K to the Fourth Power

Did I forget my 2 year old's birthday?  No I didn't forget it.  I just forgot to tell everyone about it.
It seems par for the course, but Konnor's birthday party was a last minute decision.  Poor Konnor will always have a birthday on the opening weekend of deer season but maybe as he gets older that will be a good thing.  So we knew lots of people would be out of town and Konnor doesn't necessarily have a favorite friend but Kevin and I had a few people that we hadn't invited over to the house for an official party since we moved here so we just went for it.  We invited most of our local friends and kids and said we were just having a gathering with Konnor's birthday as a good excuse.
The biggest entertainment of the party was definitely the new trampoline that Kevin did an awesome job of installing.  But we also said up a miniature soccer field and just mainly let the kids play.

Konnor was a real trooper unwrapping presents.  He really enjoyed that part.  Surprise! Surprise!


Just like last year, the theme for the party was polka dots and balls.  It was easy and fun and still one of Konnor's favorite things to play with although considering I am writing this after Christmas, now I can say he is getting into a few other things.

 I didn't know exactly what to expect this year for Halloween.  Partly because its a new town.  Partly because I did very little planning.  And partly because we have a crazy 2 year old now :)
In spite of all of that everything went perfect!! Kenzie mentioned she wanted to be a cheerleader and we had an old uniform from when one of my sisters was a cheerleader mascot at the age of 6.  That's right that means the uniform was from 1981 or 86.  (either way that was a long time ago but Kenzie didn't really care)  Then Klayton mentioned football player and we ran with it.  Luckily we have an amazing uncle who coaches and he helped us a little with Klayton and then we found a uniform for Kenzie that was at least from 1996 (much cuter) and with all of that done then Konnor had to be a referee.  Kevin was really into making Konnor's costume and he may have been the cutest of the three.  

ready to cheer

all business

and because Konnor can't be still you get a silly picture of him before bed one night

Actual trick or treating started off great as well.  We walked around town and went to a few house of people we knew.  All relaxed and all good 

recognize that house?  It's Mr Smolik.  Oh excuse me! Oscar the Grouch

and a stop at the library

                                        
Then on the actual day of his birthday we cooked his meal of choice and cake of choice.  And by we I mean Grandma did it.  He chose enchiladas and pear crumble and those are Grandma's specialties so she was called upon.
Klayton's gift of choice this year was money.  (Really isn't he too young for that).  He was very frugal and pooled all the money and bought the coast guard lego boat.  Whatever makes him happy :)

Klayton is still a sweet boy who knows and follows rules.  He does push the limits some times but I think it is because he has always acted like a grown up and let's face it, us adults push the limits on politeness.  He is still totally into football.  Watching, playing, reading, whatever.  Of course he is becoming more independent with his homework and keeping his room clean and all those things that make mommy happy.  He is very protective and helpful with his little brother.  And just like always, if dad is doing it then he wants right in the middle of it.  I love my big boy.  He is such a special person.

And she is quite the fairy princess (or at least she thinks she is).  I thought this year we would have a quieter day for Kenzie and maybe spend the day shopping or buy her an extra present but there was no changing this girl's mind.  And not only did she want a party but she wanted her ears pierces, her training wheels off, and no more sucking her thumb.  Well, check, check, check.  And she did all of them without a fight and only one tear on the ears pierced.
On her actual birthday we started the day with a new dress and a present


and ended the day with ears pierced, brownies, and dinner with the whole family.

Grandma and Konnor looking like a really big boy. Grandma was really brave to come celebrate her birthday with us.

Laura with the kiddos

and now Kenzie is looking pretty grown up despite the floaties :)

and this is what Konnor did the majority of the time.  He jumped off the boat and got thrown all over the place and just giggled the whole time

but at the end of the day I had three naked and tired kids.  Life is so rough

 Then the next weekend we made the trek to see the Ellis's in Levelland.  We left at noon and hoped to be there by bedtime.  Scary right.  Kevin fried some chicken and we packed cheese, crackers, sausage, and tons of snacks and loaded up.  We made it in 7 1/2 hours with only one pit stop.  Very impressive!!

Carrie and Richard are amazing hosts and the kids had a great time with plenty of water time including