Home Away From Home II

Luke had a test Thursday night, which meant the girls and I had to kill some time before we left town. We decided to do a little shopping at Sam's. Luke finished up around 6:30 and we hit the road. Thank goodness. I was about to spend a lot of money we didn't have on Christmas decorations. Luke's friend Jason insisted on getting us a hotel with his points. We stayed in Kansas City. We love Jason! He is one of the kindest people we know! The girls had so much fun! Kinnison of course had to jump on the bed. No hotel stay is complete until you jump on the bed. We didn't get in until late on Thursday night. So, we got up early on Friday and took the girls for a swim. It was Kimber's first time in a real pool!

I have some photos of me and the girls...but

crystal in bathing suit + bags under eyes + greasy hair = not pretty

We finally arrived at Grandpa Dink's house around noon. This was Kimber's first time to meet Grandpa Dink. She liked him because he fed her fruit puffs. Kinnison was too young to remember our previous visits. But, she quickly decided she loved visiting Grandpa Dink. He colored with her, did whatever she wanted and took her for a ride in his tractor. We were pretty lazy Friday and Saturday. We visited with some family and drove around looking for deer. Sunday morning we got up early, packed our things and hit the road. We didn't get home until after 2! It was a long drive. I was ready to come home but wasn't ready to catch up on homework and laundry! We had a great time! I am ready to plan our next visit.

Home Away From Home

We left Thursday after Luke got out of class to go visit his dad in Bethany Missouri. Technically his dad lives in Modena Missouri. Modena is a small town. Very small town. The population there is 61. When we visit we run back and forth between Bethany, Princeton, Modena and Trenton. This area is in Northern Missouri. It is not far from the Iowa line. I love it there. The weather is great. The land is beautiful. The sunsets are surreal. It is a different life there. Everything is so laid back. At home I am lucky to get 5 hours of sleep any given night. There...I get 7 hours of sleep and a nap! Maybe it's because I don't have a house to clean there? I'm not sure. But, I love it there. I haven't gotten to travel there in about a year and a half. My last trip up there was when Luke's Grandma Veda passed away. One thing is certain...I miss Tom and Veda. They were two of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I miss them so much it hurts. We got to visit with two of Luke's aunts. They have been so kind to me.

Here are some scenic pictures from the trip.

Tractors and Pumpkins and Deer! Oh, My!

This weekend has been a crazy one. Friday we had family photos after work. We went to a beautiful park in Bella Vista. Kim Durham took the photos and from the previews we have seen, they are amazing! Yesterday morning Luke went hunting and didn't have any luck. He had to do some work for my uncle, so me and the kids went with my sister and my nephew to the Rusty Relics Tractor Show. My mom and dad took the kids to this before. They have a tractor pull with a pedal John Deere tractor toy. It is adorable. Last year neither of the kiddos (Kinnison or my nephew) could actually pedal. They got a ribbon for effort. This year my nephew brought home the first place tractor trophy and Kinnison brought home the 2nd place ribbon! What an improvement! I was proud of Kinnison because she was one of very few girls and she was one of the youngest kiddos in the competition!

Saturday night Luke thought he should go hunting again. So, I took the kiddos up to visit with my parents. I heard the four wheeler and the door open. It was Luke. It was still daylight out, which could only mean one thing. He got a deer!

(If you have a weak stomach do NOT continue)

This morning Luke had to drop his deer off at the processor. When he got home we loaded up the kiddos and headed to Tontitown. We grew our own pumpkins this year but our baby pumpkins and gourds didn't do well. So, we went to Ranalli Farms in Tontitown to buy some. After fall I will dry the seeds and save them for our garden next year. Ranalli Farms is an adorable family owned store. They sell seasonal items along with homegrown produce, baked goods and jams. Here are some photos from their pumpkin patch.

New Pictures!

Sorry I took so long to post these fabulous new photos of my beautiful girls! Kinnison was sick the day we went to take them. She threw up all night and all morning before our photo shoot. She is such a trooper. She always gets sick on picture day...and always has a smile. I think these might be my most favorite pictures yet! And, just because I love them I will post the color and the black & white copies. I have 50+ photos from this shoot to put in albums. So, I think I deserve a pat on the back for narrowing it down to this many photos to post.

:)

Sisters Are Great

There are so many reasons it is great to have a big sister. I always looked up to my sister. I idolized her. Most of the time I had to bribe her to spend time with me. I usually offered to clean her room. I am sure when I was a baby she did all the wonderful things for me that Kinnison does for Kimber. We are all grown up now and have families of our own. But, we are still sisters. We are friends and we love each other very much.

Kinnison is such a good big sis. She helps me by getting diapers & wipes for Kimber. She constantly gets toys for Kimber to play with. She brings her a paci and even talks to her when she is upset. She says, "Kimber, it will be OK." She loves her little sister. And, she tells her that everyday.

The best reason to have an older sister is because they help you get clean in the tub...

Watch the video!

I love the bond my girls have formed. It brings tears to my eyes to watch them interact with each other. I am sad that the time is going by so quickly. I can't believe that Kinnison is fixing to turn 3 and the Kimber is already almost 8 months old! I wish I could keep them my babies forever. Here are some of my favorite photos of them together.