has come and gone. I must say it has been one filled with a lot of highs and lows. It brought one of the best gifts of our lives, our sweet baby girl. Feeling like a complete family with four around. But it also brought some our roughest patches as a family, but I must say that we survived, and bring it on 2012! We welcome you with open arms!

One final look at Christmas lights...through the sunroof- the kids LOVED doing this. Shortly after this our car stalled and we had a preschooler meltdown and sleepy baby stranded in the cold for a bit. Yea!

Trip to Hallmark's Kaleidoscope at Crown Center. One of the MANY puzzles he made that day.

Waiting for an art project to go through the drying machine....love the little crowd of anxious waiters. They were so cute!

Taking flight at the Crown Center play land by the mayor's Christmas tree

As one can imagine, I had to literally DRAG him away from this little toy

New Year's Eve Party at the Graham and Katie's new place! So much fun! It felt like ages since we had seen so many of the KC Crew!!

(Emmitt, Sadie, and Bailey)

Pleading for ANOTHER cupcake

Emmitt and Malloy were so darn cute with Sadie. They loved on her the whole night!

Malloy and Sadie

But all good nights must have a bitter sweet moment. Art has been the commissioner of a Fantasy Football league for some time. This year, his team did pretty well. Well enough to make it to the "Superbowl". And there was a nice little pot at stake. A nice little pot of $800 for the winner so we both had a mild interest in his team:). It was one heck of a playoff game and in the last few seconds of the game, Tony Gonzales dropped a pass (further increasing my detest for the man), and could not pick it up after that. Art lost to his buddy Cory by LESS THAN A POINT. I seriously thought he was going to cry. As did I. On the bright side, one heck of a game! Here he hands the winning check over and offers a congratulatory handshake. Sucker.

Christmas has arrived!

2012-01-15T11:03:00.001-06:00

After much childlike anticipation, Christmas arrived and did not disappoint our little guy. Joshua loved every second of it. Sadie, didn't know what was going on, as one could assume. She was not too keen on Christmas Eve night (big crowd...too much to size up), but Christmas day was pretty fun.

Christmas Eve service. Sadie was not thrilled. Big crowd, hungry, and short on a nap. This was the best we could do for a Church pic. Sweet. Joshua loved looking at the manger!

Our little stud!

Belle sizes up the food spread...and tries to wait patiently...or not

Love this family pic of some Thorne girls!

A special guest has arrived to visit the Nativity set! (aka Paca)

Spotted!!

Santa shares the Polar Express "I Believe" bells with J and S...Joshua loved testing it by saying he believed and then didn't believe to see if he could or couldn't hear ringing...typical....Sadie immediately put it in her mouth...typical

Kilgore family pic

Cookies and milk have been carefully placed for the big guy

And he came! And was kind enough to leave a thank you note with the Polar Express bell. Love this plate! We made it at one of my mom's groups and I have to admit I stole the from a friend:). Reindeer out of your kiddos' footprints...how cute!

Anticipating the walk downstairs to see what Santa brought!

A stroller and Mickey from Santa...she LOVES Mickey and a new push toy is always a good thing:)

New addition to his Thomas set from Santa

Joshua fought for a turn with his new Wii from the big kids (Art and Steven)

Miss thing loves Papa to swing her

Sadie sports her new tutu made by Aunt Lyndsey

Playing with stocking stuffers and Mimi

Happy campers after a big day

Jesus' birthday cake...one of Joshua's favorite parts of the big day

Channeling Marilyn.....

2011-12-29T12:35:00.004-06:00

TEN MONTHS!! Count 'em up!! First birthday is around the corner and we keep asking ourselves where in the world has a year gone???? Sadie Makena has quite the personality and can be the person who lights up the room or the one who makes your life miserable when she does not get her way. How has this happened? I'm not sure. But fortunately we get the happy side more often, sans when brother does some sort of injustice and she gives him a look and cry as if to say, "When I get a big bigger I'm going to pummel you." And Art and I believe she will!

As of December 19, 2011, she was 28.25 in (55% percentile) AND 21 lb 6.4 oz (80% percentile). Yep, big girl. Love those little baby rolls!!

So you want to get to know Belle a little better? Here's some of her little quirks as a ten month old!

She's STANDING on her own! Wow! Started right after her 10 month b-day. She's even ventured with a step or two. It's really quite cute:).

The most effective place to get her to take her baba is in the high chair. She is too busy to deal with me giving it to her, although Daddy has more luck. She passed out right before nap while still drinking in the chair. Sweet girl:).

ALWAYS something in her mouth. Her socks are a preferred choice.

This is her most popular smile. Wide open and full of cheer. Just like Daddy's as a baby! We like to think she is saying "Yeah!"!

Eating. Dang she is picky! Where have I gone wrong? She loves her carbs (Mac and Cheese) and veggies are a struggle. Come on, girl!! This is what we get when she is not keen on the meal choice.

Walking chairs through the kitchen is a favorite way to pass the time. Brother likes to join as often as possible. Daddy loves the fact that he works in the basement and they have chosen this as a daily activity. But it's really cute and it buys mama a good 15 minutes or so!

The fist. Notice the clinch? She does this when she is either really excited or really made. Hopefully you are able to decipher which quickly because you may have the wrath of Sadie to deal with if you don't. And it's not as cute.

While at Crown Center, she channeled Marilyn Monroe to attract a little crowd of onlookers. Pretty funny. And I love that she was clueless as to why she had any attention.

Slipping Through My Fingers....

2011-12-29T08:49:00.002-06:00

My grandma always says that from the second you welcome a child into the world, you slowly begin letting go of them. I hate that. Let me just say it again. I HATE THAT. But I know it's true. A day I have been dreading finally occurred. Well, make that two days. My little boy is growing up. As I tuck him into bed each night, I always tell him that I am going to keep him forever, and part of me prays it were true. But the brutal reality is that he is not mine to keep and only guide and spoil with as much love and TLC as I can.

So, what happened? The first instance happened about two weeks ago. J has always had a thing for blonds. He loved Taylor Swift as a one year old and was sent into a daze whenever "Love Story" came on the radio. It progressed to Amanda Seyfried when Mama Mia came out (yeah, I'm a sucker for ABBA, not cool, but I will admit it and he watched it a few, I mean a LOT of times with me). He would stop random girls in the grocery store to ask them if they were his "Honey, honey" at the tender age of two. Not to mention my friend Rachael's daughter Ally. He told me Sadie was pretty and I was pretty. I asked if there were other girls he thought were pretty (yes, a cheap mother litmus test!). Guess who topped the list outside of the fam? Allie:).

Then came "Janey*". (I changed her name so her mama would still want to hang out with us! Haha!). She is a cutie. A tall, adorable, little blond who is wise beyond her years and gives Joshua just enough attention to keep him interested:). Smart. Janey* and Joshua were playing as her mom and I chatted when I witnessed him out of nowhere wrap his arms around her, looked into her eyes and said, "I love you". I think she thought he was insane and just said a nice, "Um, thanks. Can you let me go now?" But my heart broke. He had told his first girl besides his mama (or other family members) he loves them. (Insert sigh).

Then, on a beautiful day, Art and I rallied the troops to take a walk through the neighborhood and go play at the park. This is usually something that J FLIPS to hear is on the schedule. As we exited the house, a couple of his neighborhood buddies came over and asked him to play. When he asked if he could, I responded we were going to take a family walk to the park. What did I get back?? "Well, I'd rather just play with them." (Insert sigh again).

In a short matter of a week, my sweet boy had told another girl he loved her and picked his friends over me. I'm glad my hubby knows me well enough to boost up the TLC when these occurred because my heart broken a little. I mean a lot. "Slipping through my fingers all the time"....As stated in the wise words of ABBA.

Holiday Madness

2011-12-28T20:14:00.002-06:00

How do the holidays come and go so quickly?! I feel like the beginning of the season started off with a less packed calendar than normal, but then the last three weeks I feel like I have not seen or talked to my husband due to the craziness of the season...and the life of being an end of quarter, sales manager wife. So fun!

So much fun stuff though and so some pics to share!

Joshua's first holiday Christmas party at school! The kids were WIRED which reminded me how much I dreaded the holidays as a teacher!

Checking out holiday lights with Aunt Linda

One house even had a snow machine! (Or bubbles for those realists)

Who doesn't love a good story from a Paca to slow the season down a bit?

Traditional Kilgore Family Limo Ride

Think this is the highlight of the season for him. However, he does not understand why we just can't go out and do it any time we want. Geez...

Some of the holiday cheer was a little too much for some of us...

Birthday celebrations for Aunt Lin and Mama!

Love the simplicity of the Feast of St. Nicholas. Joshua was so excited too to think the big guy was checking in on him:).

Sadie got in on the action as well

Fun Christmas cooking

AND baking of course

And Decorating at Papa and Mimi's

Focused decorators

Taking a break to cruise around with Papa

Who wouldn't want to eat these beauties?? It only took four cookies to kill a jar of sprinkles.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2011-12-28T17:26:00.001-06:00

It's been a rather odd December for weather. We have had a dusting of snow, but then also celebrated many warm days, even in the 60's! As a matter of fact, we are supposed to end the year with a bang in the mid-60s! I could get used to this! But I really do miss the snow. We have had a lot of fun outside regardless of the weather this December!

We decided to check out the Arboretum Luminary Walk in early December and it was so pretty! I had always wanted to do it but we have usually been in Dallas when they usually do it. The Arboretum is a beautiful nature area with hiking trails and gardens. They illuminate most of the walking trails with candle light and it accents the surrounding nature just beautifully! Christmas carolers and other instrumental entertainment can be found along the trail too. It ends with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, and, to Art's joy, an Elvis impersonator;). Joshua was just as mesmerized as Daddy! They're crazy!!

All bundled up!

Snow Bunny! Doesn't she look amused?

It was so fun to play outside in the uncharacteristically warm temps! Sadie loved riding in Joshua's old car buggy and Joshua was able to catch up with his neighborhood friends. So good to get some fresh air!

He had to break out the vacuum to show everyone. Yes, he is still obsessed with them!

Mommy and Sadie love being outside!! It's good for the spirit!!

A Very Merry Morning

2011-12-28T16:42:00.002-06:00

Everyone needs something to look forward to. Dads have their football. Moms have shopping.....and MOPS! I seriously count down until Monday morning arrives so I can get a booster shot on how to improve as a Mama, wife, friend, and daughter of God. Every girl I talk to who is involved with a MOPS group feels the same. I was blessed to be connected with a group from my girlfriend Taasha who attends church at Westside Famly Church. This place is amazing. I won't mention it is one of the few times each month that moms get a warm breakfast without having to serve kiddos firs (Yum!), but I truly have grown so much in my faith and relationships

So anyway, on with the post and enough of my selling you on a membership, although, I'm serious when I say you won't regret it! Westside does a little program called "A Very Merry Morning" each Christmas and I have never seen such a well organized kids event! The volunteers work so hard to make the Christmas season meaningful and help kids to get past the fact that Santa sometimes can overshadow it. Joshua loves the activities, art projects, and the manger petting stable. So cute!

Channeling the Holy Family

Bowling a Strike for Jesus!! I know...super cheesy, but the kids love it!

Sadie even tried to give it a shot:)

Spreading the "Good News" that Jesus was born! I kid friendly post office! Joshua loved mailing the word and Sadie.....

Sadie preferred a one on one phone call to get the message out.

Learning some carpenter skills in the workshop area. Such a stud!

Searching for the Christ child in the manger

Looking for more clues....

Painting Christmas tree ornaments. Joshua's turned out much thicker than last year due to all of the glitter paint he chose. Sadie was lucky to make contact with her ornaments a couple of times. Yea, crafty kids!

Ring the Bells!

2011-12-28T16:06:00.002-06:00

There are certain things that a parent anticipates in their child's youth. The day in which their sweet little one participates in his or her first Christmas program has always been one for me. It's innocent, sweet, and usually humorous which is an added bonus!

Joshua did not disappoint. He LOVES to sing. Our family loves to sing and constantly makes up ridiculous songs so I'm not sure where he got it from. Great Aunt Barb said we are a modern day Von Trapp crew and I think that may fit us too well (sans the actually musical talent). Now if we could just figure out how to make our millions! But I digress. For weeks we heard the different songs and his practicing paid off in his first stage performance.

Before his big introduction! Can I just tell you how much that little group of hairs on the side of his head drove me crazy the whole night?

Sis wanted to wish him good luck

Feeling uncertain if he has warmed up enough. Think the crying (screaming) three year old may have thrown his karma off. His face is saying, "If this kid is scared of going onstage, should I be?"

Trying to cut to the front of the line to introduce himself to the audience

Finally his turn! No stage fright here! Other kids got up and just said their names. Joshua announced in a booming voice, "MY NAME IS JOSHUA MILNES." Not only was this first public audience and name in lights, it was also his first crowd reaction of laughter. His father was pleased.

Notice all the girls around him? Holy Spirit has several preschool classes. Joshua's crew is a perfect class size of six. Yes, perfect. Unfortunately he is the only boy though! Haha. Daddy says his odds are good.

(Sung to the tune of jingle bells) "Ring the bells! Ring the bells! Ring the bells today! Jesus came, Jesus came, for us on Christmas day...HEY!"

Awesome job, buddy! Daddy and Mommy thought the show was well worth the ticket price...even though it was free:).

It's Contagious

2011-12-28T15:47:00.004-06:00

Oh, baby belly giggles! How I love you!! Thank you big brother for being the funniest person in the world!

A KC Christmas MUST

2011-12-24T10:17:00.003-06:00

One of the oldest traditions in my family is to go to Crown Center over the holidays for family pictures and to visit Santa. It's so much fun continuing this tradition with Joshua and Sadie! Crown Center is such a magical, artsy place and whenever we entertain the idea of moving away, this is one place that makes it on the "pro" list of KC living. So much going on there!

Hmmm....who is this odd man....

One of the reasons I love Kansas City is for the creative places like Crown Center!

The original Kansas City Santa. I have pictures in front of this guy when I was a kid!

What makes it worth the trip for Joshua is the gingerbread train track

How cool are these big glass windows!?

Annual Westin Hotel Photo

Sweet talking

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Quest for the Holy Grail

2011-12-12T16:55:00.009-06:00

I have a bit of an obsession with Christmas cards. Okay, major obsession. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is opening the mailbox each day to see what little gem has arrived. I love photography. To the point that my son asks me to not bring the camera. I try to explain that these are moments, not pictures, that I am capturing. And as you can imagine, he doesn't care.

So I start thinking some time before the holidays what I want to do each year. Yes, I know. Get a life. My husband agrees. Usually have everything printed and addressed by Thanksgiving. Love efficiency! I planned their little outfits this summer:). Found just the perfect outside set. However, I did not plan the lack of desire among my two darlings to share such a fondness for a good photo. As I have said before, it's like herding cats.....

They found the grass more interesting than me.

Pose two....and we're spent. Need to start thinking of another idea. And wondering why I try these things by myself. Going home to pour a glass of wine after our five minute shoot!

It's getting colder outside so, hey, let's try an outside, winter coat, INDIVIDUAL shot. No way are these two going to pose together with a smile.

This is okay.

Notice the chocolate in the teeth. Yep, I bribed him. Didn't work.

And getting colder. And a bit cuter.

Better smile....

And DONE! Now onto Miss Thing.

Still cold outside. Can you tell by her little nose?

Now if she would just look at the camera...and smile...but unfortunately I believe her neck is frozen due to the chill in the air.

Okay. But I aim for better....

Cute...but she is not really smiling. And I love her little smile.

Yea! I like it! Now that I have two pretty good individual ones, my ambition gets to me again. Let's try for a double shot again. Surely they will give me something good!

After two days of photo shoots, about 100 pictures including baby crying, baby rolling over, baby crawling off, preschooler trying to tackle baby, as well as the baby trying to tackle toddler, I got these two after jumping up and down with Gymbo the doll playing peek-a-boo!!

Bingo! Love it! Ready for a card!!

Now, let me return to the beginning of the post. This had taken place over, count them, THREE weeks. I had worked and planned. Tears were shared on all parts. My children disliked me for my insane search for the holy grail of cards. I on the other hand, hated that I felt a need to put my children through this, but I needed "the shot". My husband, well, I won't share his thoughts, but I'm sure you can imagine. Ah, but now I had the perfect shot! Who cares what they all think! This is going to be our little 2011 memory! The card was carefully selected. Verbiage, lovely. Insert picture. Off to press it goes!

But you won't be getting this picture on a card. No, the card you will get this year, took me five minutes to through together. Remember how I stated I have not figured out the camera settings? Heard from the card company and....Well, the resolution was too low and no bueno. A no go for my anticipated group shots. Tears were shed again, then anger. Get the dang thing done, so that is what you will get my friends!

Sweet. Always next year. At least now I can start my planning. Maybe if only I had had more time this year???

An Unconventional List of Thanks

2011-11-23T23:07:00.006-06:00

In the spirit of giving thanks, I came up with a list of some of the random things that I, a mom of two young ones, am grateful for. It may sound tongue in check, but I truly do give thanks for each and the way they make my life a little happier:).

For the power of OxiClean. I could not live without this stain saver since my baby chooses to not always use her diaper so effectively.
For the cups that they give you at Labor/Delivery. I don't know a another mom that does not sing their praises! Helps me get my water intake in during a busy day, not to mention Joshua loves them and Sadie learned to drink from a straw using one!
To Costco. You allow me to stock up on items saving me a trip to the store with two kids. And you carry more and more organic items! Mwhah! On that note, love online shopping too!
My bling yoga paints. Makes this SAHM feel like she took the sweat pants up a notch with the added rhinestones and studs.
The iPad. Let's me kill time while nursing or waiting for Joshua to fall asleep.
To the makers of Fage yogurt. You make me smile every time I take a bite. Great for a mama breakfast or a super fast snack.
For the fact that my family laughs at all of the silly songs I make up instead of thinking that I am insane.
The fact that I live in the age of contacts...I hate wearing my glasses! I am legally blind without them which would have been really side if I lived 500 years ago. Art would most likely add I am also going deaf so I would really be in a rough spot. So I guess I am thankful for modern advances that I can one day get hearing aids too!
My mini van. Don't remember what life was like before you. Nor do I care to recall my sedan days with kids. And to think I put up such a fight to get one....
Hot showers in the morning that wake me up since I can't have caffeine with a weak stomach. This mom of young ones couldn't make it through the day without you.
For Adoration Chapel and child care. You allow me to have an hour of peace to set myself straight and thank God for all of my blessings! Better than a good night's sleep!

And a slightly more serious list.....

For a husband who carries all of the Christmas decoration boxes and the change of season clothing boxes up from the basement since I am afraid of the spiders. He is my knight in shining armor. Not to mention a pretty cute one;).
My son, who consistently shoots the birds in the opposite direction of the tower while playing the Angry Bird game. As much as it drives me nuts, he is content, reminding me to make my own rules in life and not allow others to tell me how to win.
My daughter, who chooses to drop her sippy cup on the floor whenever she decides she is finished with it and and takes off her both socks the second she is placed in her car seat. Reminds me that once you are in a routine, anything is possible.

And the most heartfelt sincere thanks.....

My mom who lets the whole world melt away when she is with her grand-kids. Reminds me of how I need to not waste any time with these little ones. AND she has an unending amount of fresh stories to tell Joshua.
My father who has such a gently, sweet way with Sadie and a rough and tumble boy side with Joshua. Oh, and he never tires of fitting in activities that have to do with train tracks...
My in-laws, who not only taught their son, but me, how good it is to always tell someone you love them.
My sister, who sends cards that are so sweet and thoughtful. Always makes us smile! Not to mention she seems to have endless energy with a three year old.
My brother, who never gets exhausted it seems from throwing his nephew in the air.
My sisters in law who love on their niece and nephew as if they were their own.
My brother in law, who showed my husband how to be a good uncle while carrying on the Milnes' tradition of being good daddies
And all of my children's great grandparents, who help us to remember the beauty of a time when life was much slower and the music showcased such talent. Sometimes Art and I wished we had lived in the romantic period of the 1940's or 50's. Then we remember that sweat pants weren't so cool....Ah, bummer:).
For my mom friends that so kindly listen when I let me anxious self take over with worry and concern. Just venting can calm a girl down so much.
For my oldest friends, Rachael, Liz, and Anne who probably hear the above stated more than others. You girls add years back to my life after a venting/laughing session! I love you each!

And to end this list, I am thankful that I finally have our first family picture that has each family member actually looking at the camera. No, I am no longer looking for a happy smile from each individual, just a straight look into the lens.

Our Mini Wally Cronkite

2011-11-23T22:31:00.004-06:00

Joshua has been on quite the kick with anything emergency vehicle related. He also loves to hear stories that you make up. So imagine the wonder when Mimi came up with the fabulous idea to tell stories about EMERGENCIES! This has been going on for many months now and Joshua has started adding his own to the mix. Enjoy this bit from our little Walter Cronkite:).

Belly Belly Woo !!

2011-11-21T22:30:00.004-06:00

Today's caption is brought to you by, Miss Sadie Belle! She proclaimed it while we were playing the other day and Joshua just about died laughing. Miss thing is 9 months old as of last week. Ah! Baby girl! She is quite the character. Still loves has her sweet, snuggle side with Mom and Dad, but spices it up with some attitude every so often that, Lord, help us, will not continue to high school!

What's new??? She now says Mama or Mom. Ah, music to my ears each time! Her clogged tear duct...GONE! It had two days of insane nastiness and then boom! No more! So, so happy! She is cruising on the furniture and occasionally gets adventurous and will stand without holding onto anything every so often, but it only lasts a few seconds before she looses confidence. Pasta and soup are favorite foods which we are controlling the portions on of course:). And spinach did not go over so well. Surprise! She has her two bottom, front teeth and is working on the top two. Her "fangs" have also come in which is so funny that she got those before the front two. Must be a Milnes thing because cousin Hayden has the same set up:0).

Onto the pictures!

Recap! Eight months old!

Pictures from Penney's for her SIX month pictures...which we took TWO months late! Hello second born:(!

NINE Months as of last week! This is her winter hat that just makes us smile whenever we put it on her so I had to include it in a pic sometime! Art calls her his little Esther Williams:). One of my other fabulous Ebay finds! I heart Ebay and Etsy!

So this is how she chooses to sit in her high chair to eat. Every time. Sometimes there is just one foot. Sometimes two. Sometimes she even plays pat-a-cake with them. Our little monkey:).

Confucius...I mean Joshua...says....

2011-11-18T15:39:00.004-06:00

Okay, anyone that has a preschooler knows that they are full of little gems. I've been trying to keep a list. He's something else.....

"Huh! I have pachyderms on my pajamas!!"
"Dang it! I just broke my crown!".... Yes, we have been reading lots of nursery rhymes lately.
He wanted PB and J for breakfast which I responded, "We don't have PB and J for breakfast. Pick something else. That's something you do with Daddy." Quite under his breath, I got, "Okay, whatever...."
"Well, I'm feeling kind of negative."
While dozing off at nap time, I said, "Sleep tight my sweet boy." He said, "You sleep tight too my sweet girl." Melted my heart:).
After instructing him to do something, he said, "Mommy, here's the thing..." The great negotiator
Stated to a stranger he met, "My name is Joshua. My name starts with a J and I like trains!"
A question he came up with while playing "The Book of Questions" on a car ride, "What room do you like to vacuum?"
When asked during the same game, "If you could pick any cartoon character to hang out with for an afternoon, who would it be?", he said, "MIMI!"
"What are you TALKING about???" to anyone who says something he doesn't agree with.
While dancing around, he looked at Sadie and said, "Hit it, babe!"
Two quotes from the week he had the flu, "Am I ever going to feel better?" (poor guy!) and "Thank you for saving me last night," when he woke up after a night of throwing up.
Guess I tell lots of stories with that start with the phrase, "When I was a little girl..." because he's been telling me lots of stories that begin with "When I was a little boy..."
Art was on the road while Joshua had the flu a ways back. I invited him to sleep in our bed. As I was dozing off, he said, "Hey Mom, I can tell this is going to be good.":)
While playing pretend with Art and me, he stated matter of fact, "You're a steak, you're an egg, and I'm an elephant." Hmmmm....okay....
After meeting someone I asked what the person's name was, his response, "Well it's up to their mama what their name is."

AND OUR FAVORITE:

As I was loading Sadie into the car on the way to school, Joshua was reading his little Bible on the kitchen floor. I overheard him say, "We are now going to read about the Lord. Now go in the truth!"

Ooops I Did It Again!

2011-11-18T14:43:00.006-06:00

A month has slipped by again since I posted. Geez! It has been insane. Crazy! Since Labor Day the Milnes' clan has been going strong with fun activities as well as what seems like a variety of bugs that won't seem to leave the house. As a matter of fact, as I post, Miss Belle is upstairs sleeping after throwing up three times today. You would think we never sanitize around here! Wow.

So here is the top five list for the month of October fun to catch up....Since it is almost December! I'm going to post several more times over the next couple of days with some other fun!

1. Preschool Fun- Joshua continues to love school and has had so many fun events this Fall! We went to the pumpkin patch for his first field trip (no good pics) and celebrated lots of fun days!

Cowboy Day!!

One of the highlights of my day is seeing him run out the door after school to see Sadie and me:)

Ice Cream Social with Dad- Unfortunately Daddy was on the road, so Paca and Grandma Clare stepped in for some fun! Paca said there was only one other grandpa there, but no GREAT grandpas:)

Okay, so yes, this is Sadie, but all of my pictures for the Halloween Party turned out poorly, but this one, so yea Sadie making the Preschool section:)! Notice the missing sock....she always takes them off!

Crazy Hair Day! He picked out the style much to Daddy's disappointment (Ponytails are for girls!). Mrs. Young and I loved it though!

2. Playtime! We love to hang around the house and play! Currently, the kitchen and Lightning McQueen are the toys we fight over....

Hahaha....love their faces in this one....huh???

Yes, again, Sadie always has something in her mouth, a sock, kitchen toys, binkie, dog food was the fun one about a week ago...gag!!

Hitching a ride! This is one of my all time favorite pictures I think! Score!! They are both smiling in the same picture!!

3. Way down yonder in the pumpkin patch.....KSU played KU so the purple pride was in full effect

Mr. and Mrs. Farmer never looked so good

Shooting a gourd gun...and he scored!

Okay, why they didn't have on of these when I was a kid I would sure like to know...bounce pads....genius!!

Our little Wildcat pumpkin:)

Sadie typically is this amused when she sits in brother's lap

4. Carving Halloween pumpkins-

(Please note I allowed Joshua to pick our pumpkin designs this year. Should have known what a little boy would enjoy!)

Exhibit A: Pumpkin to the left of Joshua is scared of all of the little baby pumpkins...can't see it very well

Exhibit B: Pumpkins to the right of Joshua....KSU pumpkins....one is sick because he ate a Jayhawk...see the vomit and feathers....ah, little boys:)

5. Trick or Treat!!

Our sweet little kitten

Thomas the Train...note I fought him for about three months before Halloween on this one. It is against my beliefs to wear just a flap of cloth for a costume. Be creative!! Not to mention I have been dying to dress Joshua and Sadie up as something together. Selfish yes. I gave into it though (especially when I found Thomas at a consignment sale for $5 and Sadie's costume was borrowed) and know one day I will smile thinking about our little battle over his love of Thomas.

Okay, so this should be a post all on it's own, but my parents, Paca, Clare, and Aunt Anne came over for dinner Halloween night and to do a little trick-or-treating. We took the kids upstairs to put on costumes and guess, they were busy downstairs putting on theirs. When we came down, we heard barking in the backyard and food this wild pack outside. I don't know who was more confused at the sight, Joshua or Sadie! It was pretty funny!

Movin' On Up....and a trip to disneyland...with a lowercase "d"

2011-10-12T22:03:00.005-05:00

Well. Well. Well. The house is not quite finished with the re-baby proofing process, thanks to our insanely busy schedule the last couple of weeks. And someone has decided to beat us to the punch on house control. Miss Thing is officially mobile and crawling as of yesterday! Joshua was at school and she took her first "steps" while he was away. Now once he was home, she refused to show off the new skill and she also refused to show Daddy when he got back into town. With a little motivation (bath time!) and the right toys (brother's toys!) she was definitely feeling motivated though. Yea, Sadie!!

And lastly I had to share why we call Papa and Mimi's house Disneyland. Never a dull moment at the Kilgore's. Nor is there an item that can not be made into a toy! Thanks for the laugh, Papa!

Hold Onto Your Hats!!!

2011-10-07T22:41:00.003-05:00

Guess who had a fun surprise for me at 3 am this past Thursday??? Yep! It's officially, this girl is not slowing down any time soon! She is so proud of herself. Art and I, on the other hand, are scared to death because she is pulling up on EVERYTHING. She army crawls, rolls, and scoots everywhere but no crawling. It's obvious she could do it if she wanted to when you watch her, but I think she is hitting the easy button a bit. And Miss Sadie wants to walk so badly so I'm sure that may come before we know it. Maybe even skip crawling??? HOPE NOT!! She will even try to shake your hands off of hers if you are helping her walk around.

Interesting little tidbit, Parents as Teachers told us that a baby can only process one major skill at a time. They will either focus on their gross motor skills or verbal. When their little brains feel they have mastered one, they then move to the next thing they want to learn, but may check the previously learned skill off their list and abandon it for a while. We saw this with Joshua. He was behind on his gross motors, but his verbal skills were advanced. Now Sadie, doesn't really say too much beyond squeals and shrieks, but wow, is she a mover and a shaker! Having two is so interesting!

The Zoo and Our Houdini

2011-10-07T22:06:00.001-05:00

Last year we began a tradition with some of our favorite people. The Omaha Zoo is known as one of the greatest zoos here in America and if you have never been able to go, it is a must! We decided to make it a yearly happening with Eric, Nealy, Emmitt, and Malloy. Eric and Art have been best friends since college and we have been so blessed that I count Nealy as one of close friends too. And now! Our boys are just six weeks apart and our girls a little less than a year! So much fun! Their friends also joined for the festivities which only added to the fun. It is always sad when the weekend ends because we have so much fun. Not to mention Joshua goes through a little Emmitt withdrawal. :)

At Burger King for the breakfast of champions before heading out

The crew before the big day!

Hmmm. Family pics. Some day we will have one where we all four people are looking AND smiling. But not now, no not these days.

Snakes! Art was such a trooper this year and checked them out. Yea!

Joshua really liked the gorillas. Sadie ADORED the gorillas! She would twist and turn until they were within her view.

Took this right after the gorilla put on a full gorilla kind of show, banging his chest with lots of noise. Super cool!

Taking a break in the strollers. Doesn't he look pleased?

Not sure who enjoyed the Big Cats Exhibit more, adults or kids??

My sweethearts:)

Oh my goodness they have a train!!

See her, hanging out on the bed? Practicing hanging out in bed, while not sleeping of course...

Love close ups of this little face:)

Dinner time!

Low point point of the trip, Sadie is not a fan of sleeping on the road. She did not like the pack and play. She refuses to sleep with Art and she feels the need to nurse about every hour on the hour when she sleeps with me.....And I'm not joking. Nor am I pleased with the situation.

However, this low point brings me to my high point! So Sunday morning, Sadie greeted me at 6 bells, after waking up SEVEN times during the night. Augh. I fed her, but she would not go back to sleep so I thought I would put my back to her and maybe the lack of attention would send her into a sweet bliss. I admit, about fifteen minutes rolled by and she continued to roll around and play. I finally decided to toss in the towel. She had beat me. I roll back over to a NAKED baby! She had stripped herself of her jammies (button up fuzzy footed sleeper) and was just chilling. As they say, I was not even mad, quite amazed in fact. I laughed so hard! How she did it, I have NO IDEA! Nor do I care. I just decided to adore this sweet girl, because some day I will kill to have her wake me up all night long. And who wouldn't welcome a good laugh bright and early in the morning!

Just Like Old TImes

2011-09-30T13:55:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been to a fort? Well, Fort Osage, which dates back to Louis and Clark's time, is about 45 minutes from our house. It was a Kilgore family tradition in the fall to pack up for a day trip of fort fun, picking apples at the apple orchard, and then heading to a honey bee farm. All in one location! As Art will tell you, I have the unfortunate need to recreate the past. So of course I wanted my kids to experience this fun tradition! Joshua decided that he and Sadie should dress in stripes to honor the bees we would be seeing that day (so cute!). We picked up Paca, Grandma Clare, and Mimi and headed out on a beautiful 70 degree day.

Too bad the Indians did not send in a group of three year olds to conquer the fort back in the day because Joshua was in and done in about a half an hour! He got a kick out of the train bridge though! We hit up the apple orchard for some of the best peaches I have ever had. So good that Joshua and I killed all three in one sitting! Then off to the honey bee farm! Oh, but wait, it closed down much to our disappointment...about ten years ago! Geez! Shows how long it had been since we went!

Train on the bridge crossing the Missouri River...does it get any more cool?

Ok, so any one that knows me knows how much I dislike animal fur. Augh. Fortunately Joshua was intrigued but disgusted as well. He said this bear must have done something really naughty! Lol...kind of....

Our little bees

Saturday we headed out to Church of the Resurrection for our first family 5K! HEY!! GO US!! :) The race is called Sacred Steps and was raising money to set up a clinic for HIV/AIDS patients in Africa. It was so much fun and Joshua can't wait to do another one. He even did the kids run (as seen below). Unfortunately, he missed the "start" and was looking around for us, so I ran it with him....just the two of us...Hopefully his time will improve....But I shouldn't be talking....

Afterwards the race with Pastor Adam Hamilton. I walked up to the only person I saw standing alone to take our picture and it was Pastor Hamilton! Art was not pleased when I asked him to join, but hey, what a fun memory??!!

Run, Joshua, Run!!

She has some positive endorphins going:)!

On Sunday, Paca and Grandma Clare were sweet enough to watch the kids while Art and I hit up my FAVORITE KC EVENT!! The Plaza Art Fair!! It was our first date since early summer and wow! Was it much needed! I miss my hot hubby dates:)!

She Blinded Us With Science

2011-09-22T11:47:00.001-05:00

Oh Aunt Linda!! She's so cool! For Joshua and Art's birthday she surprised them with a future trip to the zoo. We were so excited!! We had to postpone for a while due to construction at the zoo, then the hot weather, and we finally set up plans to go last Saturday. Unfortunately the weather had other plans. Rain, rain, go away!

As Art says, it never rains on the Milnes' family so we packed up and headed to Union Station to check out Science City for the first time. It was so fun! Highly recommend it! Not sure Joshua learned much at his age, but it was like a big playground. Thanks Aunt Linda for the super fun day! We love you!!

Playing garbage instruments....

Love you Auntie!!

Who needs elevators when you have cool stairs?

Quiet Observer

Cool Mini Golf

Watching big brother

Digging at a fossil site

Aunt Linda with Belle....Big brother was too busy playing...too busy for pictures...

Climbing through sewers

He found a train track that you could control the "ding ding dings", also known s the train crossing. Imagine the fight that came when it was time to go to the next thing. Oye!

Future architect working with his construction

So glad we brought things to chew on

Joshua flew a real medic helicopter. Sadie was the only one who felt comfortable enough to fly with him. :)

As always, how could you not love this guy?

Seven is Heaven!!

2011-09-22T11:40:00.001-05:00

Sweet Sadie is seven months old! Seven months old! Wow!! She is still as sweet as can be, and will reach for whovever enters the room to be held (already the social butterfly), however she is starting to develop a bit of diva personality. The girl lets you know what she wants and when she wants it. And pray that you are not in her way! Art didn't believe his angel could do this, until she pulled it on him the other day when he took a toy from her so she could eat. Well, she has not wanted for much in the last seven months being that I am okay with her glued to my side. We fully intend to pull the plug on this sense of entitlement as soon as we can, but she is just a baby....and so cute......but seriously.....

She LOVES to eat and has settled into her high chair quite nicely. She thinks that she is really a part of the dinner conversations now and it's super cute. Her first tooth is just barely through, and number two should be following soon. It is right at the tip of the gum line. So far she has been a realitively easy baby with the teething thing. Yea!!

Most importantly though, she is ready to crawl ANY DAY and it scares us half to death. She loves to put everything in her mouth and let me remind you that we do have a three year old who loves to have his things everywhere. Joshua gets a kick out of her rocking back on all fours and gearing up to go, but she never quite makes it off. Prayers for us that we finish RE-BABY proofing before that time comes!

Hmmmm. Other Sadie notes....sleeping through the night????Hahahaha.....no! I'm still a Vegas buffet at night.She loves giving Mommy kisses......She opens and clothes her hand to tell you that she wants something or someone......She squeels when Daddy lifts her into the air......Seeing her big brother jumping or run into a room as well as the dog running up the stairs is sure to also elicite uncontrollable laughter....Being outside is still a favorite thing, whether swinging on a baby swing or playing on a blanket....It's super hard to get her to smile for a camera, although she smiles constantly without one around....She is ALWAYS cold and has the chilliest little feet and hands taking after her Mama....

Reading books, organizing her toy container, playing with blocks, and working in the toy kitchen are her favorite indoor activities...

Trying to figure out big brother's odd behavior....

Already loving to play with Mommy's accessories:)

High Chairs!!!

FALL-ing into Preschool

2011-09-15T14:06:00.002-05:00

Can you believe Joshua has already headed off to preschool??? Oh my goodness!! Where is time going?! I hate losing my Tuesday/Thursday mornings with him (Shoot! No more watching the trash and recycling trucks come on Tuesday mornings:(....yes, I did cry over this!) However, we feel so blessed that he is in the best hands this year! He started at my former alma mater (yes, a bit lame!) last week. I ADORE his new teacher. Can't sing her praises enough! Mrs. Young is sweet, insightful, and has already figured out many of our little guys quirks and OCD/sensory issues which Art and I are amazed that she has been able to pick up on such subtle things so quickly. Most importantly, Joshua just loves her. And what parent doesn't love to hear these words that I was told the other day as we got into the car,

"I love learning, Mom! And I love school! And I really, really like Mrs. Young!"

We really struggled with where to send him. We heard good things about several places around us, but when we checked it out, it just didn't seem like a good fit for Joshua. I had heard fabulous things about Holy Spirit's program, but it's a twenty minute drive (not including morning traffic). In the end, we felt that starting his school experience off positively was the most important thing and it trumped wasted car time. And every time I hear the little guy say how much he loves school and his teacher I feel like any amount of time is worth that!!

The morning of drop off, he barely said goodbye to Art, Sadie, or me (with a train table in his room who needs Mom and Dad?). And I barely held it together, saving my tears for home as I wrote in his little journal. Excuse me, it was more like sobs. Lame again, but I just love this little guy so much!

The big preschooler!!

We call this his "Calvin" face- as in Calvin in Hobbes if you remember that cartoon:)

Sporting one of his MANY backpacks!

Hot air balloon card (one of his favorite topics) wishing him luck on his first day of "big kid" school (from Daddy and Mommy)

Doesn't he look so excited to get his "first day of school" gift? Lol....he did really like it although one would think otherwise from this picture! Bubbles to play with after school!

Hi Sadie!!! (Sporting her super cute outfit from Great Uncle Mike and Aunt Terri)

The FABULOUS Mrs. Young with her new student

Joshua was the first kid to arrive which gave him some special time with Mrs. Young....and the class train table...score!!

This may be his favorite part of coming to school

Joshua with his BF since his first playgroup, Liana...she's super sweet!

Love this! Parents wait outside to pick up the kids after school. Our little guy came DARTING out after his first day beaming! Yea!!

Games When I Was a Little Boy....

2011-09-07T16:07:00.002-05:00

Know I just posted yesterday, but this Joshua story was too good to not post.....

The kids were left in the living room as I straightened up the kitchen. Joshua was playing with foam blocks as Sadie sat and ate them. He ran in with gusto and said,

"I just told Sadie this is a really fun game I used to play when I was a little boy! You knock yourself over when you are sitting up. Or here! I can do it for you!"

Before I could respond.....

"But just so you know, she didn't like playing that game."

****Sigh.....Very creative son.****

Big Girl, Stomach Bugs, and Wedding Bells

2011-09-05T21:59:00.002-05:00

Playing a little catch up with this post! Sadie is now six months old! She is six months old, actually, almost seven, but whose counting? She is doing much better with solids, loves sweet potatoes and carrots as well as any fruit. Not a fan of peas, can't say I can blame her:). And be careful if you eat around she will make dives for whatever you have! She rolls or army crawls.....EVERYWHERE! This girl is going to take off soon and scares us because she will be into everything! As you can see, she's an old pro at sitting up and it is so cute! Brother is still her everything and she is dying to be a big girl to play more effectively with his toys. When we dropped him off at his first day of preschool today (post to come later), she just kept trying to get out of our arms to go play with the big kids and fun toys.

Playing with her "Mary" doll in the morning. I had this exact same Madam Alexander doll when I was little and my mom found one for Sadie. She LOVES it! She snuggles it close and strokes her little face or arm...so sweet.

Oh big brother! He is just getting over the stomach bug. I had strep last weekend (not fun as a grown up so gives me more sympathy for kiddos!) and then he came down with the stomach flu on Monday. Poor kid! Was sick until Thursday. Some of the Joshua quotes from the week of illness that either made us laugh or broke our heart a little:

-"I'm feeling kind of negative."

-After throwing up on the fourth day of being sick, "Mom, am I ever going to feel better?" :(

-Morning after the first day of throwing up, "Well thank you for saving me last night!"

-While snuggling him, I said, "Oh my sweet boy, I'm so sorry you don't feel well." His response, "I know my sweet girl." :)

This is why I love dogs....Masey and Joshua truly have a sibling love/hate relationship, but she did not leave his side while he was sick. So sweet!

AND since the flu was out of our house, we rushed to Wichita Saturday morning to see my cousin Scott get married to his beautiful and sweet wife, Alyssa. Scott is a Marine and will be serving in Afghanistan in January so please keep him, as well as his new wife and family in your prayers! It was such a fun wedding! Art and I were extremely sleep deprived after a week of sickness, but we still managed to have a blast with family celebrating this neat couple! Joshua loved seeing all of the Marines, (not army guys as he would correct us!). Thanks Terri and Mike for hosting and cheers to you, Scott and Alyssa!

The Newlyweds!

Dad, Art and Sadie

Mom and Sadie

Glad to be feeling better! Waiting for cake:).

Aunt Linda with cousins Natalie and Gwen

Aunt Karen and Aunt Terri (Mother of the groom!)

Cutting the cake....with a sword....how fun is that? Joshua LOVED it!

Siblings pic!

Family pic! Love how Sadie is looking up at her Daddy:)

Sadie with her Godparents, Uncle Steven and Aunt Lyndsey

Aunt Linda with her Godson:)

Cousin Patrick hanging out with Joshua at the sandbox...glad he was wearing white shorts...geez!

And she's spent!

He had to get his picture with a Marine! One of the few smiles of seen from him in a picture!!

Chloe and Joshua feeding Judy the horse in Uncle Mike and Aunt Terri's yard

Sadie hanging out with Emma, Mommy's cousin Megan's daughter

Kilgore Great Grandkid Crew- Chloe and Trey Lewis/ Lexi and Emma Holding/ Joshua and Sadie

The kids LOVED taking turns playing the harmonica and dancing

Kilgore Kids Picture- Kenny, Billy, Patti, Karen, Terri, and Dad

I shouldn't laugh....

2011-08-12T10:04:00.006-05:00

Do you ever have those moments when you think to yourself, "I really, really love my kid. However, I don't always have to like them right now." Yes, insert the three year old. Oh, Joshua. I love him so, so much! But wow, this three year old thing is giving us a run for our money! For example, I had the first experience ever of dragging my flailing child out of a store screaming the other day since I refused to let him get a drink out of the "other" water fountain as I'm trying to hold him up to a fountain with one arm and balance my return and his sister on the other hip.

Well, we have had the privilege, slightly sadistic I know, of getting the last laugh with some of his little tantrums. Insert the two following stories:

Joshua was enjoying running through the sprinkler the other evening. I told him his shoes could not get wet so set them to the side. This worked until I said it was time to go inside. That's when the first shoe rocketed directly into the sprinkler. "Joshua, move your buns inside! We don't put clean shoes in the sprinkler. They will be wet for tomorrow." I got a sly look and then in slow motion watched the other one fly that way. Yep, time out. I kept my cool and just told him to go. The fit that ensued was world class and to the stairs he went. Sadie was on my hip and thought the theatrics were hilarious. She was just beaming and laughing. Joshua's response, "Stop laughing Sadie! It's not funny! I'm in time out!" This being repeated several times only egged her on more. I had to remove myself so I could laugh:). That's what you get for being a pill, kid.

Some may say this is a bit cruel, Art and I feel he needs to learn after being told things a few times though. While using the restroom, I went to the door to ask if he was finished to find the door was locked.

"Joshua, don't lock the bathroom door."

"Why?"

"Because I said"

"But you and Daddy can lock it."

"That's because we are Mommy and Daddy. Finish going, unlock the door and don't do it again."

----Several minutes pass and I hear crying in the bathroom---

"What wrong, Joshua?" (stated slightly annoyed)

"I can't get out! I can't unlock it!"

"WELL.....Your were able to lock it before, so you need tofigure it out. I'm not helping you!"

"But you have one of those little unlocker things. Can you use it?"

"Sorry, I said you need to figure this one out since you did it when you know your not supposed to.

"BUT MOM!!!"

--Insert me chuckling and an even stronger fit in the bathroom, but he eventually got out. And it only took him a minute to figure it out. AND more importantly, he hasn't done it again since.

HIS "I'm up to something" LOOK

AND THE SWEET BOY LOOK

(By the way, as we sip on our breakfast smoothies, chatting, and typing, my little man just told me he loves me soooo much....kind of feeling guilty now! )

Cousins!!

2011-08-08T15:23:00.002-05:00

Joshua and Sadie FINALLY got to meet their first cousin this last weekend! Yea! We headed up through Iowa to get to Minneapolis to see Uncle Mike and Aunt Krista. On the way, we stopped for lunch in Sumner to visit Grandma Jane and were excited to see Aunt Barb there too. The kids loved getting a little car break, and a little love, from some friends we don't get to see often:). Joshua loved that we were able to get their in time to hear the Sumner lunch whistle blow. It sounded like a tornado alarm which he loved. Grandma Jane treated Sadie to a little lap nap, which for those that know Sadie, does not happen! How special that she got to take a nap with her Great Grandma!

On to Minneapolis!! We stayed right next to Mall of America with Mike, Krista, and Hayden. It was so fun to have them just next door to us! Not to mention wonderful to finally see the cousins interacting with each other. Hayden, the other new Milnes' team member, is just about as cute as they come! So sweet and happy, but can also be so serious as he sizes people up (see the picture below). We left saying how much we hate being away from these three friends!! We enjoyed some chats, meals out, shopping, trip on the rapid transit system, and playing at the amusement park. Another bonus was our hotel was right under the landing path for planes at the airport. None of us have ever been so close to a plane in flight! If it was cool to an adult, imagine how cool it was to a three year old! Even Sadie kept her eyes locked on them! It always goes to fast when we hang out!

Aunt Barb with Sadie Belle

The crew getting ready for lunch

Snuggles from Grandma Jane

And she's out!

Mall of America's Amusement Park- Daddy and Joshua

Riding with Uncle Mike

Cousins!!!f

Watching for planes out of the hotel window

How cute are they!?!

LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!! How could you not with this adorable face!!

Enjoying the Minnesota climate

The daddies with the kids

Oh Belle!!

2011-07-26T09:56:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that we have one of the sweetest little girls on our hands! I feel awful how bad I am about posting just her milestones! I realized that I never posted her three, four, or five month pictures!! No videos of her rolling over, eating for the first time, excersaucing it, or doing her Johnny Jump Up:(. Where does time go! I just hate it!!

So, a brief Sadie overview!

We have nicknamed her Sadie Mak (for Makena) as well as Sadie Belle (often times just Belle). She is so sugary happy, always laughing and squealing to show her love of life constantly! She just oozes sweetness which is apparent since we can't leave our house without getting stopped by strangers to talk to our little smiley child!
She thinks her brother is the coolest and just beams trying to get his attention and the dog is pretty funny in her eyes.
Her favorite toys are her Sophie the Giraffe and her Lovey/Taggie Blanket.
As brother says, she's a hair grabber!
This girl is SUPER NOSY and rarely just snuggles because she is to interested in brother or whatever else is happening around her. Hope this does not stay into the school years!
However, she is our shy one and more of a homebody than Joshua was. She does not like nosy places or a lot of people crowding her.
She has abs of steel and can do crunches lifting her head about 2-3 inches off the ground for about 10 seconds while laying on her back when she wants to get picked up.
She is awesome at tummy time but is also a rolly polly, rolling both from tummy to back and back to tummy.
She LOVES to be outside!
And the four month appointment stats....the four month appointment that was six weeks late due to the busy summer!

Weight- 16 lb. 12 oz.- 97th percentile

Height- 25 inches- 75th percentile

Catching up on her three month picture

Four month picture

Five month picture

Some pictures we took at three months (early June) that I forgot to post...sheesh!

Trying solids for the first time! A success the first time, every time there after, not so much! We have actually stopped and hope to start again in a few weeks:). Little stinker!

Rocky Mountain High! Part II

2011-07-25T22:15:00.004-05:00

So to wrap up our trip, the rest of the pictures!

Family picture on top of the gondola in Vail

Art channeling the Sound of Music with Sadie in Vail. This shot was not planned, I just caught him in the moment....so Art!!

Love this picture of Mom and Dad in Vail

Okay, so where do I begin with this picture! A good laugh would be fitting as well as a chill since this rock represents the loss of political Art with my family! We last went to Colorado about 5 years ago. The rock that Steven and I are seated upon has slowly receded deeper into Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. When I was little, you were able to climb it from dry land and provided many beautiful family shots. Well, over the years, water has taken over and made it difficult to share such shots.

Five years ago, Dad, Steven and I jumped from smaller rocks out in the water to get to this big one. Side note- Those that have ever played a game with Art and I on opposing teams know how competitive we are with one another and that a "fun" evening can end in a long silent drive home for the Milnes' with icy stares from the loser and a gleaming smile from the winner. I'm not proud of it, but hey. It's who we are. With that being said, if I jumped out there, Art had to try. What came next was the slowest sinking into a downward straddle...on a rock... into the lake water.... by my sweet husband, one step short of the big boulder. I have never felt so bad for him, but it really was like something you would see in a movie so I had to laugh! It truly was America's Funniest Videos worthy. I have NEVER seen him MORE mad and hope I never will again!! And as he said, that was the point when political Art died with my family! The part that stunk the most about it was we were only half way through our hike so the melody of "squish, squash" sounded from his shoes the rest of the walk around the lake.

When he had cooled down a bit, at the next destination, he decided to air dry his socks by tying them to the top of my parents van. Fast forward to the present, no one has had the heart to remove the final sock from the van until this trip. It is tattered and torn, but represents a "special" moment in our history. It was only fitting that the sock be put to rest at it's point of origin before my parents sell the van while we were on the trip. Art held the remains before burial as Steven and I get our one final laugh....from the rock....that we managed to jump out to again successfully! This time it entailed us walking a small branch between rocks...it truly is amazing that we didn't go down! Wish the picture captured this amazing event better. LOL!

Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Our sweet boy in Rocky Mountain National Park

Siblings afternoon in Vail....Loving the Blue Moons and beautiful views!

Mama Rosa's Italian Restaurant by the creek in Estes Park- a Kilgore tradition of fabulous food, fabulous wine, fabulous view and most of all fabulous company!

Papa and Sadie hanging out at Spreig Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Spreig Lake with the Crew

One of my favorite pictures from the trip!! Wish we could have gotten a picture this good with the kids!!

Joshua feeding a chipmunk for the first time...He LOVED it!!

Check out the snow on top of Trail Ridge Road!

More chipmunk fun! Joshua got his first taste of one climbing on him:).

Joshua and Aunt Linda in Rocky Mountain National Park

Beautiful shot but missing our little friend!!

Rainbow slide in Estes...that's us at the top:)

Little Man enjoyed his first ride!

After finishing his first ride on bumper cars, Joshua headed out for his first ride on bumper boats. This is prior to the splash fest.

Aunt Lyndsey and Sadie spraying those brave enough to ride the bumper boats:)

Had to drive by 4414 Apple Way in Boulder...our old casa! Each time we visit it looks more and more different! They've added so much to our former little house:(

Rocky Mountain High! Part 1

2011-07-17T22:20:00.005-05:00

Some might call us crazy but it's summer time and the Milnes Family always likes to do a fun summer trip. So the crazy part, we departed on the road for my old home, Colorado, with a four month old and three year old, staying in close quarters with my immediate family (5 adults, plus my "brother from another mother", Brett B., Steven's BF)....could have been trouble....but it was great!! We had so much fun rediscovering and sharing my family's old stomping grounds with the kiddos. Joshua has repeatedly asked when we are going to move there.

On the way out there, we truly experienced the "Are we there yet"s from Little Man. He actually asked as we pulled onto the highway leaving our house! Yep, not a good thing to hear as you pull out! The kids did a fabulous job overall though. We started in Colorado Springs just the four of us, headed to Vail to meet up with my family the Crazy Kilgore's and then wrapped up in Estes Park. All in all, that was five hotels in eleven days (if you count the overnights in Hayes, KS)! No wonder we were exhausted when we returned!! Both kids LOVE being outside and the weather would make any Midwesterner insane with jealously. I could tell the story of the trip, but will just let's just get to the pictures....there are plenty!!

First night there, I told Art and Joshua that I have seen almost every kind of Rocky Mountain animal except a wolf and a bear in my years traveling there. We were pretty excited to check this "little" guy off the list later that night!! I was traveling with some lucky charms:).

Seven Falls in Colorado Springs- super cheesy but a fun place to see. The falls light up at night time:). Joshua talked us in to climbing the stairs to the top. About 1/3 of the way we decided we were idiots to do something so insane with a toddler and baby in a backpack. Not to mention the major vertigo that started to sink in so we returned defeated to the bottom....with one extremely upset kid!!

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs with the Schwertners- Rachael and Ryan introduced Art and I. Ryan went to Iowa with Art and married my oldest friend (going on 22 years!!), Rachael.

Joshua is two weeks older than there little guy, Samuel, and Sadie is six weeks older than their new little one Peter. Much to our sadness, they were transferred to Denver this summer, but we got to be there first visitors! Very first being that they moved there four days before we came! Haha!

Ryan and Art with the kids -Allison, Samuel, Joshua, and Sadie

Sadie at Garden of the Gods

Allie, Joshua and Samuel

First family picture of the trip!

Schwertner clan

Santa's Workshop Amusement Park in Colorado Springs

Joshua loved the candy cane slide! Loved it so much that he went about ten times!

Christmas in June with Santa! Sadie loved the jolly guy! Joshua was shy for the first time in his three years so Mom had to hop in the picture too:).

Santa and Sadie did not want to part! He kept saying she was the cutest baby he had seen so he didn't want to give her up and Sadie did not want to part with his fluffy beard...perfect for pulling!

The first sailing experience! He was so excited to be able to ride a boat and ring his bell. Unfortunately he had the bunk boat with a broken bell so this is him showing his pleasure with the scenario!

Crashed after a day of fun at the North Pole

Oh Casa Bonitas! We celebrated lunch there with the Kilgore's and Kochman's! Patti Kochman is Grandpa Charley's sister. We got to enjoy Patti, Mark, Gwen and Eric for a short while at this unique site, if that's what you want to call it. No words can describe Casa Bonitas. You have to experience it yourself. If it says anything, it has been featured on South Park, the show, a few times.... Joshua and Art loved it! I think most of us were sick for a day after eating there...Such a funny memory though!

Fourth of July Parade in Vail- My family used to celebrate the 4th of July in Vail every year growing up. It was so fun to share it with my kids!

Papa, Lyndsey, Linda, Art, and Joshua

Mimi, Leslie, and Sadie at the parade sporting the festive hats Mimi made for us:)

The Lawn Chair Crew!! This is a Vail favorite! This group of local dads have been marching in the parade since I was a kid. They have a choreographed routine set as they march with their lawn chairs. We were so excited to see that they still were there after all of these years, although they are trying to pass the ropes to a younger group of guys:).

Swimming at the pool- Art, Joshua, Brett, and Steven

Papa and Joshua at the base of the Vail gondola having boy time

Heading up the Gondola!!

More to come!!

The Big D

2011-06-16T13:30:00.003-05:00

You have to love the first trip of the summer! Regardless of age, I think we all revert back to being kids with the excitement of it all. Who doesn't love to get out of town? 'Tis the season and we headed to Dallas to visit Grandpa Cal and Grandma Katy for our first summer trip. Sadie got to experience her first plane ride (she was fabulous!) and Joshua was able to experience a ride with Dramamine:). This settled his tummy which eased his fears that he would not get sick after our last Texas trip. Lol!

It was a perfectly relaxing weekend with some of our favorite people. Joshua loved going to check out a solar paneled tornado alarm with Grandpa and Sadie loved telling Grandma some stories. Both kids loved going to their neighborhood pool . Sadie had her first pool experience and Joshua showed off some new skills....he learned how to float on his own...with a life jacket....but whose keeping track:).

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

At the airport...Are we there yet??

Joshua and Grandpa

Sadie and Grandma

Playing with Daddy at the pool!

Kimmy, Grandma, Sadie, and Grandpa relaxing cabana style

Tootsies are in the water!

Sizing it up

Hey Ma! Look at me! I can float!

Crashed after an afternoon of swimming

Joshua with one of his favorite people, Kimmy, in their favorite spot, the hammock:). And Sam too of course:)

A serious Milnes' conversation

Joshua loves to play Santa in their jacuzzi tub

And "the big float" was caught on water!

Sadie's Baptism

2011-06-06T22:27:00.007-05:00

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.

- Jeremiah 1:5

Sadie Makena was Baptized on May 22 and it was just a beautiful ceremony! The scripture readings from Mass that morning were so fitting and Deacon Jim Lavin celebrated the Baptism as his first Christening. It went wonderfully although baby girl did not like getting her head wet (much to our surprise since she LOVES bathtime!). We kept this event much smaller than Joshua's day which was really nice. Joshua had a huge celebration, which really seems to fit his personality now, and we just felt like we didn't get to enjoy what was really going on that day. So with Miss Sadie Belle, we kept it more low key (which fits her personality too...she is at her best with a small crowd) and only invited Art and my families as well as great grandparents that lived in town. We were so sad that Art's family was not able to make it in, but there were certainly there in spirit and prayers. Her Godparents, my brother, Steven, and his wife, Lyndsey, did a wonderful job...and will continue to do so down the road we know:). It was also really sweet because Sadie was able to wear my baptismal gown. We were a little nervous to see if it would fit her since she was 3 months and I wore it when I was just a couple weeks, but it worked out great! She looked perfect:). Congratulations Sadie!

(Know there are lots of pictures this time around!)

After our Church celebration, we headed out for a nice brunch at the Bristol. It was our first time there for the much talked about KC Sunday Brunch and oh my goodness was it good!! If you ever have the chance to check it out, it's well worth it:). As you can tell, the guest of honor thoroughly enjoyed herself!

Evening at the Park

2011-05-20T09:46:00.003-05:00

We have a cute little park within walking distance of our house. The whole clan ventured there for a little fun in the evening sun the other night and I grabbed the camera to see if we could get some shots to celebrate Sadie's 3 month pictures. Art always rolls his eyes a bit when I grab the camera because I am a bit obsessed! I hope to save us some money long term though and not have to pay for professional shots:). My girl friend Vicki gave this to Sadie from her daughter's boutique in California and this little outfit was too cute not to be photographed! Thanks Vicki! The shirt says "play nice" in Mandarin Chinese. Cute! Fortunately Sadie was helpful as always and hammed it up for the camera. Big brother is going through a phase that he is not really into getting his picture taken so I know there aren't as many with him:(. Darn it!

I did manage to get a picture with his beloved park tornado siren. Anyone that knows Joshua he is CRAZY about tornado sirens (and trains)....think it's his OCD....each morning he wakes up and wants to know if it is the day the alarms are tested. It started out as a fear when he coincidently hit the grill with his trimmer and the sirens started. Really, what are the chances!!! Scared the loving day lights out of him, but he never hit the grill again with it!! He thinks he can control them now. The kid has the amazing ability while driving to find any siren within the distant horizon. It's really quite amazing. Be careful to ask him about them though because you will get your ear talked off!

Baby girl is doing great though! Had quite the week of discovery last week. She's rolling around now, laughing out loud when tickled, and enjoying the fact that she discovered her hands. Gotta love those cross eyed babies when they play with their hands. So cute! She also has started to hold a few things to play with them. Her favorites are a little taggie blankie (thanks Griebenow's!!) and a giraffe that our friends the Freitag's gave her.

How Could You Not....

2011-05-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

......resist kissing this little face a million times a day??? I just love her! Think these two pics may be some of my favorites yet. Miss Sadie Makena did attend her two month doctor's check up and can I just say, "wow". Girl knows how to eat! She is in the 75th percentile for height at 23 1/2 inches and the 97th for weight at 13.6 lb!! Don't judge! We've had a little talk that it needs to slow down before she eats us out of house and home:). Dr. Tyson said that is just the way breastfed babies are, but geez girl! She is just so happy all the time! Suppose it's because she is well fed:).

2011-05-09T20:37:00.008-05:00

We have had so much fun during this last weekend! We started on Thursday night, May 5, celebrating two of our favorite people, my grandparents, Gene and Clare Thorne. They renewed their wedding vows with family at Holy Spirit on their 60th anniversary. It was a BEAUTIFUL night filled with love and lots of happiness. A dinner celebration was held afterwards at Garozzo's. We are so, so blessed with these two special people! Cheers to you Paca and Clare!

Friday we had fun at Stonewall Inn, yummy pizza and perfect weather to sit outside! Although it was a two hour wait...geez!!....we loved just being able to slow down as a family and "be" as we like to say in the Milnes house. This seems like a rarity in our lives! Saturday evening we were enjoying another fabulous evening of weather when we spotted a hot air balloon close by. Within a few minutes, we were in the car chasing it to see it land! So fun! It found it's spot behind Target. Joshua is crazy about hot air balloons and it was so sweet to see his little face and the excitement he felt. The family who owned it was so sweet too. They let him get in the basket, helped him blow some of his own helium, and even pet the balloon. What a great memory!

And Mother's Day...I think I like this day even more than my own birthday. It's always on the weekend and we just have so much fun! We shared some Dean and Deluca in Dad and Mom's beautiful backyard with mimosas, took a family nap, got to read the paper alone, and celebrated that evening with my favorite tradition of sushi and strawberry pie for dinner and more outside fun. Yum!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my family and am so happy that I get to be mom to these two little people. And I'm so lucky to have so many wonderful moms around me, my own mother, mother in law, grandmothers and friends!

Joshua in the balloon's basket

Getting to help release the helium...he LOVED this!!

Getting to "Pet" the balloon after it was deflated

The bride and groom cutting the cake:)

Pictures from their 60 years plus of fun!

Bridget and Erin

Kristin, Paul, and Lauren

Linda, Art, Leslie, and Joshua...with a nice full mouth of food!

Mom, Dad, Steven, and Lyndsey

Grandpa Gene, Grandma Clare, and Brian

Father Rick Storey, Deanna, and Father Tony Lecktieg

Jerry and Sally

Karen, Deanna, Jacob, and Michael

Sadie and Anne

Our Kilgore Clan

Great shot of Joshua and Aunt Linda

Joshua carrying up his beloved red vacuum from Paca and Grandma Clare's house for the offertory part of Mass

Linda and Steven carrying up the gifts

Mom and Dad reading at Mass

Bride and groom renewing their vows

APRIL Fun

2011-05-01T20:59:00.008-05:00

Easter fun! Although the day was cool, we sure had a beautiful holiday! We celebrated by playing with our new Easter gifts (a soccer goal and t-ball...wow can he knock them!! And no, these two toys were only allowed in the house on this special day, especially after seeing J's ability to make contact!). Mass at Holy Spirit, brunch at LePeeps, naps, and then off to Paca and Grandma Clare's for dinner. It cracked us up seeing Joshua join his first Thorne dinner since really learning to talk. It is, as some may say, organized chaos:), and hard to join in the conversation if you are soft spoken, but Joshua rolled with the best of them, talking loudly to anyone who would listen with such comments from across the table, "So hey Jerry, how's your cat?". April Playdates! We enjoyed seeing friends, old and new! Sadie loved finally seeing some kids her own size:).

Samuel, Allie, and Joshua helping Papa move bushes from the van to the yard.

Sadie hanging out with baby Peter Schwertner...Peter is 6 weeks younger

Two sleepy heads:). Madeline Heise and Sadie. Born one day apart! Future KSU roomies???

Little Man had his spring program at school...Mother's Day Out...this week. It was his first official school program so we were so excited since he loves to sing! His teacher's said at their dress rehearsal he was by far the loudest and was cracking them up with his singing throughout the day. Sure to be a performance. Unfortunately, they picked the start time as right after the kids' nap. Anyone that knows Joshua knows he is not a "wake up and go" guy from nap. Takes him a good twenty minutes to be right with the world. So we enjoyed the other kids singing and Joshua's stretches and yawns. At least he gave a smile at the end as you can see in the last shot!

Little Miss Sunshine

2011-04-21T21:48:00.004-05:00

Our favorite girl turned two months old last weekend. Sadie Belle is simply one of the happiest little ones we have ever met...and we really thought Joshua was an easy, happy baby! She loves to smile and is just really starting the babbling and chattiness. We thought her two month outfit totally fit her personality, so bright and cheery! Aunt Linda surprised her with this the day she came home from the hospital. Sadie loves to play "Bees in the Park" with her big brother, flirt with Daddy, and listen to Mommy sing. We just love how complete our family feels with these two little ones!

Daddy also celebrated his birthday last week. His only request was for a cookie cake from Blue Chip Cookie. Of course, Joshua and I said sure:). Joshua, and I'm sure Sadie would agree if she could talk, feel like they are the luckiest kids in the world to have such a fun, silly Daddy that makes them feel so special. And I count my blessings every day that God allowed me to be this amazing man's wife:). I certainly don't deserve him!

It's Great to be Three!

2011-04-05T12:43:00.009-05:00

Happy birthday to our FAVORITE boy!!

Joshua had his three year appointment last week. He's in the 90% for height and went up in weight from 60% to 90%...yep, you can tell we have had the end of a pregnancy, Christmas, and lots of yummy food drop offs lately! Boot camp detox promptly started as we left the doctor's office!

We are working on behavior right now. From what I understand, most parents would agree with us on this. Terrible twos, hahahaha!! WHATEVER!! Three year olds are little sinners working out their salvation even more than teenagers! After acknowledging that we had our hands full, Dr. Tyson, said that we should use a certain language with him that states the behavior we want to see, for example, "I see a boy that needs to use an inside voice."

So I, being the proactive parent, tried to use it at lunch that day ready to battle. He struggles with staying in his chair. Half way through the meal he starts to hop down and run over to his riding toy, Lightening McQueen. I promptly say, "I see a boy that needs to sit in his chair!" Full well knowing that this is not going to immediately solve the problem, but maybe if it is repeated a couple of times he will return to the right choice. I was not prepared for his "oh really Mom, that's all you've got???" response. He stops in his tracks, looks right and me and says, "Well I see a boy that needs to go play with Lightning McQueen." Touche' son, touche'!!

For his birthday breakfast, he chose Gerber oatmeal with honey. I had to take a picture because I thought that was a pretty random birthday breakfast choice, but hey, it is his day!

Grandpa Cal and Grandma Katy send him a sweet Tony Romo jersey...his first Cowboys jersey!

Daddy and Mommy surprised him with a train table!

Our birthday dinner tradition is to go to T-Rex restaurant at the Legends. We love seeing him grow each year. This year though, he thought it really was adorable to see his reaction to it! He went nuts!

Daddy making his best T-Rex face and Joshua passing on the photo op:)

Pavlov's Dog....He spots the singing wait staff headed his way with ice cream!

For Joshua's birthday party, we decided to keep it low key and checked into the Residence Inn Saturday night for swimming, Chinese food (his request), and a slumber party. This is a bonus that helps make Art's traveling easier....bonus points at hotels and airlines:). It was so much fun, not to mention, we got to sleep in FINALLY because he was in bed with Daddy:). Hello eight am wakup! Sweet! Hard to believe that eight is sleeping in these days, but wow, did it feel GREAT! We are tempted to do it once a month to have such a breather! Haha!

Sadie with her Godparents, Aunt Lyndsey and Uncle Steven

Aunt Linda playing with her favorite Godson and birthday boy:)

Sweet! Railroad crossings for the train table...Ding ding ding!

Mimi snuggling with Sadie Belle

Party Princess passed out from all the fun

Chinese Please!

Our little fish

Riding his new Harley Davidson big wheel with Papa in the hotel halls!

Thomas birthday cake...this is actually the only gift he asked for...a Thomas cake! We had asked him for months what he wanted for his birthday and all he would say was a Thomas cake. Love his simple mind! Mimi and Mommy nailed it without having to buy the crazy $70 one from the store! Thanks YouTube!!

And Lead Us Not Into Plantations

2011-03-29T16:45:00.003-05:00

Papa and Mimi have a piano....which Joshua LOVES. A couple of weeks ago, he amused us with his renditions of Jesus Loves Me and others, but then he wanted to do the "Daily Bread" prayer (aka the Our Father to him...he is all about food!) on the piano. He loves to finish the lines of a verse. Papa snapped this brief clip. Most is accurate, but I'm sure you can find where we may need some work:).

And oh Sadie Belle! She will be six weeks this Saturday! She is absolutely adorable in the morning. All smiles, giggles and cooing. She loves her big brother, lights, and sleeping on the chest of anyone who allow her. Dislikes, car seats. This is improving a bit, but wow does she protest being in one! Below is the link to a slideshow of pics that my girlfriend Sara put together for her newborn session at one week. It amazes me how she is already a different looking child! Enjoy!

Sadie's Newborn Session:

http://shareitvideo.com/watch.php?v=241555660557974

Love Those Texans and Irishmen!

2011-03-23T18:41:00.006-05:00

We have had a great week celebrating some of our favorite people! Grandpa Cal and Grandma Katy made it up from Dallas to meet their granddaughter this past weekend. We sure love seeing their smiles! Joshua enjoyed playing on his swing set with Grandma Katy and Grandpa Cal had quite the game of hide and go seek going with him:). They know the way to their grandson's heart too when they showed up with sprinkled cookies and banana bread...yum! Sadie loved snuggling with both and retold some great baby stories:). Tournament basketball was shared over the weekend and we HATED watching my beloved CATS go down. Cheers to Jake and Frank for another year of fun basketball though! Love watching you both and you will be missed Mr. Pullen! Frank, counting the days until next season! We hated to see Grandpa and Grandma go, as we always do, and can't wait to hang out again. We are so blessed to have such amazing grandparents on both sides of our family for these little ones.

Anyone that knows my side of the family, knows the Thorne side as a bunch of crazy Irish Catholics! So, of course we introduced Sadie to St. Paddy's Day! Festivities were at Papa and Mimi's. Joshua, Aunt Linda, and I passed on the potatoes and corned beef with cabbage for Mr. Goodcents, but we love to celebrate regardless! Although we were short on green clothes for Sadie Belle, she did sport some nice green and white striped tights thanks to the Peters family!

Funny Joshua story, so I was trying to explain St. Patrick's Day to him. I told him the story of St. Patrick, the clover, what Ireland is and if you have family from Ireland you are Irish. We then started making a list of those that we knew who had some Irish roots. He then asked what Masey was...Masey is our dog for those that may not know. I said that animals really don't talk about where their ancestors were from, but I guess Masey's family came from the Orient like maybe China. "So Masey's Chinese?" "I guess if you want to say that," was my response since this part of the conversation was apparently far gone. So much for a good educational session. He than said that he was Chinese.

-"No, you are not Chinese, you are Irish, English, German, Scottish......"

-"Yes, I am Chinese."

-"No, sweetie, you are not. We don't have any family that we know of from China."

-"Yes, I am Chinese because I like Chinese food and it goes in my tummy, and it has a party, so my Chinese food makes me Chinese!"

Check please!! This conversation was beyond recovery!!! :)

Three weeks and counting!

2011-03-11T20:20:00.010-06:00

As of tomorrow, Saturday, at 12:53 pm, Miss Sadie Belle will be 3 weeks old! It's amazing that after such a short amount of time, we can't imagine our lives without her! She really is a sweetie...loves to snuggle and is really only fussy about 7-9 pm at night. I think it's because it's her big brother's bedtime and she doesn't want to say goodnight:). She is still the Daddy's girl and will only smile at will for his voice which is really sweet. And occasionally she calms down if Joshua sings to her! As for my relationship with her, I'm the one who provides meals which I am sure she appreciates in some way! That's okay, we will make up for lost time in a few years with some shopping and pedis:)!

Joshua is still so, so good with her and we could not be happier! We are still working on the soft touch with babies, but there has been no jealously whatsoever. Now, he has taken it out attitude wise with Dad and Mom, but we will take that any day over him having an issue with her. He has started to do a bit of lying as well as talking back which we are not happy about, but we will get there. A common lie is that he claims he washed his hands or has gone potty when he in fact did not. As for talking back, we are getting a lot of "No's!" when he is instructed to do something. He told me "no" today quite passionately after I asked him to close the back door. I promptly carried him to time out without saying a word. The whole way there he shouted, "I said NOAH not NO! I said NOAH not NO!" Nice. At least it is reaching him at some level.

Here's a couple of pics from the last few weeks. I'm amazed at how many fewer pictures we have taken with the second! Makes me sad!! I have got to get better!!! Stay tuned soon because I plan to post some professional ones that one of my girl friends took in the next few days:).

MMMM! Blueberry muffins!

Big brother and baby sister!

Joshua's first REAL haircut....Art protested enough with his son's long locks. Mommy's cuts weren't doing it so we compromised on this for the time being. Mommy is missing his Matthew McConaughey look but it will be back in time for Easter pics:). Thanks Shear Madness for the kid friendly salon! He loved it!

Hi Friends!!

She's so alert already. We can't get over how much she looks like Joshua too.:)

Little hands! Love the details!

One of her first baths home

We are so proud. He did this while I was cleaning today. Got into Sadie's closet and started trying on her clothes. I think the skull and bones shirt accentuates the pink onsie quite well.

Caught on camera- Sadie smiling and a little laugh while dozing off

It's A Girl!!!

2011-02-20T22:44:00.004-06:00

SADIE MAKENA MILNES

Baby Pink is officially a girl!! Toddler intuition is correct! Sadie Makena Milnes joined our family on February 19th, 2011 at 12:53 pm. She is PERFECT and we are already so in love! She weighed 8 lb. 6 oz. and was 19 1/2 in. long. We had narrowed the girls names down, but had not made an official decision as I stated in an earlier post so forgive us for the delay in name release. Sadie is a form of Sarah and means princess which Daddy loved. He put it at the top of our list when we were pregnant with Joshua. Makena is after Makena beach on Maui. My family feel in love with this special spot when I was little and I had the opportunity to share it with Art a couple of years ago and it quickly became one of his favorite spots on Earth too:).

As of my appointment on Friday, I still had not progressed past a 1 1/2 in dilatation and no effacement so we were planning on being induced this coming Monday. So needless to say, we were a little surprised when my water broke at 1:15 am that very night! We had been at a fundraiser earlier in the evening for KU Med Student Mission Trips that Aunt Lyndsey had co-chaired so we are not sure if it was being on my feet walking around (not likely since I chase a toddler all day) or if it was the full moon, but by 2:30 am we were at the hospital! Strange too because when we hopped in bed at about midnight, the dog would not leave my side. She usually likes to be next to Art. We laughingly wondered if she was onto something. Animal intuition is so cool!

It was a slow start but by afternoon, they checked me and I was at a 6 with close to full effacement, fast forward a half an hour and I was fully dialated and ready to push! They say the second can come much faster but wow! Just a couple pushes and she was here! Sadie is a healthy little girl and I'm feeling great! I'm one of those crazy girls that really loves the labor experience and fortunately enjoyed it with little pain thanks to epidurals....which does not bode well for Art since I want to experience it more often....Wink, wink;)! And speaking of Daddy, he is so adorable with his Sadie already. She immediately was drawn to his voice (as well as Joshua's)! She is quite the Daddy's girl which is so darn cute!

We were so, so happy we waited to find out too! I know that every birth is exciting, but nothing can describe the euphoric feeling of seeing that little body and then waiting for the "It's a boy/girl!!" It was kind of funny because the doctor had her all squished up and we could not tell the sex for what seemed like twenty/thirty seconds before the doctor said it.....or Art thinks she said it. My nurse and I swore it was Art that finally called it:). Needless to say we were both crying and just ecstatic!

Joshua is a dream older brother! He just sits and whispers too her and wants to snuggle her. He does not like the nurses making her cry and immediately jumped to grab diapers and wipes when she had her first dirty diaper. When he meet her, without any prompting, he snuggled up next to her and whispered, "You are my baby." It was so cute! He also requested a "family hug" (aka group hug) and told her that he was going to teach her to vacuum! Love his priorities! Hopefully this gentleness lasts when we get home, but who am I kidding!

We truly appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers throughout our pregnancy and delivery and can't wait for each of you to meet our little Sadie!!

Joshua meeting his sis for the first time

First family picture

Her little tongue is always going!

Proud Daddy and his princess....she took an almost 2 hour nap on him before being woken up to nurse!

Joshua announcing his new sibling to Grandpa Cal and Grandma Katy

Welcome Baby Milnes!!

2011-02-13T05:12:00.006-06:00

I know this post is a bit deceiving:), however we do have big news for the Milnes' family!! Art's brother Mike and his wife Krista welcomed their first little one February 9 at 3:53 am and we are so excited!! Hayden Michael Milnes was due on Valentine's Day but gave his parents a nice surprise coming a bit early:). Little Hayden weighed 8 lb. 2 oz. and was 19 1/2 in. long. Art and I are so, so excited to be an uncle and aunt to this PERFECT little boy and we just wished we lived closer to Rochester, MN because it is killing us to not hold this sweetie! Daddy and Mommy are doing well, a bit sleep deprived, but say that Hayden is already quite the guy. Joshua is so happy to finally have a name for Baby Blue, as Hayden was affectionately coined over the last few months by his older cousin, even though he has randomly told people his new cousin's name is Connor?! We don't know any Connor's, but okay..... We also can't wait to see Baby Pink grow up with a cousin so close in age! I've loved sharing pregnancy stories with Krista over the last several months and can't wait to trade baby, toddler, kid stories in the years to come!

CONGRATULATIONS MIKE AND KRISTA!!! HAYDEN IS ADORABLE AND HE IS SO LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AS HIS DADA AND MAMA!! CHEERS TO THE MILNES'!!

The Waiting Game....

2011-02-04T09:19:00.004-06:00

I realized that I really have not posted anything about the pregnancy in ages! Just TWO weeks until Baby Pink's due date and I think our whole house is getting a bit anxious!! I had an appointment today and was ever so pleased to hear that I have again made NO progress this week. Sweet! I will be 38 weeks this weekend and really have been feeling well over all. Sleep is not so great and I've had plenty of Braxton Hicks but otherwise life is good:). Dr. Wittekthought the baby is a bit over five pounds, head's down, and I'm measuring right in between 37 and 38 weeks. That's all good news, now if we could just get everything else to kick into gear!! It was reassuring to hear her say that dilation and effacement mean nothing in regards to when baby is coming. The baby could still be here tomorrow, just means I have more work to do during labor....lovely! Art loved hearing that too since we thought he would be safe traveling next week to Oklahoma and St. Louis with no progress. Oh, and the heart rate is in the 140's which leads me to another point!

BOY or GIRL??? So the whole pregnancy I really thought Baby Pink was a girl. It's been so different than Joshua with the intense morning sickness, the heartbeat was always so high, no dreams of babies (I had so many boy dreams with Joshua), I cry at the silliest things (avoiding Oprah as much as I can cause that's a sure way to make me a wreck!), yada, yada, yada, and it does not help too that Joshua swore it was a girl and her name was Pink....hence Baby Pink. Mom is still thinking girl with some very vivid dreams she's been having. I, on the other hand, have changed in the last couple of weeks. I just have a hunch it's a boy. Art thinks I'm just preparing myself for no mini me:), which, yes, I would say if I could pick, I would pick a girl, but truly I would love to see Joshua with a brother too. The heart rate has really dropped in the last few weeks, which Joshua's did as well (he was always in the 160-170's and then dove to the 140's at the end). I started having dreams about baby boys and Joshua now only says he is having a baby brother. If you ask him why the change his reasoning may not be the most accurate. He is now a big boy and someone needs to play with his old toys so it's got to be a boy to him! I'm just so, so excited to find out and so glad we waited as hard it's been!! I know there is no way to be completely excited when we hear "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" on D-Day.

On the bright side for boy versus girl, we've had our boy's name picked since Joshua was born. Check! Girl's name....hmmm. We narrowed it down to two at the beginning of the pregnancy, one that Art had picked a couple of years ago and another that I had chosen around the same time. However, it is a toss up now. And they are both totally different so that makes it even harder, one classic and long with the other short and cute. I think if it's a girl we will just have to see her little face to determine what the fit is:). So it's a good thing too if it's a boy because than we won't have to worry about the name business!

We've had blizzard like conditions in KC this week which amounted to some snow day pictures. Art got snowed into town which was good because I had another adult to talk to. However, I think Joshua and I were at one another's throats by Thursday! We are movers and hate being stuck at home! Enjoy and MAYBE our next post will have some fun announcement....I HOPE!!

Our Grand Story Teller

2011-01-26T14:19:00.004-06:00

I think one of the things that I love most about being a parent is watching a little one come into their own in the language department. Maybe it's the teacher in me! From Joshua's first little coos, to words, to phrases and sentences, each little thing amazes me with a child's development. At 2 months shy of three, our little guy is quite the talker! Dinner time is filled with lots of good conversation and thoughts, and yes, he does have many that he desires to share! I thought I'd share some of the little gems from the last few days that either melted our hearts a bit or had us in stitches.

After lunch, he announced he was going to the living room to play. I asked if I could come to which he said no. "Why can't Mommy come play too?" His response, "I'm going to the living room to play by myself because I love me!".
We have started the battle of bed time again and have tried to fix it a bit by focusing on all of the happy thoughts we can think of as we fall asleep. The other night he said, "I will think about hot air balloons, swimming pools, Mommy and Daddy. Think about bees. No, I not going to think about bees. Bees stress me out!":)
On the same bed time thing, his list from last Thursday was a sweet one. Art had been on the road since 4 am Sunday morning and we were really missing Daddy. "I try to think about pools, balloons.....And when my Daddy comes home..." Made me want to tear up a bit. He misses his best buddy when Dad's away!
We are trying to avoid buying another stroller with new baby, especially one for two, so that means we are really working on training J to walk by us or hold onto the cart. After an unnerving Costco trip, we tried to talk again about "Stranger Danger". Art said, "Someone could take you if you don't stand by us!" His response, "Well the problem is, I could run away though." He thinks his speed is much greater than we do I suppose!
While driving home, he asked what getting in a wreck meant. After we explained, he said, "Well I could just get the blue vacuum and clean up the glass then get the car a band-aid, some honey (we use this for a cough), and some Vicks and it would be better!"
And the sweetest.....You always wonder what little ones see that we don't:). He told us out of nowhere the other day that while he was at Church last week he got to talk to Jesus. I asked what he and Jesus talked about. He said, "Jesus told me I am a very good boy." We agreed with Jesus. And then he said, "And Baby Pink was with Jesus too. But Baby Pink did not get to talk with us." :) Mom said I should have asked if Pink was a boy or girl! Haha!

And here's another reason we are proud of our son...His new bath time toy....

Big, Juicy Vans

2011-01-11T21:18:00.006-06:00

Oh, Stratus! We never thought the day would come! Art never thought the day would come, but the Stratus has finally moved onto a new phase of its life. Trying to gear up for the fourth member of the family's arrival (don't tell Masey that she is not included in the count), we thought it was time to upgrade to a bigger car. Thankfully, we have Art's company car (yea, no car payment!!) and the Bullet (aka Saturn) is in the works of new ownership, but the poor Stratus was the first to get the boot. Art's heart was almost broken and he was able to enjoy one more good morning ride with his buddy. Yes, I know, he no longer drives a Dodge Stratus and his level of importance may suffer because of it, but he sure knows how to make a mini van look good!!

The new purchase! A 2008 Honda Odyssey. Although it was hard to let the Stratus go, Art was pretty pumped to have a van. It has quite a few wing-dings on it that would make any guy salivate for a family car. Me, I'm still adjusting a bit. I swore I would never be a minivan mom, but the time came when they make way too much sense so here we are. The boys out voted me (J was on Daddy's side sense that's what his cool buddies all have!) and logic lead the way:). For those that are Seinfeld fans, Art has Joshua calling it our "big, juicy van" which he is pretty proud of. It really is a great car and I know it is going to make life easier, so cheers to the new adventure!! We officially feel like parents now, and just a bit older!

Ringing in the New Year!!

2011-01-08T13:21:00.006-06:00

Hope you all enjoyed ringing in the New Year! It's hard to believe that 2010 is already behind us. It was such a great year for us and we hope that it brought nothing but happiness for all of you too:). We continued our New Year's Eve tradition of hanging out with some of our favorite people, the Peters' family (Eric, Nealy, Emmitt, and Malloy)! We started this little thing last year that we take the kids to Fritz's Train Restaurant then head back to someone's house to just enjoy one another's company. Last year we had a slumber party, but Joshua had other plans this year and was not so cool staying in a new bed. Oh well! We sure had fun and loved being with such fabulous friends on the last day of the year!

Fast forward a few days and we had another round of the flu dash through our house. So much fun! Poor Joshua was so sick and of course it hit when Art decided to take a few days off of work to have some family fun. The last time he took a day off that was not trip related was after the Super Bowl in 2002! It was a blessing though to have another set of hands to help with the sicko. Fingers crossed it will be our last round until next year!

And the two toddler quotes of the week:

"It's freakin' out kind of cold!!" (Stated while walking into Costco last Sunday)

"I can't find where it isn't!" (Stated while trying to find his vacuum...And yes, an English lesson did follow;) )

We all scream for ice cream!!!

After wresting

Sharing a bed...this did not last long, but it sure was cute!

Our poor, sweet boy! Crashed on the couch with the flu!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2010-12-28T21:52:00.009-06:00

Christmas Eve and Day were just as happy and magical as we had expected. Joshua looked so grown up in his little Christmas outfit! Where does time go???!!! I think I say that a bit too much:). Check out some of the fun below with a sampling of our pictures from the big weekend!

Love the excitement on his face! He just spotted the lamb in the manger, or should I say, Joshua the lamb from Max Lucado's book, The Crippled Lamb:)! He loves this book, which we love since it was one of the reasons we fell in love with the name Joshua. One of my favorites if you have not read it!

Of course he had to break out in a round of "Small World" at the Kilgore Christmas Eve festivities. Thanks Mimi and Aunt Linda for humoring him!

Santa made his annual stop at Papa and Mimi's, YEA! Paca Gene has been doing this since I was a little girl and as you can tell, we grandkids, AND great grandkids love it!! Our favorite part of Christmas Eve.

Siblings picture with Santa. Joshua could not stop hugging me enough to focus on the picture! He was so excited that Santa was holding him.

Our little Jedi night- Jacob's gift from Santa

8 months pregnant and just about there!! Little bit larger than when I was pregnant with Joshua! February will be here before we know it!!

Christmas Morning!! Santa brought him

Marble Works and a blue vacuum that is just like Mommy's, just like he politely requested, or politely demanded. Thank you Amazon.com for saving us with the little Hoover Windtunnel!!

Marble Works!

Working hard!

Even Masey got into the spirit with her new toy, a football. This is one of our favorite things she does!

Celebrating with the Milnes' family who made the trip to Kansas to celebrate
Christmas morning video

Always Make Sure You Have Good Reading Material

2010-12-22T17:36:00.006-06:00

After some time of silence in the restroom the other day. I finally decided to check in on Joshua to make sure he had not fallen in. Ah, yes, he truly is growing up too fast:)!

It's the Holiday Season!

2010-12-09T13:24:00.009-06:00

Anyone who has ever been exposed to a toddler knows how magical the holiday season is! Joshua is on cloud nine with all of the decorations, talk of celebrating baby Jesus' birthday and a visit from St. Nick. I think he will barely be able to sleep on Christmas! He is so obsessed that his current imaginary side kicks are Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus himself. It's quite cute, not to mention that we are happy to hear him playing with some new friends:). He has been telling us that Baby Jesus is potty training when he goes to use the restroom and that Baby Jesus also needs a candy reward for going. Creative imagination. OR should I say creative use of working the system since I have caught him eating Baby Jesus' reward a couple of times, to which he tells me he already shared his portion with Jesus so they both have had their fill. Hmmmmm. Not sure when to start discussing telling the truth a bit more. I've also tried to explain that Jesus, Mary and Joseph live in Heaven, but he argues that they live in our living room. Guess "wherever two or more are gathered in my name" applies here??

Christmas tree decorating. You can see the little section he proudly decorated.

Westside Family Church's "A Very Merry Morning"- stations were set up around the Church for the kids to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas. I go to MOPS at Westside and have fallen in love with this group of amazing women!

Walking the road to Bethlehem

This idea, I don't know if words can describe it. Joshua loved dressing up as Nativity characters.

Making tree decorations in the Ornament Factory

Trying out what the manger may have felt like

Mailing the "Good News" to friends

The traditional Christmas trip to Crown Center to see Santa- with trains, waterfalls, Christmas lights, and of course the Westin elevator rides:)

Look how handsome my favorite boys are?!

Joshua, Mommy, and Baby Pink:)

Celebrating Mommy's 31st birthday at Papa and Mimi's. He loved the trick candles and of course was quite the helper opening gifts:).

Joshua's First Limo Ride- We got a GREAT Groupon (Love them!) to take a holiday tour of the KC Christmas lights. Think it will be a tradition from now on!

Livin' Large in Texas!!

2010-11-30T15:33:00.007-06:00

Vacation! Yea! Vacation with a chance to see one of your BF's, even better! And the chance to see family too, yea! We packed up our bags to head to Houston, TX a week ago to see one of my oldest and best friends, Liz Brewer, and her adorable family. They moved to Katy about 2 1/2 years ago and my goodness do we miss them in KC!! Liz and I met our first day of high school and have been able to share so many big events since then.

Joshua was so excited to see Jack (4 yrs.), Molly (just 6 weeks older then him), and Will (1 year)! As with so many of our vacations though, he decided it was a prime time to get sick...yea! When we left town, he was a bit grumpy, but on the second leg of an insanely turbulent plane ride, he gave us a nice surprise. He was sleeping on my lap, woke up and said his throat hurt. About ten seconds passed and then the vomiting started. It was the first time in our parenting that neither of us moved, we were shocked, and that is by far the WORST thing you could do in this situation, let me tell you! Vomit all over Joshua, all over Mommy's jeans, and Daddy's shirt. Not to mention the nice cloth air plane seat. We managed to pull ourselves together for the third wave to catch some of it. Sorry for the lovely details. Poor kid though! Southwest was pretty nice about it, but it sure made me think even more about what kind of things lurk on airplanes!! The flight attendant asked if he could grab us any bags to get a change of clothes for at least Joshua.....Ahhhh...Ummmm.... Nope. We forgot to pack that. Seriously, it was only a few hours on a plane and the kid was wearing a pull up! We really looked like quite the train wreck walking through the Houston Hobby Airport, Art and I nicely decorated and Joshua wearing Art's t-shirt rolled up. Yep, he inherited the Kilgore motion sickness we found as the week continued.

Anyway, Houston! Katy! Long story, long! We had so, so much fun seeing the Brewers! Although we learned that part of Joshua's problem beyond motion sickness was that he had a double ear infection (LOVELY!), we still enjoyed every second! He had a great time with his buddies...and so did Mommy! We went to the Houston Arboretum, dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant, Lupes, and took a walk at an adorable little shopping area. We were so sad when we left Houston and knew we did not spend near enough time with our friends!

Tuesday we headed see Grandpa Cal, Grandma Katy, Uncle Mike, and Aunt Krista in Dallas- filled with Dramamine for the car ride which made the trip go so fast:)! Dallas is always super relaxing and Joshua loved catching up with his family members on the road. We played outside in the nice weather, read some books...several times since J was picking them...., watched some games, and he got to see the biggest Christmas tree of his few short years at the Galleria.

Ready for the trip with Tigger....prior to "the incident"

Checking out the Arboretum

At the Arboretum with Molly and Jack

Dinner at Lupes...the kids found the water fountain and penny that was dropped over the porch by our table area way more interesting than our table conversation! They were so cute that night together!!

Oh, Christmas Tree!! Molly, Joshua, and Jack

Joshua with his buddy Kimmy before she left to see her family for Thanksgiving

Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with Uncle Mike

He was so excited to see Santa at the end of the parade that he could not help snuggling into Mommy, something that is common when he gets a little shy with excitement:)

The dinner place settings- classic

Aunt Krista and Joshua playing with legos and cars

Caught Grandma Katy and Joshua sharing breakfast and Bible stories one morning..."What did you learn?"

Practicing his rocking and snuggling for Baby Pink...don't think the lamb quite did the trick

At the Galleria on Black Friday

Milnes Family Picture

With Grandpa and Grandma before hitting the road again