I love Kansas City

Weekend getaways are so refreshing!  And this family needed a break.  We planned our escape to Kansas City for the begining of November.  It was perfect timing as we avoided 2 showings and 1 open house.  Providing us the much needed relief from the constant cleaning that comes with having your home on the market.   And all the while, I had dreamed of taking the kids to Kalidescope to let their imagination run wild.  While Jeff craved some famous KC BBQ.  Kansas City was calling our name! Just one last time before we pack up and head north.

  We stayed at this fantastic boutique hotel.  I love Priceline, we got a steal on this sweet room.

  which looked like this... the very next morning.   

Do you see what I see?  One child in his undies! One child wearing no pants!  And one big husband hiding behind the blanket?  Yep.  That's my family and I couldn't love them more.

Kalidescope is an awesome arts and crafts center for kids.  I went there as a child myself and have longed to return someday.  It was every bit of what I remember and even more fun when  sharing it with your own children.

This is the giant kalidescope that projects on the wall.  Zachary could of stayed forever just watching it change.   Aweome.   

And this cool camera projects an image on movie screen.  In the pitch black.

Glow in the dark painting.  A favorite.

 Good 'ol fashion water colors.  Still cool. 

                                                                     Lovie Doves.

                                                                         How cute are they?

This picture speaks volumes. Ellie is showering Avery with hugs and smiles. While Zachary is keeping his eye on Ellie. Watching her every move and following her lead. Avery, front and center is thriving on the attention. These three were meant to be together.  

Red Ribbon Week

No one loves red ribbon week more than Avery.  This girl adores school... so any opportunity to show  school spirit is right up her alley.  Infact, I think going to school each day is the hightlight of her life.    Everyday of the week is a designated "dress up" day.  She was all over it. But, let's face it..it was her mom who got all the outfits ready for her.   The secret is out...I love red ribbon week as much as Avery.

Crazy hair day.  (Avery has been planning and looking forward to crazy hair day for at least a year)

 

Favorite Team Jersey day.  Who knew we would become Husker Fans?

Super Hero Day.  Avery is "Smart Power Girl". 

School Colors day.  Red, white, and blue. 

Ah, shucks.   We forgot to take a picture of jammie day.  Suffice it to say, she was cute and cozy all bundled up in her P.J's and robe.

It's the post party wrap up

OK.  I'm so over Halloween right now....but I need to post the pics of all of the parties around here. I know I will want to remember the festivities in years to come. So here is the wrap up Halloween 2010.

When the twins were 5 I had a Halloween party for them. So, it seems only fair that I should do the same for Avery. And,I love, love, love little kids in costume. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I know Avery did as well.   It was a simple and short get together with 5 of Avery's classmates. We ate spooky snacks, played scary games, and made an evil bat craft.  Ok, so it's not so evil....but very cute.

Zachary and Ellie were invited to a 6th grade Hallween party at Kadi's home. Zachary only stayed for a short while before Jeff picked him up for a "guys night out". As you know, for Zach this is better than any party with a room full of  loud girls.   The music blarred in the backround and the kids mingled with one another. Lots of laughing.  Ellie stayed until the end at 10:00. She had so much fun and was a little chatterbox on the ride home. I think she mostly liked the independance of staying out late. Alone. With 25 cute girls.

We had a blast at the annual Patterson/Keiser Halloween party. There were so many creative and downright Awesome costumes this year. Everyone went all out. Well, except us. This year we were preoccupied with selling our home and all that goes along with moving.  So, I just couldn't devote much time or attention to the costume (I guess I have a one track mind when our house is on the market.)  We went down the "easy " road and came up with Tacky Hawaiian Tourists. But, it worked.

Check out these costumes!  Bummer,  I didn't get a picture of everyone. Sorry.  I noticed I am missing Darren Keiser as Nacho Libre.  And, he was absolutetly hilarious.

Trunk or Treat

Each year we look forward to the church's Halloween party.  It is always loads of fun with buckets of candy.

We played games.

We played with friends.

We go inside for a chili cornbread dinner/contest.  It's usually chaotic.  Hard to convince the kids to sit down and eat. 

(Looks like Zachary has spotted Dave's lollipop and can't his eyes off it.) 

Finally, it's back outside to go trunk or treating.  Yeah.  Just what we have been waiting for...bags of candy.  A sugar high right before bedtime.  The kids love it and I love to see the kids so happy.

Of course everyone decorates their trunk festive and spooky.

oops...except us. 

(avery really wanted to help pass out candy.  So, after a couple of minutes of trunk or treating she sat with me and passed out the candy.

On the way home, most important part of the night.  Checkin' out the goods. Yummmmm. Candy.

Introducing...

my happy cheerleader

a mothers nightmare...I mean, a rebel rockstar.

a sweet toothfairy

What a great halloween we have had this year.  I should mention it was "sweater only" weather each night that we dressed up and partied.  I couldn't be happier with a Hallow Eve that stays in the high 50's.  Is it to much to ask for this weather to stay throughout the winter months. 

Oh, yes.  Lots more Halloween pics to come.  Uhg, I need to get them up soon before the life of Nov. takes me away.