Fall

There is a tree in my parents' backyard that turns the most beautiful shade of yellow every year on my grandma's birthday.  We take a picture by it every year. 

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Weekend Wrap-Up

It's been a great few days around here! 

Construction of the house remodel finished up last Thursday and we are so happy with how things turned out.  Now we just need all the finishing touches (rugs, stuff on the walls, shelves, etc.) and we will be all done!

Last Thursday night was Uptown Trick or Treat.  It was a beautiful night so Kent and I took Kase up.  Kael had homework and wanted to stay home and Kylee was playing with friends.  It was nice to spend some one on one time with Thanos, I mean, Kase!

Friday we got the kids sent off to school then I spent the morning packing for our whirlwind surprise birthday/anniversary trip to Las Vegas! We had planned this trip months ago (before the flood at our house) to surprise Kent's brother for his birthday.  Kent's two brothers and their wives went to the Backstreet Boys concert while Kent and I went for a nice dinner out to celebrate our (belated) anniversary.  Then we spent the rest of the weekend all hanging out together.  We had the best time!

We all showed up at Kyle and Julia's house and he had no idea we had planned this trip! He was shocked to find out that Julia already had his bag packed and our flight was leaving in an hour and a half! We loaded up and headed to the airport.

We hung out for awhile together before splitting up for evening plans.  Kent and I walked the Strip which was fun since Kent hadn't been to Vegas before!

We had dinner reservations at Lago.  We showed up early to our reservations and they were able to get us in- at a great table with a beautiful view of the Bellagio fountains!

We had such a nice dinner. It was a highlight of the trip, for sure!

The next morning we were up early so we explored our resort.

Meanwhile, I loved getting pictures from the kids back home! Kylee had fun baking with Grandpa and Grandma.

The first night the boys stayed at Keith and Cindy's with Kellen!

They also went and visited Grandma Jenny at the hospital.

The next night the kids switched and Kylee stayed with Keith and Cindy and Kellen. The boys had fun outside with my parents! Looks like it was great weather.

Meanwhile, Kylee was having fun with Kellen and Grandma Cindy!

Kase got a little pumpkin carving in!

Saturday morning in Vegas, Kevin had found a really fun ISU bar for us to watch the game at.  We had the best time just relaxing, having breakfast and playing cards while watching the game! Later we watched the Hawkeye game too.

That afternoon we went on the High Roller with magnificent views of the whole city! We spent the rest of the evening walking around some hotels, had some dinner and made it an early night in since had an early flight the next morning.

The only bummer of the whole weekend was that Kael needed his thumb x-rayed.  He had jammed it playing dodgeball on Thursday and it was still hurting pretty bad so he went to get it looked at.  He has a splint on it now and we will have another appointment this week to see what we need to do next.

It was so great to get home and see the kids.  They had a very sweet Welcome Home sign waiting for us on the door! We were so thankful for both of our parents who helped out by watching the kids.  They had lots of fun while we were gone!

Later this afternoon we carved pumpkins. It gets easier every year as the kids get older! The pumpkins turned out great.

It was such a fun weekend! It's always great to travel and just as great to get home!

Weekend Wrap-Up

What a fun-filled fall weekend that finally, actually felt like fall weather!

Thursday afternoon I spent getting these crazies their flu shots. 

Then later had dinner with my parents since our house was being worked on.  You guys, we are getting so close to being done with construction at our house and I am thrilled about it.

Friday, Kent had lunch with Kase and his buddies.  Kase later told me that all his friends thought his dad was the funniest ever.

We had a whirlwind of a day on Saturday.  I had to coach Kylee's last Parks and Rec volleyball game even though she wasn't there- she was at CVA tryouts.  Then Kase had a double headed football game, then I had the preschool chili cookoff, Kylee had a birthday party to go to, Kase had a birthday party to go to, and Kent and Kael got some shopping done. Whew!

Loved getting to spend some time with my niece and nephews!

Sunday after church, Kylee had a cross country meet. It was a beautiful sunny, dry day! Kylee had a great run.

She finished third in her age group!

So thankful for how excited Kael and Kase are to cheer her on.  It's a long day waiting around for Kylee's 12 minute race, but they had fun playing football with Kent and playing at the nearby park.  Also thankful for my parents who came to watch!

Kylee has SO much fun with her ATC friends.

 We made a quick stop at Hickory Park for some ice cream with her teammates before heading home. 

Our house is *mostly* back together and our upcoming week is far less busy than previous weeks have been now that Kase and Kael's football seasons are over.  Life is good, friends.  Hope you all had a great weekend too!