Kahler Family Blog

Sioux Falls Fun

2010-05-19T21:46:00.033-05:00

Back in May, my two little ones, my mom, and myself went down to spend the weekend in Sioux Falls. It was a great time for many reasons, but especially because Jeremy and his family drove up from Lincoln, so me and my 3 brothers and mom spent some time together. Haven't done that in quite awhile! On the Saturday night we were there, we went down to a small town south of Sioux Falls to an Old Thyme Dinner Theatre that had a play called 'The Movie Game' starring Paul's girlfriend Meghan. It was a special time for the adults to get out together, and Kacey was gracious enough to stay home with all the kiddos. Mom's birthday was the following week, so Meghan arranged for a cake with lots of candles to be brought out to her during the play intermission, which was very much a surprise to her. On Sunday, we spent most of the day at the Falls. Very beautiful! Here are a bazillion pictures of our trip:

Mom trying to keep track of all the grandkids...

Erin & Susie

Paul & Stephen

Heather & Jeremy

Look at that blazing fire!

Braxon & Micah

We were eating at Sonic. Lots of rocks and a water pond are not a good mix when it's an eat outside family restaurant... After repeated "No throwing rocks" instructions to all the kids, Brannen decided to pick up a small rock and gently roll it down the big ones. Then was proud in saying "I not drowing it."

Waiting for lunch...

There were neat inspiring chalk writings all throughout the falls.

Skipping rocks down on the water

Sam & Zarin

Chilling on the rocks

Heather & Jeremy

Mom was having a tough time on the rocks with her sandals, so Jeremy helped her out a little...

Mom & Sam

Treats from Uncle Sam

When Brannen saw this photo just now he said "That my friend Micah."

Leyton, Erin, Brannen, Paul, Micah, Zarin, & Stephen

Erin, Paul, & Stephen

Mom with her 4 kids

Micah & Zarin

We were there the weekend before the twins' 3rd birthday, so we brought them down their presents.

Fresh out of the bath Zarin

Braxon was most excited about the little basketball

And Zarin loved the Thomas the Train book we brought for him.

Afton decided she wanted the ball, notice the cute pouting in the background.

Kacey & Sam

Kyler exercising with Brannen's help

Meghan & Paul

A good 'ol fit because he wanted to be in the van... and no I wouldn't let him because it was waaayy too hot and we were not ready to leave yet.

Yes, Zarin is chalking his face

Sabbath Afternoon at the Bohl's

2010-05-12T20:27:00.010-05:00

On Sabbath afternoon, Jeannie invited us out after lunch. We had such a nice relaxing time. And the best part: Leyton & the girls PLAYED IN THE MUD! Nothing like good old mud puddles. It was so fun to watch them play and get dirty, since it isn't something we spend much time doing living in town. Then we went on a walk by their place down to a body of water. Brannen couldn't stop throwing rocks down into the water, which was only not a good idea because there were several guys fishing on this little bridge area. When I would ask him to stop throwing the rocks in, he's say "Mom, I have to." Little stinker. Corey then saddled up their horses and the kids all got to ride. Very exciting to Leyton, especially. To end the evening even better, they watched the kids for us in the evening, and Brad and I went on a movie date with another couple. What a great day!

At this moment, Lilly realized that mud had just filled her boot. Her face on this one and the next picture is quite priceless.

She was not too happy...

But, of course, it didn't take long for her to flash her big smile again!

Lilly, Hannah, Leyton, & Gracie

Up on the dirt mountain

Leyton's Mud Boots

Violet with Jeannie

What could be more fun than throwing rocks in the lake...

Violet watching the kids down below

After a few steps of this sweetness, Brannen was practically dragging Violet along. But cute while it lasted.

Brannen with daddy

Bella riding in on her 4-wheeler

The gang - Derek, Jeremy, & Bella

Violet gets a ride

Now Gracie & Lilly's turn

Ethan & Leyton trying to trap the sheep in the corner. They did succeed one time, actually.

Time to ride horse!

Hannah & Leyton

Now Leyton & Brannen

Lilly's turn

Derek riding very independently

Sophie, Wanda, Violet, & Dave

Gracie leading Sophie

Wanda on her horse

More in May

2010-05-11T19:50:00.009-05:00

A week ago Sabbath baby Bowen Engelhart entered the world (5 weeks before he was supposed to :) !! I tried like mad to switch out of my weekend of work, but was unable to, so Brad and the boys went over on Sunday to meet him. What a sweetie!

Auntie Jolene and her new little babe

Nothing cuter than little boys in boxer briefs:

Brannen making his 'scary face'.

And a wrestling match ensues.

Hillcrest School at a Spring Program last week. I missed most of it since I was working, but did get a couple of pictures:

Tara, Nalyna (visiting from Colorado), Jodi, Chrystal, Susie, Danel, & Jeannie

Brad watched Derek, Bella, & Max for awhile while the girls had Ladies Night at the church. When I came back, they wanted to play Ninjas, so I dressed them all up in random towels and pillowcases. Turned out pretty cute:

This was 2 days after the snow. Mother's Day, actually. Nice enough to do a little yard work!:

May 7, 2010

2010-05-11T19:34:00.003-05:00

Yuck! It snowed in May. This is what we awoke to on Friday, then it continued to snow most of the day. Plain old Yuck. No worries, though, it was melted away by Sabbath.

Random in April

2010-05-11T18:01:00.007-05:00

So as you can tell, I'm trying to play catch-up with blogging... Here are some more fun pictures from April that I came across.

Yes, he is smiling that big because he is sitting on his dad's face...

On a Sabbath afternoon, we went out hiking at Troutman's Grove over by the Pipestem. We were hoping it was too early for tics... but we were wrong. They were everywhere already. Still, we managed to get through without much insult.

Brad's Aunt Coreen and cousin's (Janae, Jody, Mindy, & Paul) were heading through on their way to Cleveland. It was fun to see them and go hiking together.

More of the gang after the hike.

Brannen was gobbling down strawberries.

Nothing like playing on the countertop...

Eager Beaver & Adventurer Investiture

2010-05-10T21:14:00.005-05:00

Another year of Eager Beaver's is over. Leyton celebrated the investiture again this year with several more badges added to his scarf. Brannen, who will first be an official Eager Beaver next year, insisted on being up front with his brother. Hence, the odd child out in the orange shirt... It was a cute program, as always. Leyton will have one more year as an Eager Beaver next year, then he'll advance to the Adventurer Club.

Eager Beaver club

The beautiful Adventurer leader Chrystal

The Adventurers

Danel & William

Receiving his scarf

The whole group of Eager Beaver's and Adventurers

Lilly's 5th Birthday Party

2010-05-10T20:20:00.010-05:00

A couple weeks ago, we celebrated Lilly's 5th birthday. It was a big grill-out picnic out at Jeannie & Corey's. There were a ton of people there, and as you can see, we had tons of fun!

The birthday girl Lilly with her mom Jeannie

Brad grilling up the buffalo - it was quite good

Bella and Karly

Cake time!

Most of the kiddos there

Avery a super cute baby of Jeannie, Chrystal, and Mike's cousin

Brannen just before getting a slice of cake

Roper, the cutest cowboy around

Violet getting some air time

William and Papa Mike heading out to see the horses

Time for fire

Notice every male has something sticking into the fire

Christina, Sue, & Teree staying warm

Gracie

Jeannie & Lilly

Acrolights in Jamestown

2010-05-10T19:27:00.006-05:00

Back in March, the DAA Acrolights came to Jamestown and performed in the Hillcrest gym. Two of the performers were Brad's cousins' - Brienne & Breighton, which makes it even more fun to watch. Plus, I had helped with the gymnastics clinic (especially with tumbling) back in August before their school year started, so it was exciting to see all the progress they had made. Here are some pictures of the action:

Breighton on the bottom, Matthew in the middle, and Lexi on the top

Breighton & Brienne

Amazingly, I can still do a hand to hand

Halftime is always the fun part for the kids, as they get to go out and try some of their skills.

Easter Weekend in Lincoln

2010-05-07T16:29:00.032-05:00

We spent Easter weekend down in Lincoln, NE! It was so fun, and it had been quite awhile since we had been there. We knew it would be the last time seeing Tyson for quite some time, since he is off traveling around the world (just left the country yesterday, actually). It was the first of decent weather for us to enjoy, too, so we took advantage of it. We stayed at Rachel & Scott's place. And it was Homecoming for Alumni of UC, so we saw even more people than we usually do. Plus, I got a few days extra because Brad was able to ride up home with his Aunt Tammy and Grandma Joyce instead of all of us having to leave on Sunday, so that was a treat! What a fabulous trip! And here are a bazillion pictures:

Just after getting to town on Friday, we went to a miniature golfing place we always used to go to with Jeremy, Heather, and Erin. The kids are 'big golfers', so they loved it.

Jeremy, Heather, Erin, Leyton, & Brannen (Jeremy, this was the only non-incriminating one :)

Leyton putted this hole about 10 times, he loved watching it wind down and around and around.

At Friday night vespers, Tyson was honored as an upcoming Student Missionary.

The boys at church on Sabbath (at College View).

Tyson and his buns.

Brannen and Maddy after we ate at the Alumni potluck in the gym.

Then we headed back to Rachel & Scott's for Easter egg dying. The kids had a blast!:

Sabbath evening we played at a park near their house before heading out to eat at Noodles:

Maddy wrote an instruction letter to the Easter Bunny Saturday night. "Happy Easter! Please hide these eggs and sign in cursive. Love, Maddy" With "A little treat" of carrots in a bowl. So cute!

Tyson & Brad

Rachel's cat Ivy May found his place in a basket where the eggs were.

Early Easter morning, the kids awoke at Rachel and Scott's to the baskets that the bunny dropped off:

Then they were off for the big easter egg hunt! My kids are not early risers, even on Easter morning... but didn't do too bad.

The bunny found some pretty clever places...

Then we celebrated all over again at Jeremy and Heathers!:

Heather had a scavenger hunt ready for the boys when we got there with clues hidden inside plastic eggs.

They found the loot in the dryer :)

Erin

Super awesome water squirters that both boys can manage on their own.

Just after Leyton shot water at us through the kitchen window where we were doing dishes. He was so proud of himself.

Egg dying:

Erin & Brannen

Leyton & Stephen

Another afternoon at the park with the girls:

On Monday, we had some of the day when everyone was either at class or at work. So I took the boys to the UNL Morrill Hall Museum (we always used to call it the Elephant Museum back when we were in college). The kids loved it! It took Brannen some convincing to not be scared of the skeletons, though.

This one in particular. Brannen was standing at the doorway and wouldn't come in because this is "He's cool, huh?" And Brannen replied, "No, him creepy."

Digging for fossils.

Last Visit to Sioux Falls

2010-05-07T14:35:00.009-05:00

On our way home from Lincoln, the boys and I stopped off at Sioux Falls for a night. Luckily, I had some extra time on my trip, since Brad had gone home on Sunday with his Aunt and Grandma. It's so fun for the cousin's to get to hang out together.

Afton - Yummy cookie!

Braxon

Brannen

For part of the evening, I was hanging out with all the little ones and Micah. Although I didn't think I was doing too bad keeping track of the five younger ones, at one point I went to search for Afton. She had already scooted over a big stool to reach a sucker that was high up on the counter top (wrapper on the floor as evidence) and had taken the last cookie, went to her booster seat, and was sneakily enjoying it. She so had given me the "Oh no, I'm caught" look just before I took the 2nd picture. Too clever!:

Kyler and his dog

Zarin & Kacey sharing doughnuts

Zarin making his scary face

Braxon ready for bed

But not ready for sleep. This is where they had found Braxon after they thought he had gone to sleep. He had gotten up, went into another bedroom, crawled beside a dresser in the closet, curled up, and fell asleep!

Good morning! He still awoke rested and sweet!

Afton

Afton, Braxon, Zarin, Leyton, & Brannen

Three Down, One to Go

2010-03-30T21:34:00.005-05:00

Leyton ended up staying well after the Thursday evening repeated illness. Come Sunday, we thought we were all in the clear finally. Thought wrong. We went out on a 2 hour hike to the golf course near our house to enjoy the beautiful weather and find lost golf balls. At the end of the hike, I got literally showered with Brannen sickness. And boy was he sick! Aside from emesis, he slept, nearly delirious, about 22 of 24 hours straight. It was bittersweet to just cuddle and coddle him the whole time, since I thankfully did not have to work. Now he's up and running again! Next of course, Brad is down for the count. Got it Monday night, definitely worse than the boys, and he's still under the weather. I'm sure hoping and praying to escape this one, but I'm guessing it is only a matter of time...

Enough about being sick!!!!

Tonight was beautiful! After getting off work this evening, we had our 1st campfire. The boys ate their supper outside. Then we roasted some perfect marshmallows. Yum! OOoohh how I can't wait to go camping now!

What is it about boys being so compelled to pee on a fire?

Unusual week

2010-03-26T10:47:00.010-05:00

This has been a fairly unusual week. My work schedule has been scattered - early mornings and late evenings, so that throws things off from the start... And Leyton has been sick. He got the stomach flu late Tuesday evening, after being at daycare Monday where I guess several kids have been sick this week. The first clue was that he wanted to take a nap after supper. He was such a sweet thrower upper - so quiet and tried to handle it by himself. But for several hours just laid there, very pale, staring off into space... By Wednesday morning, he was much better - pretty much back to himself. So we thought we were smooth sailing. Then again late Thursday evening (while I was working again), he took another evening nap. We were hoping this was just catching up from earlier in the week. But, low and behold, he shot straight up from the couch and was sick again! After talking to daycare, it has been a weird cycle of illness where you are sick, get better, and then are sick again several days later. Ugh! He's been so sweet through this! And luckily, he is the only victim... so far...! And Brad has been phenomenal dealing with everything from the front lines.

Letyon this morning, starting to feel better, so tried to paint on a smile.

Here are a couple of other silly stories amongst the photos:

Leyton wanted a pair of handcuffs, so he got them... as a little sick present. Wednesday afternoon, I went back to lay Brannen down for a nap. Often, I'll let myself snooze for a little bit... but luckily I was only back there about 15 minutes, because I came out to the living room and found that Leyton had handcuffed himself to the table! And the keys were about 2 feet out of reach. He was fine, and not scared at all, but just laid there quietly, and said to me when I came around the corner, "Mom, could you maybe grab the keys for me. I kinda locked myself to the table." He has now learned how to do the safely release lever without needing keys. What a silly boy!

This morning, I asked Brannen to run and grab a diaper so we could change it. It took him awhile back in the bedroom, which I didn't think much of. But when he came out, jammies were off and he had no diaper on. I asked him, "Brannen, where is your diaper?" "In my room." Then he boisterously said, "I pee-peed in da trash." Not potty trained yet, I didn't think he would have done that. But he did!!! He has been such a silly goof lately, saying such funny little things every day. So much fun!

LAST WEEK:

Got to go out bike riding for the 1st time! Yea, Spring is here!

Grandma Mary came to Jamestown last week. Brad and I celebrated our 8th anniversary last Wedneday! So she came and babysat and we went on a date. We don't do that very often, so dinner and a movie was such a treat!

Playing 'Just Dance' on the Wii - super fun!

Leyton has starting "reading" books to his brother at night, too. Not really reading, of course, but picks books he has heard so much he tells them from recall and from the pictures.

On Sabbath, while I was at work, the boys took another ride with daddy.

Helpful Big Brother

2010-03-20T21:13:00.003-05:00

In the last month, Leyton has been amazing with being very helpful to me. He has taken it upon himself to shower both himself and his little brother every evening! All I say is "It's shower time" and get their towels ready and the boys undress themselves, run downstairs, and Leyton does the showering from start to finish. I've witnessed it, and he means business. He sweetly gets Brannen to comply with all his directions... for scrubbing his hair, rinsing it under the water, and washing 'everything' that needs cleaning. I heard Leyton say, "Brannen, it's time for the armpit squeeze" which means he takes the soapy poofy and helps Brannen squeeze it in his armpit to get clean. It's been pretty cute to watch. This day specifically that I have the pictures from below, he took it as far as dressing him from head to toe. Even the diaper! I had never seen that before... It is so fun watching them grow together!

Lego Boys

2010-03-20T20:55:00.005-05:00

The boys have a new found love for Legos. This is, of course, 100% supported by Brad (and instigated and encouraged... since then he can just stay a big kid, which is good for all of us!). Though it is not an inexpensive hobby, it has been very fun watching Leyton and Brannen use their imaginations to create things left and right. Leyton can get a new big box of Legos and follow the instructions himself from start to finish to build whatever it is, such as this picture of the house and camper. What timeless fun!

Girly Slumber Party

2010-03-19T13:52:00.012-05:00

This week was Spring Break for Hillcrest School. Hence, we had a big girly slumber party at our place with 6 girls ranging from age 4 to age 10 (Hannah, Karly, Gracie, Bella, Lilly, & Sophie) and, of course, my 2 little boys. Exhausting, but very fun! We started with pizza and games, including a marathon round of Just Dance on the Wii. Then we made green cupcakes with green frosting (for St. Patrick’s Day). Next, we had a nail salon set up and painted fingers and toes as crazy as they wanted them. Finally was a movie with Oreo Blizzards and popcorn for treats. Other than Leyton asking “Why are all of these girls here?”, he had a lot of fun with everyone. Brannen was just along for the ride, but made it up ‘til about 1:15am with everyone else (sorry parents if you had any trouble the next day…:) ). Lots of fun memories for sure!

The baking:

Dress up play:

Hannah doing a little Wii dancing:

Yummy!

The nail salon:

How many small children can I "safely" get up onto the counter???

While I was busily painting 12 little hands, I looked up at Brannen (yes he was on the counter) and he had helped himself to a delicious cupcake.... without his hands!

The evidence. He didn't just do it once, either... He sneakily did it 3 completely different times.

Movie time:

And finally, to bed:

Weekend in Bismarck

2010-03-17T14:29:00.006-05:00

This past weekend Brad had meetings at DAA, so we went to Bismarck on Saturday. We had a great weekend. I was only 3 days post wisdom teeth removal, so I was still being careful. We ate at Olive Garden Saturday evening with Jolene, Breighton, Brienne, and Brooklyn. It was my first real meal since the surgery, and it was fabulous! That night, Breighton, Brannen, & Leyton had a wrestling war:

Notice the air time - poor Breighton

Best buddies!

Sunday afternoon we spent some time with Grandma Karen and Grandpa Nick. It was great to see them again!

Grandma Karen, Grandpa Nick, Leyton, & Brannen

On Sunday, we had brunch at Minervas. It was excellent! Grandmother and I couldn't get enough of the caramel rolls!

Grandmother with Leyton & Brannen

Brannen, Susie, Leyton, Grandmother, and Mom

Time to Go Sledding!

2010-01-24T21:21:00.012-06:00

A week ago Sabbath, we had a bunch of people staying at our house for the weekend (Grandma Joyce, Doug, Gracie, Vonnie, Clifton, Nessa, Savannah, & Tyson) and some others came for the day (Jolene, Breighton, Brienne, & Brooklyn.) It was a wonderful day! It was perfect weather for sledding - very warm, so the snow was wet enough and you could really fly. For me to enjoy a day sledding, it really does have to be fairly pleasant :) Here are a bunch of pictures of our outdoor sledding excursion:

Savannah, Brannen, & Nessa

Vonnie & Jolene

Leyton & Brannen

Nessa bringing Savannah back up the hill

After this ride, Brannen wasn't too excited about going down anymore, since some snow was flying up into his face...

Leyton, Savannah, & Nessa

Brooklyn, Breighton, & Brienne - notice how Brienne is posed

Savannah, Nessa, & Leyton coming back up

Even Rocko gets to ride - with Jolene & Breighton

Brannen insisted on posing just like Brienne was - for several shots

He'd stand behind the group ready to go down next, and say "READY? REEAAADDY?"

Then, he'd push them off, and stiffen up with excitement as he watched them sled down.

Leyton was brave enough to soar down by himself... several times!

Nessa & Brano

Savannah thought she'd try by herself, too.

Look closely at her face. Just as she was starting to go, Rocko spazzed out at her and spooked her. Then all you could hear was "MOM, MMOOOOOMMMMM!" in a panicky voice. She made it just fine, though!

Brienne, Leyton, & Brano

Auntie Susie with Savannah

Just the two little ones went by themself, then

I did finally get Brannen to go down with me again.

Nessa and Savannah

It was a blast!!!!

Beautiful Frost

2010-01-22T02:16:00.007-06:00

I know, it is very very late (2:30 am). But it is not very often I'm up after my kids are in bed (since I usually fall asleep with them, or more accurate would be to say I fall asleep right in the middle of a sentence of the book I'm reading them to bed...). So I thought I'd post a quick blog.

The last month has been amazing and sad and wonderful and full of fun, then an extra week of time with friends and family. We have really enjoyed the holidays, then two weeks after Christmas we said Good-Bye to Brad's Grandpa Kahler. He is known to my kids as Great Grandpa Kahler, but more recently he's been called 'Old Grandpa', which could sound insulting, but is fitting and was used respectfully...

About the pictures... This week - on Tuesday - we had the most beautiful frost I have ever witnessed. Just as it was falling off the trees, the sky turned blue, and it got even better! Then poof, it was gone. When I was looking at the pictures that evening, Leyton came to see them also, and completely spontaneously broke out into the song "Our God is an Awesome God." He is not one to break into song, and I had never even heard him sing that song before, so it was especially touching.

I will catch up on posting some pictures of our fun holidays as well. But for now, enjoy the frost!

Favorite Tree

2009-12-25T22:05:00.004-06:00

On the way from Jamestown to Fargo, I have a favorite lone tree just south of the interstate. It's pretty in all of the seasons, but especially with the hoar frost on it last week. I love its solitary beauty.

Sioux Falls Trip

2009-12-02T17:24:00.028-06:00

Back in November, I went down with the boys to Sioux Falls to visit Sam and his family. It was a very fun trip with cousin's playing everywhere! It has taken me forever to publish this blog for 2 reasons: I'm posting a bazillion photos, and everytime I've tried to finish it Brannen gets on to the computer and undoes whatever I've done. With so many good looking kids, I wanted to share bunches of photos of our fun time:

Leyton & Zarin played so well together

Brano

Ky's new dog - a very cool one (already forgot his name tho)

Micah posing

Monkey face Micah

Brannen & Micah were buds

Kacey, Zarin, & Sam

Ky with his puppy

Afton & Micah

Braxon - took awhile for him and I to become buddies. Whoever knows Brannen knows that I understand how that works. But it didn't take long...

Afton, on the other hand, was all sweetness from the beginning...

Leyton asked to go to the park to play (a.k.a. Sam's back yard)

Micah

Brannen actually ventured down the slide

Braxon

Zarin

Now Afton's turn

Braxon, Afton, & Zarin on the tire swing

Braxon, Zarin, & Afton

Knock, knock

Braxon & Afton off to bed

Time to wake up - they were all trying to wake up Leyton

6 kiddos in the bed

Peek-a-boo

Loving the Zarin face on this one

Brannen with Uncle Sam

Waving bye-bye as we drove away

More November Fun

2009-12-02T13:20:00.015-06:00

We have had lots of fun things going on this past month. Seems like a party or two every week! Here is a conglomeration of stuff we did:

Brannen & Leyton playing dress-up. Later the lion did beat up Optimus Prime.

Uncle Tyson came up to visit from Union. The boys couldn't get enough of him!:

Then Jolene, Breighton, & Brienne came over for Saturday evening. A wrestling match ensued.

Brannen & Breighton are best buds

Christina & Jodi

Computer time in the buff!

Cullin had a Transformer's Birthday Party. Leyton was thrilled:

The big 6 year old!

Bella & Sophie

Karly & Gracie

We also had a housewarming party for Christina. She is now moved to Jamestown in a very beautiful new home:

Christina

Sue - who treated us all to a delicious meal of chinese food. Yum!

Jodi & Chrystal

Little Violet

Susie & Danel

Jeannie & Violet

A little fun at home:

Myndi & Greg came through and stayed with us on their way home for Thanksgiving. We all stamped a little, ate a little, played a little, and went to bed super late:

The Pirate War

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T10:35:00.013-06:00

For Thanksgiving this year, Jeannie had a fabulous idea to provide a meal and activities that involved the entire Jamestown community, so that everyone would have some place to go for Thanksgiving. What an accomplishment! I worked all day, so missed out on most of the action. But when I got there at 8:30pm, there were still bunches of people and fun going on! I guess there were 40-50 people that attended, and everyone there enjoyed such good times together!

Food prep:

The Banquet

Christina, Tara, Jeannie, Carla, Chrystal, & Danel

Mike enjoying the food

Tree of Thanks:

Card Making:

Making Gingerbread houses:

Brannen just kept eating... and licking... never actually got one made :)

Jeremy helping Bella

Leyton's finished creation

Dodge ball - with the dad's trying to pelt their own children. Oh how the boys loved it!!!

More lighting

2009-12-02T10:02:00.003-06:00

Several Sunday's ago, my mom came over so we could get a lot of work done on the house. Mainly, painting the exterior, because we knew the weather would be just right. It did drizzle some in the morning, so Brad started on a lighting project instead. He installed 6 new recessed lights - 2 outside the front and side garage door, and 4 in front of the garage door. It looks great, especially now that the windows are in and the painting is just about completed. Definitely adds a more welcoming feel to the house!

Brannen helping Grandma Mary butter her breakfast.

Taking on her bad habits and buttering his own!

The new look

Hannah's 10th Birthday

2009-11-30T19:15:00.009-06:00

On Sunday, we had a day full of birthday parties! We first celebrated at the Saylor's for Ceyonna's 5th birthday. Then we went out to the Bohl's for Hannah's 10th birthday. She is the oldest in the bunch, and it's hard to believe she's 10 already. What a fun day it was! Later in the day, my brother Paul came in for a couple of nights (better known as "Unka Pawl"). It's been a fun couple of days!

Derek, Max, Chrystal, & Bella

Jeannie & Tara

Ceyonna & Violet

Lilly

Corey & Lilly

Hannah opening presents

Spiderman Max

Grandma Wanda & Violet

Carla with her littlest Ceph

Brannen playing some tunes

Gracie & Corey

Cake time

The massive group of kids

The Dance Off:

Ceyonna, who had just celebrated at her 5th birthday party

I will upload a video of all of the kids dancing during the dance-off. I haven't laughed that hard in quite some time!!!

Barn Party

2009-11-01T20:48:00.007-06:00

Saturday night we went to a Barn Party at Bruce & Deanne Reinke's farm about an hour out of Jamestown (Forbes, ND - which I'd never heard of). It was a super fun time - and such a great alternative to the typical Halloween night activities. They have a spectacular BIG red barn and we climbed up steep narrow steps to get to the floor where all the fun was. Surprisingly, there were several families and even some relatives that were there that we knew from Hutchinson, MN (where Brad's family lived for several years). Chrystal and her family also came down from Jamestown. There was eyeball punch, gummy body parts & appendages, a crazy ghoul story that passed around surprisingly realistic feeling body pieces, a spooky walk through the woods that the kids loved, and lots of fun games. It was a spook-tacular evening! Deanne sure knows how to throw a party!

Tiffany Trana's daughter Sally

Leyton with gummy teeth

Derek heading down the steps to the barn

The spooky walk

Graveyard on the spooky walk

Max

Deanne, the party hostess

Diane Sorenson going through the spider web

Susie & Chrystal

Max, Leyton, Susie, & Brannen

Bran-o

Great decorations

Deanne's daughter Renee

Chrystal & Bella (in her super cute new glasses)

Alea, Larry Jr, & Barron (Brad's relatives)

Pumpkin Carving

2009-11-01T10:59:00.005-06:00

We carved pumpkins Friday evening. Then made a batch of really yummy pumpkin seeds. The boys had fun, but wouldn't touch the ickies inside. It was fun to let them play around with the markers and help to light them afterward.

First, Leyton drew the face to carve out.

Then added some finishing touches.

Grandma Time

2009-11-01T10:22:00.004-06:00

Grandma Mary came Thursday, since we both worked Friday and the boys' daycare was closed. We had our typical fun getting our crazies out. We shopped again, but this time with an un-napped Brannen. It definitely could have been less stressful... but that was my choice... The kids played and played with Grandma. It was good times, and so fun just to be together with my mom!

All out Playmobil war!

Brannen & Grandma Mary

Several games of Memory. I think Leyton won every one.

The winning stacks after a game of Memory between Leyton, Grandma Mary, and Susie. Yes, Leyton beat us both!

Jaxon's 1st Birthday

2009-10-21T22:35:00.015-05:00

Last weekend, we also celebrated little Jaxon's 1st Birthday. What a bash! He has a grandma and a great aunt that can really put it together in the kitchen - there was fabulous chili, knoephla, buns, muffins. So good, I didn't even need cake (now that's a shocker!). Another fun time with lots and lots of kids playing together. Jaxon is almost the baby of the gang, so it's lots of fun to watch him grow!

Time for presents!

Grandma Sue & Papa Mike with Violet (she's actually the littlest tike in the group)

Reading a new book with Uncle Josh

Bella loving on Papa Jerry

Totally not interested in the cake.

Okay, fine, I'll touch it.

But I'm not going to really get into it until I have a spoon.

Now, this is yummy!

Sophie

Leyton & Cullin playing

Will playing ball

Clean up time!

Weekend fun

2009-10-21T21:01:00.006-05:00

This was last weekend that we had all the fun! This weekend I'm a working woman. It still amazes me how quickly our house can get destroyed with 3 boys in it for just a day...!

William & Brannen snacking on Oreos. Yum.

Then, of course, the bath

Hard to resist cute little buns.

A trampoline, right in Brannen's room! (It hasn't been used as a bed in quite awhile, unfortunately).

Bella at Fall Festival

The favorite prize - a hugongous candy necklace.

Windows!!!

2009-10-21T20:00:00.008-05:00

The last few weeks, we (I mean Brad) have been installing what will soon be 8 new windows in our house! We realized as we started painting the exterior of the house (which won't be completed until next spring unfortunately because winter decided to come too soon) that the windows desperately needed replacing. Brad is rather amazing. After getting advice and a couple of hours of help from Jerry Rittenbach with the 1st window, Brad was able to shim up and install all of the others. I am again surprised at Brad's ability of tackling a new home project, and I love how the windows have changed the way the house looks. They look great!

The daunting task of 8 new windows to install

Starting with the 1st window - in Brannen's room

Oh no, it's not going to fit... Plea to Jerry Rittenbach to come and help us out!

On to the next two windows in Leyton's room. The empty holes in the house look scary bigger than when the windows are in there.

The look with the new windows in!

Leyton helping Brad caulk one of the windows in our room.

The last ugly window that remains (we are waiting for the right one to be shipped to us, as it was missing some parts.) Mom, if you remember this is the window we recently slashed the screen on so I could climb through at 12:30 am after you got locked in the bathroom :)

The kitchen window - before...

The kitchen window - during...

The kitchen window - after... This window makes the most difference in all of the house.

What I found Brannen doing after I came in from helping outside with the kitchen window. Yes, that is our sugar bowl.

Yum!

The look of mischievousness.

This is how I did it mom... He had the most hilarious giggle after I caught him.

Fall Fun

2009-10-11T22:08:00.005-05:00

All You Need Is Love

2009-10-11T21:40:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Olga Lang & Floyd Rodin! They were married today, and we went to celebrate with them after the ceremony. They are both sweetly in love!

Olga with her 2 sisters

DAA Alumni Weekend 2009

2009-10-05T21:06:00.009-05:00

Over the weekend we shared some good times with friends and family at DAA. It was Alumni Weekend - our 12th year out, so we weren't an honor class. That makes me feel old. Brad's Uncle Kenny was honored for his 40th year, so he flew in from DC and was very much a part of the going's on. When Uncle Kenny leads out in song service, the whole room comes alive in praise and song. It was very powerful! Having lots of cousins and aunts and uncles around - the boys did pretty well. It was very nice having Brienne's room there, and we were able to get Brannen down for a good nap. Just getting over quite a fever and illness last week, that was much important. Here is some of the fun times we had:

Special music by Jolene, Kimber, Coreen, & Kenny (1 very important person is missing...)

Susie with dear Evey & Alfred

Twinny (if I say which one, I'll be wrong) & Albert

Brad & Aunt Coreen

Leyton & Brannen chilling in Brienne's room

Nalyna's little girl Kayleigh

Violet

Lilly

How Brannen really looked most of the day...

The smooch!

And the grin!

Kayleigh & her Aunt Jodi

Kayleigh & Nalyna

So incredibly seductive!

Susie, Jeannie with Violet, Jodi, & Nalyna

Brienne & Susie

Little Violet

Corey, Mitch, Ben, & Brad

Hannah & Corey

Cousins Jodi & Nalyna

Labor Day in Lincoln

2009-10-02T01:39:00.000-05:00

Over Labor Day weekend, we went down to Lincoln NE to visit lots of family and friends. It had been quite some time since we'd been down there to visit. I was last there in February (without Brad), so it was a good time. And the time flew by. We stayed at Rachel & Scott's, so the kids had lots of play time with Madison & Olivia. Here is some of the fun we had:

Chasing squirrel's on Union College campus

Up in Tyson's dorm room

After Sabbath lunch, we went to play at the ginormous Antelope Park.

Myndi's 2 guests staying downstairs

Myndi & her dog hunny

Brad with primate food - how fitting

Scott with marmoset food

Tyson with feline food

We went to the zoo late Saturday night because Myndi had to special feed the new baby red panda. It was a process of precision and rather incredible to watch. A very up close and behind the scenes process. We felt honored:

The next day while the boys were golfing, the ladies and children went to the Lincoln Children's zoo (again) to enjoy the normal zoo activities. Though Myndi was technically off duty, we still got a back stage pass to pet the ostrich, feed the wallaby, feed the camel, and several other extra special things:

Kiddos were waiting for the wallaby to come to them

Brannen actually got close enough to a wallaby to feed it. For being quite bashful the whole weekend, this was a big step.

Erin, Stephen, & Leyton

Rachel & Kelli

Rachel, Myndi, Susie, Kelli, & Nikki

Kids practicing for a dance off

My beautiful niece Erin & sister-in-law Heather

Late late night ice cream treats at Sonic

On our way home, we went to the SAC (Strategic Air Command) Museum near Omaha with Tyson & a buddy of his:

Then we stopped in Sioux Falls to visit Sam & Kacey & their family. We were only there long enough to make me want to back again, soon:

Kacey with a super huge marshmallow for our 'Chubby Bunny' game. Awesome.

Look at Kyler's vertical

Micah and her beauty

Silly Zarin

Afton & Braxon

Zarin with Sam

For the Love of SVACA

2009-09-29T22:28:00.009-05:00

On Sunday, though it was chilly & rainy, we entertained ourselves with SVACA. SVACA is the Sheyenne Valley Arts & Crafts Association that is held in Fort Ransom every year. It's such a fun thing to say - SVACA. We've gone 3 years in a row now, and always make it back with something 'just perfect.' Last year it was a red wooden cabinet with doors that we have our dvd's in (at the time when Brannen's favorite thing to do was pull every one off the shelf and open them all up...). This year I found a perfectly sized wooden bench seat with a lidded top for the back garage entrance. Now I can keep some of the extra shoes and such neatly tucked away. Yea! Here is a few pictures of the fun we had!

As Chrystal and I say - "SVACA make-a me crazy!"

Brad & Tara

Lilly

Christina, Teree, & Chrystal

Baby Violet, Jeannie, Sue, & Chrystal

Ethan, Derek, & Leyton with marshmallow guns

Bella and her 'pet rock'

Max and his new hat

Brannen loving the kettle corn

The new bench!

Tomatoes

2009-09-29T22:25:00.003-05:00

We have ALOT of work to do!

Fun in Fargo

2009-09-26T23:06:00.015-05:00

Last Thursday, Brad had an optician conference in Fargo. I was able to trade and get the time off, so we had a fun-filled couple of days in Fargo. The first many pictures are at the Children's Museum at Yunker Farms. It was quite entertaining, and the kids had a blast. We ate out at Johnny Carino's - Yum! And swam in the nice pool at the Ramada, where we stayed. Water slide and all, though Brannen wasn't too excited about the slide. It was some fun family time!

This was just plain gross!

On the way home, we drove right under a plane sprayer. It was quite fun to watch.

Gaming with Grandma

2009-09-26T22:26:00.004-05:00

We have Grandma and Grandpa Kahler here with us this weekend! It's been a fun day of enjoying the nice weather while relaxing at home. And, of course, eating a lot. Not necessarily good eats, since I'm the one in the kitchen. I actually managed to flop mash potatoes today, but they were still edible at least... The good apple crisp at the end made up for that. We laid out on a blanket on the lawn this afternoon and Brad got a good nap in.

Leyton loves Grandma coming, since it's games, games, games! She is best known as the 'game grandma.' It's fun watching them play, and it's usually a pretty good match. They've played about a dozen already this evening!

Yea, playing games!

Just before this game, Leyton said, "Grandma, let's play again so this time you can win."

Didn't work, Leyton won again. The smile of victory.

Camping at Little Yellowstone

2009-09-13T14:08:00.021-05:00

Several weekends ago, we took a 'real' camping trip down to Little Yellowstone in ND. It was a very beautiful campground - as each campsite was very quiet and secluded as they wound up a wooded hill. It did get a little chilly at night, but it helped to have a 2 year old bundle of heat between Brad & I. Brannen acutally kept the covers on! My little brother Paul even came to camp with us - he said it was his first time tent camping!

We set up camp Friday night, almost completely in the dark. On Saturday, several friends joined us: Jeremy & Chrystal Rittenbach with Derek, Bella, and Max; Teree & Jerry Rittenbach; Chris & Jaxon Rittenbach; and Reed Merkel. Jeremy brought down the 4-wheelers (4 of them) and about everyone took a turn cruising around the hill. We headed home on Sunday, with many wonderful memories!

Brannen & Brad setting up the tent

Leyton as 'Master Anakin'

Brannen as 'Master Yoda' (he said Mat-ter Ho-da all weekend)

Brannen stayed close to Uncle Paul the whole time

Notice Paul in the background: 'When am I going to get service already?!'

Teree, Jaxon, & Jerry

Max

Jeremy, Max, & Bella

Chrystal and Max

Jumping over the stream

Reed, Chris, & Jaxon

Wild grapes... tart, but yummy

Late night snack of a fried egg

Brannen not so happy

There, that's better

Canoeing Down the Sheyenne

2009-09-13T09:28:00.014-05:00

Yesterday on Sabbath a big group of friends met at Fort Ransom State Park to take a canoe trip down the Sheyenne River. It was beautiful! We took the 2 1/2 hour option, since there were several small children in tow. We had 5 canoes and 1 kayak - joining us were Chrystal & Jeremy Rittenbach and their 3 kids, Teree & Jerry Rittenbach, Sue & Mike McPherson, and Ben & Brenda Weber & their 3 kids. And, nobody tipped!!! Brannen did surprisingly well, mostly standing in front of me at the front of the canoe. Neither Leyton or Brannen had ever been canoeing before, so it was an adventure.

Leyton took a Field Adventure Journal with, and was 'writing' down all the animals we saw. We saw many painted box turtles, a kingfisher, several other birds, butterflies, horses, cows, and for most of the trip we followed a large gray heron. The neatest was when we saw the grass on the bank rustle, and we caught a quick glimpse of a beaver falling into the water from only a few feet away. The little boys were crazed with the many frogs they found..., and chased..., and squished... Several other families joined us and were on a long hike. Then we all snacked and played at the great playground there. It was a wonderfully refreshing day!!!

Getting ready to head out.

We're back!

Bella and Noah

Derek and Leyton tumbling down the hill

That was fun rolling down that hill!

Mr. Weinie

Leyton's new best friend.

Max caught the frog. Priceless.

Violet & Jeannie, after their hike

Weeeee!

Teree, Sue, and Wanda

Boca & Stripple playing on the playground, too.

Lilly

Big kids like to play, too!

Felt Leyton's pocket full of... something. Always a little nervewracking not knowing what could be in there... If anybody's been with Leyton at all this summer, you've seen his pockets (all of them) stuffed full of the oddest things - cattails, rocks, old bottle tops, nerf bullets, etc...

Only a pile of acorns!

Leyton's Adventure Journal.

Fargo Airshow - August 23

2009-08-23T22:12:00.009-05:00

We went to the Fargo Airshow on Sunday...without mommy! It gets easier and easier to go out and about now that Brannen is a bit older. It was a good day at the show. Got there a bit late so really just saw a trick plane and then the Blue Angels. Found a good spot for the show, set up the umbrella and blanket, and made ready...

Business End of A-10

Sabbath Adventure

2009-08-22T20:28:00.010-05:00

On Sabbath the boys and I slept in a bit and decided to go to Little Yellowstone and Clausen Springs to go for a hike and to check it out for a future camping trip. We did get a bit turned around and ended up in Kathryn for a bit and decided to play at the park. We went to Little Yellowstone first and hiked for about an hour. Leyton really had a blast, I had a hard time keeping up with him. He kept wanting to cross the creek, and I had Brannen and the camera. (Susie would have freaked out). It was a great day to hike. Sunny and warm but not too warm. Took a few pictures on the trail. Here they are.

Leyton is 5

2009-08-17T22:56:00.003-05:00

Brannen is 2

2009-08-17T22:40:00.001-05:00

Took this picture Sabbath after church.

Ahoy Matey!

2009-08-16T22:07:00.020-05:00

Avast, me hearties! Yesterday, we had a big pirate birthday party for Leyton & Brannen. It was a swashbuckling good time. We snacked on some grub - fishy crackers, chips, veggie pizza, fruit, candy, & other goodies. The kids enjoyed dressing up with a bunch of pirate gear and tattoos I found. They all took turns 'walking the plank.' They also played a game of 'pop the cannonball' - using their swords they each had to pop the balloons filled with candy loot. The highlight was having the big castle bounce house. Brannen wouldn't go in there for hours, but finally after he did he just giggled and had a great time. He'd shout, "Seat drop, YEA!!!" We had 20 kids here - ages 8 months to 9 years old. What a blast! Grandma Mary even came over from Bismarck for the party. And after a cloudy and rainy morning that had me a bit worried, the weather was beautiful, too! What fun and what memories. Ayyyye, matey!

Filling the balloons with candy loot before the party

Doubloon cupcakes

Bounce time!

Gracie, Karly, & Bella Yo-ho-ho!

Landlubber Leyton

Christina with Jaxon

Me Hearty Sophie

Privateer Brannen

William

Scallywag Ethan

Shiver me timbers!

Group of sprogs

Hannah Her sister Lilly

Daniel Karly

Scoundrels in training

Lasses Lilly, Bella, & Ciarra

Sea Dog Cullin

Buccaneer Leyton & his hostage

Leyton & Cullin swashbuckling while walking the plank

"Happy Birthday to You"

Cake time!

Arrr Matey!

Sophie popping the cannonball

Grabbing the loot

Booty!

The littlest (and cutest) pirate

Gracie and her baby sister Violet

Mike, William, Brad, & Brannen

Derek & Karly bouncing away

After several hours, Brannen finally got into bounce - and wouldn't get out!

Kisses to Grandma Mary

Grandma and her Matey's