Back to School BBQ

Looking for his name on a grape.

Cooking in the play kitchen

Checking out his desk

We went to Tyler's first school BBQ on Monday night. He is going to be in the 2 1/2 class at Southside until we leave for Chicago. He was so thrilled. He met his teacher Mrs. Hoiland. She seems great and I am so excited for him to start. He didn't want to leave when it was time to go. It was great fun seeing some of our friends from church who also have kids that attend Southside. We are going to miss that family feel we have here. Tyler wishes his buddy Trenton were going to be in his class but he is a few years older.

Like Mother, Like Son

Tyler's had a rough few days. He must be going through a growth spurt. He is running into everything. Unfortunately, he has inherited my klutzyness. We were at REI over the weekend and he took a big spill while running. He has major road rash on his face. Poor little guy.

He also ran into the couch with his face on the right side. Today it looks like a black eye. He totally looks like we beat him up.

BIG NEWS

Chris finally heard from Honda and he was offered a DRM position with them in the Chicago suburbs. I am thrilled because it will afford me the opportunity to stay home the kids for a few more years. I think the area will give us lots to do and explore. We have spent the last few days decluttering the house and moving some of our junk to storage. It is amazing how many things you accure in just 6 years of marriage. We are trying to ditch a lot of our baby items too. We are hoping to get the house on the market by early next week. Then the waiting begins. Who knows how long it will take our house to sell in this economy. Chris will be heading our on Oct. 1.

As always, a move is bittersweet. We have met so many great people here and I am sad to be leaving them. Tyler is starting preschool for as long as we are here. He is going to be so sad to leave! He already told me he didn't want to move. Talk about breaking mommy's heart! I just have to keep sight of the idea that this is what is best for our family even if it doesn't seem like it at times. That is all for now.

Allison is 9 months today.

My thought was to upload a photo of her today. However, my camera battery needs to be recharged and I didn't get to it today. I am just having a hard time believing that she is already that old and so close to 1. It seems like I was waiting with anticipation for each new stage with Tyler. They sneak up on me with Allie. My poor sweet second child.

She is army crawling her way around very proficiently. She loves to worm over to the toy bins and check out what is in there. She loves to play with big brother's toys. He doesn't appreciate it much. I getting a glimpse of my future with "Mommy, she's playing with my toys" being screamed all day long. Tyler is trying to learn to share. He at least gives her a new toy when he snags the one she was playing with. :) She also started clapping her hands when she hears music. CUTEST. THING. EVER.

It is so great having a daughter. She is super sweet and easygoing. Luckily, she isn't shy like I thought she might be. Tyler is so outgoing that I though for sure she would be my clingy child. But she loves meeting people and tags along happily to all of Tyler's big boy activities. I am so lucky to be the mom of such great kiddos (if I do say so myself).

Oh how I love you Costco!

Today we had a family fun day of going to Costco and house cleaning. Yes folks, this is as fun as it gets when you have two kids under the age of 3. Tyler, Allie and I go to Costco usually once a week. Today I walked out after spending 200 bucks. On what you ask? The giant bag of protein powder, giant box of oatmeal and assorted veggies and fruit drove up the price this time. Oh- and the 2 pk of flannel pants Chris had to have even though it is August. WTF?

Tomorrow starts Operation Mommy De-Frump. I have become the ultimate mom-hag over the last few months. I don my uniform of khaki shorts, flip flops and t-shirt daily. I rarely buy clothes for myself- opting to spend the cash on the kids clothes instead. My hair isn't too bad but I really need to work on losing the last few pounds from being pregnant with Tyler. I am still running quite a bit my diet is all out of whack. With the help of my giant bag of Costco protein powder, I am beginning my weight loss journey. I'll update you on my awesome progress (hopefully).

Too Much Fun in Denver

Here are the photos from our night out in Denver. We went to a bar named Baker St. in the DTC. They had a great band playing covers from the 80s and 90s. I obviously had too much fun. Picture 1 is at the beginning of the night. Photo 2 is after I decided to switch to drinking Cosmos. Whoops. I really enjoyed the band.

Tyler and the Boys go to the Rockies Game

Tyler, Chris, Uncle Ryan and Grandpa went to the Rockies game on Sunday. I think Tyler was more interested in the choo-choo (aka Light Rail) ride rather than the game. Tyler sported his Tulowitski t-shirt courtesy of Uncle Ryan. Chris wasn't feeling too great that day and neither was I. The grandparents watched the kids for us so we could go out with Uncle Ryan on Saturday night. I remember why I haven't had too much to drink since I have had kids. Hangover plus kids equals torture. I will post pics of that another time if Ryan sends them to me.

Anyway, the Rockies played the Cubs. There were tons of Cubbies staying in our hotel. I totally want one of their shirts. So cute! That will be one of my first purchases if/when we move out to Chicago.

Trip to Denver- Part One

We just returned from a summer trip to Denver. We had loads of fun but the trip was LONG. 16 1/2 hours in a car is just a little too long. But we all made it in one piece and the kids did suprisingly well. I was able to read two whole books on our ride out there. I read Firefly Lane and The Time Traveler's Wife. I really enjoyed both of them. Tyler watched lots of movies and Allie mostly slept or babbled.

We stayed at Ryan's on Thursday night and checked in to our hotel on Friday. Chris and Ryan went golfing on Friday morning. This gave the kids and I a chance to go to the Children's Museum. Tyler loved it! It had a great firetruck on display and he loved pretending to drive it. He also painted a picture for Grandma and Grandpa, shopped for groceries and played a little Bball. I think he is ready to be recruited by the Jayhawks.

Monday is here!

Whew! Last week was quite a week. I am not used to being away from the kids so much at one time. I am happy to be spending a few quiet days with them before we leave for Denver. We are visiting my BIL Ryan and my inlaws at the end the of the week. Tyler is going to his first Rockies game. Allie, Grandma and I are going to get in some quality shopping time.

Allie exhausted after Day 3 of VBS:

Allie modeling a new fall outfit- a gift from Nana.

I need to upload my new pics of T. He is uncooperative with pictures these days.

Chris and I also celebrated our 6th anniversary yesterday. I really can't believe we have been married 6 years already! Although, our lives are much different than we thought they would be. We never planned to leave Kansas and here we are twice moved already. Who would have thought both my children would be born in Spokane, WA? I definitely would have bet money against that. But it has made for an exciting, fun and most of all loving 6 years. Here's to another 6!