2016 :: week 43

October 16

Carly graciously made Lauren an early birthday cake to go with Sunday dinner. Lauren was so pleased! It met all of her criterion for a perfect birthday cake: chocolate with pink frosting and lots of sprinkles. Save a few issues between Lauren and Elise, our kids get along really well with the Nielson girls and had a great time playing together Sunday. Sunday was truly a day of rest for us as we prepared for our trip back to Kansas.

October 17

On the road again! We hit the road as the Nielson's were leaving for school Monday morning. It had rained in the early hours of the morning and there was snow in the mountains as we left town. When we stopped in Wyoming for gas and to use the bathroom there was some slushy snow on the ground! It was also incredibly windy. There were signs up warning of 30, 40 and 50 mph winds in the area. Not much else of note happened during this day of driving. We did finally convince Will and Lauren that the time passes faster when you fall asleep.

October 18

We only had 7 hours to go Tuesday. About an hour into our drive Anthony got pulled over by a Nebraska State Trooper. He only gave him a warning, which was a relief, but also put us on edge the rest of the way. There were cops out all along I-80 in Nebraska. We eventually arrived home around 3pm.

October 19

The way things worked out, with the timing of the wedding and the school district's schedule for end of quarter and parent teacher conferences, Will only went to school three times in a two week period. He was DYING to go back Wednesday morning for his one day of school this week. We stayed at the playground for a bit as he played tag with some friends.

October 20

Thursday was the first day of parent/teacher conferences. I had great meetings with both Will and Lauren's teachers. They are both doing well in their classes and getting along with their classmates and teachers. We had planned on meeting the Throssells at the park at lunchtime, but then Elliott was acting a little off. We met up at the park after naptime instead. The kids had fun playing and I enjoyed catching up with Stephanie. We see them all the time at the pool during the summer, but because we go to different schools we don't see them nearly as much the rest of the year. Elliott ended up throwing up at dinner, so clearly there WAS something off about him earlier in the day.

October 21

Happy 5th Birthday, Lauren! Elliott only vomited the one time at dinner Thursday, but it put a damper on our birthday plans. My kind friend Tabitha offered to take the older kids to the park so they could get out of the house after lunch. Lauren wanted a pink pig birthday cake so I did my best to deliver. Lauren is such a blessing on our lives. She brings light and life and joy into our home.

October 22

Our Saturday was packed! Until Will woke up early Saturday morning to vomit. And Lauren followed suit in the afternoon. The family softball game, trick-or-treating at Hy-Vee and date night for mom and dad were all cancelled. Instead the kids watched movies and slept throughout the day. Anthony raked up thousands of acorns and started prepping our yard for fall. I took care of the kids and helped Anthony a bit when all kids were sleeping. We appear to have caught a 24-hour bug. Elliott is back to his usual self already and the other two are on the up and up as well.