Francis Family Fun

I'm Baaaccckkk!

2016-11-02T22:25:00.001-05:00

It has been exactly one year since my last blog post and wow has it been a year! I am not sure where to start. My blogging last year was pretty infrequent too. I will go all the way back to December 2014. I got an exciting promotion with Enterprise. I went from managing a team of 20-25 employees to managing six managers and a total team of 130-140 employees in as many as 19 different states. So when I got to walk away from my computer at the end of the day, I was DONE! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job, I really do! I get to work with some outstanding people and do it all while working from home! It is such a blessing. During this transition, Jeff and I continued to look for a new house. We were pretty picky in terms of the space we wanted for our growing boys and looked at a LOT of homes. Fast forward to October 2015 and we put a contract on a new house for us. Not new construction, but new for us. We made the contract contingent on selling our current home and luckily it didn't take too long. A contract on our house was signed on our 11th wedding anniversary, January 8, 2016. Probably the best anniversary present we could have asked for! We closed on our old house on February 28th and bought our new house on March 1st. We were homeless and without a mortgage payment for 2 days! Pretty exciting stuff!

This is pretty much what the house looked like when we bought it - we called it the brown house! Wow, it makes me realize how much work we have done to it in the last 8 months. Another reason I haven' t been blogging - I have all kinds of excuses. :) Working full time, mom to 3 boys, wife, new house...I could go on and on but if you are reading you probably really don't care.

With the new house I got my very own office space. I am no longer in the basement. I am on the first floor and I have a huge office with two walls of shelves (you cannot see the other wall as it is behind the door. I sent Jeff this panoramic photo as I was unpacking thinking I was never going to get organized. Honestly 8 months later and my office really doesn't look too different. Eek! The boxes are off the floor but it still isn't how I want it. All in due time.

This is the brown foyer with the 1983 light fixture. So many 1983 "features" that we will get to replace and make our own.

All my shelves to put books and craft supplies on! Again, these shelves will eventually get updated but I don't even mind all the brown right now. It's my own space! I can work. I can craft (in all my spare time that doesn't exist). I can sew (again in all that free time). But it is my space!

The boys like the bar stool counter with again...brown...countertops. I wish I had a photo of the kitchen wallpaper or linoleum floor. So amazing! (insert SO much sarcasm here!)

We took a break from moving to have a drink! I love all my boys cheers-ing to our new house!

I am pretty certain I am the luckiest lady in the world to have these 4 boys in my life!

Moving from house #1 to house #2 was no small feat and we couldn't have done it without our family! Everyone helped! From cleaning to large item hauling it truly took a village! We were and are so thankful for all the help!

I will be able to hopefully update our last year over the next few days as I am in the hospital for a bit...more on that in a later post, but like I said it has been a wild year!

Tyler's Halloween party

2015-11-02T21:00:00.000-06:00

Tyler's also had a costume parade but didn't get to witness much of it because we, the classroom moms, were getting ready for the party when they returned from the parade.

The kids were waiting for pumpkin bowling.

They had relay races to find the pieces to create the face of the jack-o-lantern.

The kids got pretty into it.

I loved getting to see the interactions between Tyler and his friends.

I volunteer each Wednesday morning with Tyler's class for a program called Shine by Nine to help kids read but I don't get to see Tyler much so it is always fun to see his interactions. He is maturing so much this year!

Class pic!

Site word bingo before snacks.

Snack time. Parents had brought so many treats that we saved the non-perishable ones for the following week snacks!

I sure do love this handsome Superman!

It was a great party!

The South Point Parent Teacher Committee hosted a Trunk or Treat on Friday evening. The teachers did a great job dressing up their trunks and welcoming the kids.

The kids were excited to start their trick or treating!

Grant was Marshall from Paw Patrol or Nathan's dalmatian as LOTS of people referred to him.

Fireman Francis had all the equipment; his hatchet, a fire extinguisher and a walkie talkie. Nathan LOVES his costume. I am positive it will not be packed away but will be in the play clothes bin in the play room.

Tyler was obviously Superman! :)

It is impressive when after a long week of teaching and a REALLY long day with wired, sugared up kiddos that the teachers are willing to come back to see their cuties and hand out some candy! We truly have the best teachers!

I have the best boys! : )

Nathan's preschool Halloween party

2015-11-01T20:54:00.002-06:00

I got to join in on the festivities for Tyler and Nathan's Halloween parties this year. Nathan's was up first.

He was a little thrown off as to why I was at school.

Snack table. The parent bring the treats for this one...sugar, sugar and a little bit of salt!

Nathan's snack choices both involved icing..lots of icing.

The cutest firefighter I have ever seen!

Hadley got really into the mummy game - wrapping her friends with toilet paper.

Other games included: bean bag tic tac toe, decorating monster rice krispy treats, pin the eye on the monster, and a pumpkin toss.

A highlight of the morning was the costume parade.

Ms. Liz led the parade...

The little politician dressed up as a fireman. :)

Hadley Anne as a butterfly.

Ms. Angie with some princesses. I guessed the wrong princess a lot...apparently I don't get enough princess exposure at our house. ;)

I thought the Strawberry Shortcake was so cute!

The other classes then parade through their classroom so everyone can see everyone all dressed up in their costumes.

After several takes, this was as good as it got for the Hadley Nathan photo op.

I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with Nathan and his friends for their party. He had a blast!

Next up...Tyler's Halloween party!

Tyler's 1st Day of Kindergarten!

2015-08-18T21:05:00.002-05:00

Our first born baby started kindergarten today! I am not sure where the past 5+ (almost 6) years have gone! Tyler was so excited and taking his new school year pretty seriously. He even told Nathan this morning that he couldn't play swords "because I am off to kindergarten."

I was nervous! I didn't have any tears come out but they welled up at one point walking down the hallway to his classroom. I was not nervous about how he would do. I know he will be an excellent student! I think I was so nervous because this is when our parenting is really put to the test...have we taught him to play nice, share, listen, be respectful, use his manners, etc? I think we have done a pretty good job but that letting go part sure is tough.

One of my co-workers sent me a message that said "he will be off to Mizzou in no time!" My emotions were all over the place with that one...#1) M-I-Z! #2) holy crap...that would mean he won't come home at the end of the day! Let's just get through the first week of kindergarten. :)

As you will notice, I documented lots of moments before we left for school this morning!

I thought about strapping the chest harness that holds the GoPro to him so I could witness his whole day...make sure kids were nice and he was nice back...that he ate his lunch...that he got on the right bus to come home...you know all the stuff a mom wonders about during the day. I am joking of course. I wouldn't really do that but the thought did cross my mind! :)

Tyler should graduate in 2028 (doesn't that sounds like forever from now!) so I plan on taking his photo in this XL shirt each year and share the photo progression at his high school graduation party!

He was really excited!

Another one mom, really?

Nathan was so excited for Tyler too.

Cute story: Tyler started crying yesterday before his last day of preschool saying "Nathan is going to miss me at preschool. ...and what about Hadley?" I assured him that Nathan and Hadley would be fine together with him at school. I am just glad we got the tears out of the way yesterday...for Tyler anyway. :)

South Point Elementary!

He marched into his new class without any hesitation.

He found his name, hung up his backpack and sat down to start coloring. No hesitations, no questions. At one point he looked up at me like "Mom, what are you still doing here?"

Well, Tyler, I am obviously here because I am going to continue to take photos. :)

Tyler and his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Volkerding.

My last glimpse at him working nicely at his seat as I walked out his door. He didn't look back at all.

I am so excited for his year and all the fun things he will learn and friends he will make.

He came home on the bus before he starts YMCA care after school next week. He was really excited about riding the bus too!

He got off the bus and told me "Mom, I had a great day and I want to go back tomorrow." He told me that he had 2 recesses and had art with Ms. Potter and he is going to learn about lines and shapes in art. He said he didn't like the lunch, a "chicken hamburger " which I translated to a chicken patty on a bun, but did pick out Purina Farms chocolate milk. (We NEVER have chocolate milk at home so this was quiet a treat!) He also told me that they didn't do enough reading. I heard WAY more about his day that I ever thought I would. Glad I strayed away from my idea of sending him with the GoPro strapped to his body. ;)

I liked this prayer I saw and thought it was worth sharing.

Speaking of prayer, Pastor Sue gave all the kids marbles at church this past Sunday. She had the congregation pray over them and bless them and told the kids to put the marbles in their back packs to remind them of a wonderful God who loves them very much and a church full of people who love them and are cheering them on! Nathan and Tyler both have marbles in their backpacks and then know exactly what they mean. I love that they have a tiny reminder of God's love even in a public school! :)

Note: I thought I would be caught up with at least one post. I still have LOTS of backtracking to do!

Nathan's 3rd Birthday: Part 3

2015-08-15T16:29:00.002-05:00

Finally, Nathan's birthday party update!

It was only 5 months ago!

Nathan helped to pick out the invites we had made.

Mantle decorations.

I took photos of all three boys to include in the frame on the mantle. They are still up there 5 months later because they make me smile.

The serious crime fighter.

Always a super hero!

Not always crazy about it, but is forced to go along with his brother's crazy antics. :)

Easy/cheap decorations!

One of Nathan's requests for the party was for everyone to have a TMNT mask so I set off to cut lots of green faces and the different color masks. I sewed them together with elastic. Nathan still loves them and they are often strewn all over the playroom downstairs. If anyone is having a TMNT party, you are welcome to borrow/have them! :)

I bought a little cake because we do NOT need leftover cake at our house.

Since he wanted cupcakes too! They only turn 3 once, right?

Brody dressed the part. He and Hadley had on matching TMNT shirts! So cute!

Nathan loved that everyone was wearing the masks. Our family are such great sports!

Priceless!

We sure to love this sweet, spunky, sugar loving, bad guy fighting 3 year old. He lights up our house and keeps us on our toes!

Cheese!

It was a great party. Now I am off to plan for Tyler's 6th birthday...I am not sure how that is even possible that we will have a six year old!

Nathan's 3rd Birthday: Part 2

2015-07-14T20:38:00.002-05:00

The following day, St. Patrick's Day, we took the day off work and pulled the kids out of school/daycare to have a family play day at the Magic House. It was so, so, so fun!

Warning: photo overload!

Big time 3 year old!

Grant's head. He has a big, beautiful noggin. :)

Tyler's face.

Family photo of our faces. :)

Nathan, Tyler, Mom, Dad, Grant

This looks safe, right?

They made it!

Grant and Daddy got to play in the tiny tots section for a bit while the big boys played in the water.

I know I have said it before but Jeff is such an amazing dad! He goes with the flow, is patient and doesn't complain when we drag him to activities filled with 100s of kids.

Car repair!

Tyler could have spent hours in the grocery store playing with the cash register. He is totally my kid!

We DID spend almost an hour in this room! Balls and pipes to make different tracks. Tyler was working hard to figure out the best options.

Grant loves to learn/play too!

I used to LOVE Tangrams when I was a kid! I may need to check out Discovery toys to see if they still carry one of my favorite puzzle games involving Tangrams.

Fun with magnet towers.

The Rams football helmet doesn't look that big on Nathan.

Grant's ready for some football too!

Okay, maybe not quite yet.

Can you imagine these two playing football?

As you can tell by ALL the photos...if you are still looking reading/looking, way to go and thanks...we had a great time at the Magic House. We followed our morning up with burgers for lunch (Nathan's pick) and drove home with 3 sleeping boys!

Stay tuned for Part 3: the birthday party!

Nathan's 3rd Birthday: Part 1

2015-07-03T21:00:00.000-05:00

Nathan turned 3 on March 16, 2015.

He wanted to go to school on his birthday so he could take Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (TMNT) cookies for his friends.

We bought 40 cookies from Schultes including TMNT with every color masks. They were a big hit at school .

He opened a few gifts when he got home from school.

Big Hero 6, or "Baymax" as Nathan calls it, is a movie that has been a huge hit at our house.

More TMNTs!

Note: Tyler was so patient and such a good trooper watching Nathan open his gifts. :)

New puzzle!

His OWN bat!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Nathan!

A birthday needs a cake, right?

Tyler was happy to help.

Boys got ready for bed while the freshly baked cake was cooling.

Nathan got these TMNT gloves/hands that make noise when you move them around. It was his favorite gift of the night. The crazy things we buy for our kids!

It was kinda nice to have a simple, sweet birthday evening with our birthday boy.

We love you so much, Nathan!

Introducing Vivian Berdine!

2015-07-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

My cousin, Julie, along with her husband, Ross, welcomed Vivian Berdine Wilson on March 9, 2015. We got to visit her just a few days after she was born. She is absolutely beautiful!

Note: I stole the next three photos off Julie's Facebook page.

I told you she is a stunning baby girl!

She takes after her mama.

I love this photo of Julie and her baby girl.

Ross is a great dad and sure adores his baby girl.

This is a hard group to capture a decent photo. Nathan insisted on holding Grant so we never really got to see him. I am pretty certain Nathan wanted to hold Grant since Tyler got to hold Vivian. :)

Brody was fascinated with sweet Vivian.

This is as good as it gets.

Welcome to this crazy clan, Vivian!

February Random Pics

2015-07-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

Random is the best description for this post. :)

#catchingup

Grant got to be the only child one weekend in February when Tyler and Nathan joined my parents at the farm. He was excited to get to have the REMOTE!! It's the little things!

Here is the photo we received from the farm. I love that the kids get to spend time creating such special memories like this one.

Working on valentines for school.

Nathan LOVES puzzles and...

...is pretty impressive at completing them by himself.

"I did it."

Grant loves books and went through a several month phase where he would pull two shelves worth of books off and sit and "read."

We were able to attend several of Zach's freshman and JV basketball games this winter. Our boys look up to Zach so much and they couldn't have a better example. Zach is WONDERFUL with them and so patient to have 3 boys jumping all over him and wanting his constant attention when he is around.

I love this pic!

Grant got the full cheer-leading squad to take a photo with him. We were really trying to get Hadley to take her picture with the cheerleaders but she was a bit nervous.

It was freezing one snowy day (negative temps). The boys insisted on going outside to play. I took this photo through the screen while Grant and I stayed warm inside. Thanks to Jeff for braving the cold with two crazy boys.

Nathan was "mowing" the snow.

Nighttime snuggle selfie.

So big!

15 month checkup

Grant loves taking selfies and will say "cheese" and push the button on the phone.

My cousin, Erin, brought the boys some TMNT cookies. They were a huge hit and were requested for Nathan's upcoming birthday (in March). Remember I am still posting from February. :(

Grant was a big fan of the icing.

Always a mess.

Bath time!

Tyler also got to be Student of the Week in February. This was his poster we made together. We had a blast picking out photos together.

Mardi Gras at Church

2015-06-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our church has a Mardi Gras carnival/party/fund raiser each year and the kids really enjoy it.

Dad helped Nathan prepare to shoot the Nerf gun for one game.

Maggie and Hadley joined us at church and Hadley's favorite part was the cake!

Tyler was pretty good at the toilet paper toss. If only my boys were as accurate when toilet paper is not required in the bathroom all the time...! ;)

Ring toss!

Putt putt!

Cake walk! Nathan actually won a round and got to pick out his favorite treat from the table to bring home and share!

Hadley wasn't too big on the games but she did get a "tattoo."

It was a fun event that we will look forward to next year too!

Valentine's Day at the Zick's!

2015-06-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

On Valentine's Day, Kyle and Maggie...okay, really Maggie hosted a Valentine's Day party for about 14 kiddos and their parents. There was finger painting, cookies, balloons, and the bounce house but the hit of the party was an inflatable pool full of shredded paper.

Brody was a bit confused.

Maggie is a bit crazy to have this shredded paper all over her basement but it was fun. Better her house than mine. ;) Love ya, Mags!

Grant had fun getting in on the action.

Cutie is accurate!

I love Brody's blue eyes!

And that little grin!

A view of the room at the end of the party!

Thanks Maggie and Kyle for hosting such a fun party! The kids had a blast.

Build and Grow

2015-06-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

The boys have recently loved the Build and Grow program at Lowe's. I had signed them up to make monster trucks one Saturday but Grant wasn't feeling 100% so we went to pick up the kits and brought them home do the work.

Dad had hammers for them to use and they were very excited about the gear.

Tyler was pretty serious about his hammering.

Under the weather little man watched from his highchair.

Nathan needed a bit more help from Dad...

...but really started to get the hang of it. :)

Proud of their finished products!

We have done a few more since this first one in February and I would recommend it for an occasional Saturday morning activity.

More Valentine's Day photos

2015-06-09T21:41:00.002-05:00

I originally posted about Valentine's Day here. I left out a few photos.

This was the valentine Nathan took for his friends, a Go-Go Squeeze.

Tyler brought his choice of popcorn.

I love that the kids patiently (really, truly!) waited for the other kids to get their food.

Tyler looks thrilled I was at his party, doesn't he?

More dancing!

Tyler is not the world's best dancer. Poor guy!

Cookie decorating!

Nathan's Valentine's Day monster box.

Tyler's can 'o treats!

Thankfully they made their Valentine's boxes at school so I didn't have to worry about it one bit!

January Random Pics

2015-06-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

Cleaning out photos on my phone and found these gems I couldn't resist sharing!

Jeff and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a night out to dinner and a movie...by ourselves! A very rare night indeed. We had just returned from our ski trip and the holidays were over so it was a great night to just relax, have a few cocktails and reminisce about 10 years, 6 pregnancies and 3 kids, jobs, and life in general has been such a blessing! For two kids who met at ages 14 and 16 and had a first date at the WHS Homecoming dance, life has turned out pretty spectacular!

We got to celebrate Aunt Sandy's birthday the following night after watching Zach play basketball!

We brought cupcakes because our boys don't think you can properly celebrate a birthday without some icing!

Aunt Sandy even took a birthday shot!

More celebrating that weekend for Julie's baby shower!

My boys propped themselves up at the bar to watch some golf and order a drink. This may be a sign of things to come in another 20 years!

I am not sure how I don't have a photo of Julie looking stunning.

Bedtime cuddles and milk!

How did we get so lucky!

We spent one of my last Fridays of not working with some some of my favorite people! Heather and her kiddos, Owen and Amelia invited is over for a play date. It was next to impossible to get a photo of all 5 of them sitting still, much less looking at the camera.

At least Amelia looks adorable!

And we are done!

The Wades just recently added another girl, Macy Evelyn, to their clan and I can hardly wait to meet her.

This dear friend is so wonderful! I value our friendship so much!

Nathan's figured it out - she is pretty awesome!

On a much more sour note, we did have a few sick days in January too. I was home with these two one afternoon and I sent this photo to Jeff. We pretty much all felt just as good as we look in this photo. :(

Tyler was still feeling just fine and downing a partial box of vanilla wafers.

We sent this photo to Aunt Sandy because I did finally get Nathan to eat something...ice cream! Totally my kid!

Our visit with our Parents As Teacher educator involved Play-Doh and scissors, not something we got to do often at this point and our educator quickly learned why...Grant kept eating the it! Nathan LOVES using scissors though so he was in heaven!

Hadley and Nathan are a hard crew to get down for nap...together! It does make for some entertainment though.

Finally out!

This boy LOVES to eat!

Even he looks perplexed at how his plate got that way!

Nathan's First Day of Preschool

2015-06-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

Nathan started preschool on January 5th, 2015.

As you can tell he was not thrilled to take his photo before school.

It was a combination of having LOTS of mom and dad time over the holidays and then our ski trip so going to preschool or anywhere on this Monday morning was not something Nathan was excited about.

I even had Tyler show Nathan how to hold the sign and smile. No luck. Nathan wanted nothing of it. Nathan's photo does make for one of my favorites of his challenging 2.5-3 year old personality at times. I don't want this blog to misguide anyone that it is all rainbows and skittles at the Francis house! :)

I was nervous how drop off was going to go but he marched right in with Tyler, his Truman the Tiger and his backpack and had no issues. It sure was nice to have big brother Tyler right there with him.

Nathan has done GREAT with Ms. Angie and Ms. Liz in the Kuddly Kittens class. We are so proud of him. He has most of his letters down now. When we ask Nathan what he did at school he almost always responds with "played trains and ate." He also gets really excited to make mom and dad "pictures" at school. When he gets mad at home he often threatens "I am not going to make you a picture at school!" While I tell him that makes me sad, his discipline still stands. :)

Train Ride to Herman

2015-06-06T22:02:00.000-05:00

A random morning in February (2/12/15 to be exact) we decided it was nice out and wouldn't it be fun to ride the train to Herman. After hopping online and researching the logistics we called up Grandma and Popo Zick who happened to be heading to Columbia to watch Mizzou basketball later that afternoon so they happily agreed to drive up our Suburban and drop it off so we would have a way home. The return train didn't leave Herman until 8:30 that evening. Herman is fun...but there is not that much to do with three little boys all day.

I love these 4 guys more than anything in the world! How could you not...look at them! :)

Tyler had his map ready. He loves maps!

Checking out the model trains at the train station.

Tyler also visited the art gallery at the train station and saw the guest book so thought he should sign in. The kid is SUCH a rule follower! It makes me laugh. He certainly doesn't get that from his father! ;)

We visiting the red caboose outside as well while waiting on the train.

Gosh, Grant was so little in February! Maybe I should update this blog more often! :)

Here comes the train!

Photo (a little blurry) with "Mr. Conductor."

Train selfie!

They were all glued to the window during most of the 30 minute train ride.

Nathan and Grant

Tyler wanted his photo after the train ride was over.

We then met up with Krista and Anna who were on their way home from Columbia and met us in Herman to walk to lunch. After lunch at Wings A Blazin' we then got a treat at the candy store, Sugar Momma's.

It was such a fun, random train trip! Thanks to help from my parents for bringing our vehicle to Herman and to Krista and Anna for meeting us for lunch. I am sad I didn't get any photos of our time together! I guess we will just have to do it again sometime!

How could I forget to post these ski photos?

2015-05-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

We splurged on some photos on the mountain and then I forget to post them in our ski trip blog.

Oy vey!

We are so lucky that our boys love skiing as much as we do!

Soon enough Grant will be able to join us on the mountain too!

Ski trip group shot (minus Patty and Grant).

I love this one too!

Such fun memories!

Ski Trip - December 2015

2015-05-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

I was up at 2am December 26th to finish getting the car packed to load 3 boys, a husband and pick up my parent before leaving by 3am. I am happy to report that we were on the road by 2:45!

The boys were in the back of the Suburban for the entire trip. And yes, they wore their matching TMNT PJs the whole trip too including a stop into an IHOP and Wendy's to eat. They wore slippers into gas stations for potty breaks. I am sure we looked really classy. Thank goodness for the built in DVD player and two screens!

These first two photos were my view for most of the 17 hour drive. Yes, we did it straight through. My husband and father really like to drive! The boys were amazing and we didn't have a meltdown until the last 30 minutes of the drive up the mountain to our condo when Grant lost it. He was done. It may have been the altitude but I am pretty sure he just wanted out of his car seat. I wanted out of my seat too so I can only imagine how he felt. He screamed the last 30 minutes of the drive. All in all, the kids were AMAZING!

So excited to get to the condo, get baths and fresh jammies!

The next morning we were off to pick up our skis and hit the slopes!

Nathan was pretty excited about his gear. He felt like a super hero! He is the only person on the planet who LOVES ski boots and would wear them around the condo.

First time on skis at only 2 years old. #luckykid

Tyler is an old pro. Second ski trip at 5 years old.

Mom and Susan looking good at our lunch stop. :)

Doesn't it just look like Heaven?

I mean seriously! Stunning landscape. To be able to enjoy this with my family is amazing!

Warming up at lunch with Aunt Patty.

Let me say that Aunt Patty was such a blessing to have on this trip. She stayed back with Grant and allowed Jeff and I to bring the big boys back at lunch for naps and an afternoon of adult skiing.

Night skiing looks so neat...and cold. We had 5 days of daytime skiing so we didn't think we needed nighttime skiing too.

"Look here boys."

Please....

Getting closer.

This is as good as it was going to get.

Snow angles while waiting for the condo shuttle.

Gosh he looks so big!

The kids didn't ski one day. It was -3° at the base which meant it was probably -20° at the top. Jeff, Dad and I skied in the morning and had some great runs as it was not crowded at the top of the mountain at all...and we went to the VERY top! It was so cold and pretty that I took out my phone to snap a photo and it immediately shut off. Apparently iPhones do not approve of -20° or colder weather.

Rather than go back out after lunch we decided to take the boys to Downtown Steamboat and walk around. We went to the candy factory and to Lyon Drugstore for old fashioned ice cream!

This was mine! Yum!

Next we were off to F.M. Light & Sons. Tyler tried on this cowboy hat that was $289. Um, no. Sorry, T.

He did get a sheriff badge from one of the store clerks and he was just as happy with it.

We found a little kid playground area inside one of the shopping centers.

The next day it was sunny (still cold but not nearly as bad) and so we were back to the slopes!

This was our last day of skiing and Tyler was really starting to get it on his own. We were so proud.

More Tyler.

I need to work on our Go Pro video to get some of Nathan to share too. He did great but wanted to hold on to someone's poles when he skied. I would occasionally let go of my poles and let him ski on his own. He was great until he figured out that he got too far away from me and that I wasn't holding on so he would freak out and fall over. He is only 2 but he is going to be a great skier one day. He loved the setting and all the gear! He just needs a bit more confidence!

Along with skiing, there was also lot of time for cuddling and reading books.

Plenty of tablet time too. Tyler played on the iPad or tablet for a good majority of the 16-17 hour ride home. Good thing I charged several power banks before we left Colorado. He did learn the states, state capitals and is starting to learn their flags too. #nerdalert

We also ate a lot! It was great to have a full kitchen with the whole crew so we could fix dinners.

This little man was such a trooper on the long car ride, cold weather and not really any 1 year old events planned. He did get plenty of cuddles and sure does love his Aunt Patty!

Preschool Valentine's Party

2015-04-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

I was happy to be able to attend the Little Rascals Valentine's Day parties. I ran between Nathan's class and Tyler's class. It was so fun!

Nathan was all smiles with his friend Abby (smiling in the pink).

Treat time = sugar!

Over to Tyler's class... Tyler really was excited to see me but maybe not quite as excited to have me taking his picture.

I LOVE kids but I cannot, let me repeat - CANNOT imagine being a preschool teacher. This is just Nathan's age group (2-3 year old) together.

Ahhh...cupcake! Nathan usually only eats the icing on cupcakes.

They had a Valentine's "dance" in Tyler's class.

It was pretty cute.

Waiting his turn for the candy hearts spoon races.

These little guys are pretty cute.

Love all their cheesy smiles.

Shooting Cupid's arrows. Tyler LOVED this game!

Crafts.

Tyler always has a story for Ms. Michele. :)

Preschool teachers = patience of saints.

We are so fortunate to have a wonderful preschool in Little Rascals and I am thankful that I was able to join the kids for their party.

March 2015 Preschool Photos

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I know I have a whole lot more to post but I just got the CDs from the preschool photos I purchased in the mail this evening!

Tyler's March 2015 Preschool photo

Such a good one for a boy who often over cheeses up his smiles for photos! :)

I sure do love these two!

Nathan wouldn't take his picture by himself even after watching Tyler do such a good job. I mean tears, pouts...the whole works. It just wasn't worth it - I wasn't going to purchase one with a pout face. I can get one of those on my own on any given night. #littlestinker

I now own these images so I can print as many as I want! Let me know if you need an updated photo. :)

Random December photos

2015-03-21T21:00:00.000-05:00

Total randomness from December 2014.

Tyler had his bi-annual dentist check-up in December. He loves wearing the sunglasses they give him for the bright light.

Cavity free and looking cool! He loves that he gets a trophy, his picture taken and a prize every time he is cavity free from the dentist. Nathan even asked to go to the dentist so he can get a trophy. I am taking him soon so we will see how excited he is then.

A random December UPS delivery day. Smile - we love Amazon!

Kyle took these photos for us when the boys got in trouble from Jeff one day while at Grandmas. Jeff was having a hard time keeping it together during the scolding. This photo makes me laugh.

Meltdown city!

Our Tigers had a pretty rough basketball season but we still sported our gear during game nights at home.

Thanks to Krista for keeping our house well stocked with new MU gear. Grant doesn't get a lot of "new" clothes since he has older brother hand me downs so we had to take a photo. :)

The excitement of the car cart is a bid deal when we go to the store!

Why do they never look at the camera at the same time?

Santa came to church to give gifts to the kids for doing a great job in their Christmas program the prior week. Nathan was a bit nervous but made it by himself in order to get the surprise. Santa oddly sounded a lot like Uncle Frank.

He had to really think about his answers to Santa's tough questions like who is your favorite uncle.

Nathan's turn.

Tyler's turn.

The boys love having to get the Suburban serviced and we wanted a full checkup before heading out to Steamboat. The boys asked to get the oil change for several weeks afterwards every time we would pass the dealership. I am not sure what makes it so fun, but I am glad they play happily during our wait.

Tyler had ugly sweater day at pre-school and since he didn't have an ugly Christmas sweater he made his own with some foam stickers. I think it actually turned out pretty cute. :)

Doing puzzles on a Tuesday with Aunt Sandy at GGs house.

The boys got REAL walkie-talkies from Kyle, Maggie and kids for Christmas. Nathan is always talking to someone on them even if the other one isn't even turned on. Dad taught him "10-4 good buddy." Does anyone really say that?

Christmas Lights

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We enjoyed lots of Christmas lights during the holiday season with the boys.

First up was Santa's Magical Kingdom with Grandma and Popo Francis.

Going through the tunnel of lights.

Tyler was excited!

Nathan got to ride in the very back with Tyler but didn't want his photo taken.

Note: I am not in love with this worn out camo jacket but Nathan calls it his "deer hunting" jacket and wants to wear it EVERYWHERE. I pick my battles.

Grant got to get out of his car seat and ride on Popo's lap!

He was pretty excited!

A few nights after Santa's Magical Kingdom we went to Tillis Park for Winter Wonderland with Aunt Patty. It was awesome and I highly recommend it.

We did both parks on weeknights to avoid the long lines and it is a tip I would encourage, especially with small, impatient children.

Photos from the car don't do it justice but the Winter Wonderland was really impressive.

Afterwards, Jeff got us all treats!

I love all the fun traditions of the holiday season and light viewing will stay on our list!

Francis Family Christmas

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After Mike and Jeanne's on Christmas Day we went out to Jeff's parents house to join the Francis crew for gift opening and a holiday meal.

Tyler was excited for new Turtle Legos.

This photo was supposed to be of Nathan in his new Turtle sweatshirt jacket (with a cape!), but Tyler slid in. Nathan was still pretty darn excited an wears the jacket every chance he gets.

This little man was running on fumes with only a short nap in the car between Christmas festivities, but he sure got the enjoyment out of tearing into a new toy! I love this innocent excitement!

Tyler got a new Mizzou scarf and was pretty pumped to model it and he insisted on packing it for our ski trip.

Dad thought maybe he should wear it instead. :)

Grant could not wait to open his Thomas the Train set from Grandma and Grandpa.

The boys are just a tad spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa! ;)

After opening presents it was outside for tractor rides!

This may be more exciting for the boys than presents.

Nathan asks to ride the tractor EVERY time we are out at Grandma and Popo's house.

Tyler is almost getting too big to ride on Dad's shoulders.

Matt's turn!

Tyler looks like he should be ready to drive it on his own in a few years.

I still like him sitting on Grandpa's lap. Our cautious Tyler is just fine sitting on Grandpa's lap for a few more years too! :)

Matt and Jenny happy to be outside on Christmas day too!

Nathan was sad for his 2nd tractor ride to end.

Buddies!

We are beyond fortunate to have so much family close by so we can celebrate with everyone! I know I have said it before but the holidays with the kids are just so much fun. I may be close to finished with Christmas now.

Merry Christmas...in March! Don't worry...our tree and Christmas lights were taken down in January.

Christmas with the Wood Family

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We enjoyed Christmas with the Wood Family at Mike and Jeanne's this (past) year on Christmas morning.

This was the view from upstairs. I love that Nathan is looking up at me checking out what I am doing. It is pure chaos during the present distribution.

Kyle was spinning Hadley around before the gift opening began. As if our family gathers are not head spinning enough for a 2-year old!

Here is a panoramic view of Mike and Jeanne's living room for the festivities.

The Zick Family on Christmas morning!

Dad got a cool coffee mug that looks like a camera lens. Wild!

Grant was ready for a nap but kept himself occupied with my necklace. I have to admit I was a bit sleepy too with all the Christmas prep and packing to leave the following morning for our ski trip.

The boys watch EVERYTHING Zach does. I love their admiration and I love that Zach is such an awesome kid/teenager/young adult to look up to.

All three boys got new Blue Jay hats from the Harms family. They have worn them a LOT this winter.

Nathan was giving Jeff Hadley's Barbie. He thought it was pretty funny.

The Wesselschmidts modeled their new headbands.

Tyler gets some special cuddles with Aunt Sandy.

This was a good as it got for a family photo on Christmas day. Thanks to Sandy for snapping it.

Sandy and Tyler selfie.

I love catching up with Krista.

Don't worry - I was not drinking out of the sippy cup - just a holder. :)

Mr. Sass.

It was an awesome time hanging out with the fam! We are so crazy blessed with the most amazing family!

Next up, another amazing family Christmas as the Jeff's parents.

Thanks for bearing with me as I constantly play catch up.

Christmas 2014

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It is March and I am still posting about Christmas. Please forgive our busy life that doesn't allow me to put blogging as a top priority. :)

I love that we live so close to family for SO many reason but Jeff and I love being able to have our boys at home with us and everyone wake up on Christmas morning to be able to spend it with just the 5 of us before the craziness happens.

Santa was ready!

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Grant was pretty excited about opening boxes. I know I should have had them in Christmas jammies and Red, the elf, had brought them some new ones but between the laundry and packing to leave the morning after Christmas at 3 am, and getting ready for Christmas and did I mention packing for a ski trip...Christmas jammies just didn't seem like a priority. The boys could have cared less so all was right in the world.

I just love everything about those cheeks!

Christmas excitement!

Still a bit sleepy though.

The teachers at Little Rascals do an awesome job! This was the wrapping on the gift form Tyler. He brought it home a WEEK before Christmas and told us we couldn't open it until Christmas morning.

He got a new Tonka truck Christmas ornament. Nathan loves his truck and bulldozers.

Ski gear!

A TMNT Christmas ornament. Nothing says Christmas like a TMNT.

For those of you without young boys; TMNT = Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. :)

All 3 boys were helping/checking out Nathan opening this gift.

New super heroes - cool!

Grant wanted the balls out of this box immediately!

He wanted to put on his shirt immediately!

Santa brought the Hot Wheels Designer!

Grants favorite item of the morning was the empty box!

Tyler got a Tablet with a bright green case (so we have less of a chance of losing it).

Grant was still in the box. That lasted until he flipped himself over and knocked his head on the hardwood. Merry Christmas with a bruise! Boys!

Truck Legos!

Hot Wheels Super Loop Chase Race. It was funny to hear Tyler ask Santa for this gift. He was very specific. It is pretty cool!

Nathan asked Santa for a electric guitar. I am thinking in another 10 years this will be a much more expensive item.

Pure excitement!

Tyler's Christmas present that he made at school for us. A handmade Christmas rug! He was so proud of it!

We finished off he morning with cinnamon rolls and then got ready for our next few stops.

The wig came with the Madagascar movie Santa brought. Nathan asked for it for the "move it, move it" song.

It was a very Merry Christmas and we are so fortunate to have each other and be able to give our kids special presents.