Happy Anniversary!

This year, Ryan had it all planned out. 

After we returned from the farm, the next morning I was supposed to walk into the kitchen and see a bottle of red wine with a note and flowers.  The note said that my mom was going to take the kids while I went to get pampered at a salon (gift certificate was enclosed).  From there, Ryan was going to pick me up and take me out.  He had reservations at H3 in the Stockyards - where we went on our very first date.  (I was supposed to work at the church that night, too.  He had made arrangements for another lady to fill in for me.)

This is how it actually went... Ryan had found out that his uncle's funeral was that very day, which kind of put a damper on the day.  He also had to leave work for the funeral and wouldn't be able to leave work early to pick me up.  He was bogged down with urgent projects.  I woke up with a horrible sore throat from being in the wind at the farm.  The kids were both very tired, fussy, and also had sore throats.  I threw up, partly from being pregnant and partly from whatever was brewing in my system.  I saw the note and had no idea that he wanted me to actually get full-on ready.  Getting a pedicure is something I can do in my pajamas!  So, as the time got closer and I actually talked to Ryan, I figured out what he meant.  I was then out of time to get showered and dressed for a night out.  Plus, I was feeling awful!  I ended up taking a shower anyway and just left my hair curly.  Blah.  I cancelled my salon appointment.  Ryan cancelled dinner. 

Then after talking about how much trouble he had gone to, I decided we should still do something.  So, we ate at TX de Brazil, picked up the kids from my mom's directly afterwards, and then called it a night at around 7:30. 

It wasn't too eventful, but I really appreciated all the thought he had put into everything.  I felt bad that it didn't work out the way he intended, but hopefully we can make up for it next year!

Farmin' Along, Part 2

Then....

The kids and I went on a 4wheeler ride to explore, explore, explore and take a few more pictures.

Tay would not leave the buttons alone!  I must've said "No ma'am!" a hundred times.

 CK wanted to stop at every fallen tree so he could climb up.

 This big mama has been a favorite for a few years running.

 Tay gave it a shot, too.

 They looked for treasures in the old trough.  Kelli and I used to collect old animal bones and store them here.  We had it full at one point.

Whacha got there?

 CK ran around what used to be a frog/snake swamp.  It is completely dried up now.

 He threw rocks into the pond (and fell in shortly after this pic was taken).

I cleaned all the stinky mud off of CK's pants and boots and then took some fun pics of God's artwork with my super awesome camera...

What a beautiful time of year!

And then we went back and did it all again for Thanksgiving!!!

Farmin' Along, Part 1

We have spent many weekends at the farm this month. 

My dad was building a barn to store the tractor and 4wheeler, plus serve as a place for guests to sleep.  It is complete with a full bathroom and kitchen.  This is pretty fancy compared to what we are used to!  Well, except for my dad's RV... that is a nice home in itself.

My boss from XTO, who is also a close personal friend, did all the electrical work.  Jay grew up as an electrician by trade, taught by his own dad.  I don't think he realized what he was in for when he took on the job.  Poor guy.  We REALLY appreciate his handywork!!  So much!

All of the boys helped put up the roof, which was a big challenge with all the wind.  Mark cut himself pretty bad on his hand.  Shane swallowed a bee and was stung in his throat.  Ryan kept making careless mistakes and getting annoyed.  Kyle had a few frustrating moments, too. God was really challenging their patience.  But, it all worked out and was complete before the rain came pouring. 

While the boys did their thing, I took the kids on a few walks and 4wheeler rides... taking pics along the way. 

Tay went on a mad stick hunt.

 And she had to...

 taste...

 every single one.

 She had a leaf bath.

 She makes this face and then says "Pleeeeease!!" when she wants something.  Must've been another bite of her stick.

 And she had a sand bath.

 She tried not to fall into the almost non-existent pond.  Poor rickety thing needs LOTS of rain.

 She was so tired on our way back. 

While I put Tay down for a nap, the boys continued banging around on the barn.

Sausage, rice, and beans hit the spot!

 Yummm!

Good night.

 

Partaaaay!

We were invited to Brailyn's family's Halloween party.  Good times, good food, and good fun. 

Brailyn, CK, and Tay

 This crazy bird had its own trash can to SLEEP in!!!

 I laughed so hard when the boys were playing the orange in pantyhose game (the object is to use your orange, which is in pantyhose tied around your waste, to hit your grapefruit, which is on the ground, all the way to the finish line). 

Ryan's started out too long, so he couldn't swing it off the ground.  (Which is why he is in the back, being passed by everyone else.)

 Dana "fixed" it for him, but made his panty hose too short.  (The reason he is bent over trying to get his orange to reach the grapefruit.)

 Christian was gone most of the time.. off riding 4wheelers with Mike.  Tay jumped on the golf cart with the girls for a little ride.  She is my social butterfly.

 She was not scared at all on the haunted hay ride.  Not even a flinch.

We all had such a great time.  I am so very thankful that we have decided to remain close with the VanPatten family.

Goblins, Ghouls, and... Richard Simmons?

Christian is ALMOST too big to let me dress him up for Halloween.  Almost.  So, this year I made sure to use up one of my ideas that I know he won't let me do later on.  I told him he was a "work out guy" and he was okay with that. 

Richard Simmons (panty hose and all) with his workout buddy.  Note the extreme intensity here.

Shortly after this picture was taken, a dance party started:

He LOVED prepping and primping.  The curly hair made him taller, so that was a major plus for him.  He said " I look SIX!".  Woah buddy!!

All of this was for Brailyn's family's Halloween party (Christian's extended family).  When I took them trick-or-treating, Christian was a retro golfer and Taylor Rose dressed as a hula dancer.  Getting them dressed as Richard Simmons and a workout girl involved waaaay too much time.  After CK's hair and Tay's makeup, at least 3 hours must've passed.  Um, no thank you!