Thankful

So blogging has been a difficult task this year.  With the "big" kids all in school full time and all that comes with school, Hannah at kids day out on days I work and my part-time job, life has been a juggling act.  I'm not complaining, but keeping up with daily tasks is, on some days, more than I can handle.  I am happy to say we are all healthy and happy (most day ;-)). 

 Here are a random smattering of pictures from a recent family event.... My brother, Uncle Pete to the kids, got married!  We are so happy to officially be able to call Sarah, Aunt Sarah!!!

They got married on the campus of Dartmouth college where they met.  We had a wonderful time!

The kids and their cousins had a blast together!  

A rare Patnode family picture!

Happy Halloween

I am WAY behind in my blogging but here is a glimpse of the kiddos tonight ready to trick or treat.  It didn't take long for Hannah to figure out what to do.

Building

Some like to build with Legos.....

Some build with juice boxes.

Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Jonathan turned 7 on August 22nd.  All he wanted for his birthday was a goldfish and a remote controlled helicopter.  His father took him to look at fish several times and came home one night with a 10 gallon fish tank (which I will not be cleaning).  He also got the helicopter he wanted after the first one (shown) didn't work.   He was such a trooper being patient to get the new one.  He got a few other lego sets as well.  We celebrated as a family with a cake and lego candles and had a wonderful time.  Just perfect for a 7year old!  He is becoming such a sweet, caring and mature little man!  We love seeing him grow!  

First day of Kindergarten

A little fuzzy and a few days late on posting, but here are Caroline and Joseph on their first day of full day Kindergarten.  They ran right in to their class and I've been told are doing great!  They are pretty independent so that comment didn't surprise me! They are in the same class and are happy to be together!  We are So excited to see them grow and learn this year! 

First day of FIRST Grade

Jonathan started First Grade today.  He walked himself to his class without a blink!  Can't wait to see what this year has in store for him!

Castle Island, Boston Commons, Make Way For Ducklings

Castle Island ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Island_(Massachusetts )is across the harbor from Logan airport, technically South Boston.  My Brother goes fishing there and thought it would be a great spot to eat at the historic Sullivan's after our visit to the Swan boats and Boston Commons.  My brother, his fiancé Sarah, her parents (visiting from CA), my mother and the kids and I had so much fun!  There were so many great pictures from the day I may have posted too many, but enjoy!

CASTLE ISLAND

BOSTON COMMONS 

SWAN BOATS

Make Way for Ducklings

A Soon-to-be Sister

In October, my brother will marry Sarah and I gain a new sister (in-law)!  I can't wait!  Everyone loves Sarah.  She is absolutely amazing with our children and has been from the minute I met her.  Besides the fact that she is a fabulous baker, she is funny, witty and so easy to get along with.  So, to celebrate her and her marrying our brother, we (my mother, sister and I) hosted a bridal shower for her.  It was a perfect day!  

Sarah opening gifts and getting a little help from my niece, Erin.

Some of the guests.

A tasty spread of food by Struck Catering (they catered my wedding)...Yum!

Amazing daisy cupcakes!  The ones on the left were vanilla bean cake with fresh berry frosting and the ones on the right were chocolate cake with mocha frosting...SUPER yummy!

Slip and slide with the cousins!

Who doesn't love a little slip and slide action!?!?

My BFF

So the story goes, Leslie and I were born and brought back to the same street.  We have never not known each other.  We see each other every couple years but we pick up exactly where we left off...and that has been having kids recently!  Leslie's oldest son is two months older than Jonathan.  We were pregnant together for our firsts and we did it again.  Sammy and Hannah are a month apart.  We were so lucky to both be in Massachusetts at the same time this summer, it was a given we would see each other.  We spent the day at Look Park in Springfield, MA catching frogs (and kids) and catching up!  It was so much fun!  Hannah and Sammy got along great as well ;-)

Leslie's boys are on the slide, Eli and Micah, and Sammy running in the front.  Her sister's girls were visiting as well.

Sammy got his kiss...but only on her hand!

Tradition

This is the barber shop in the center of the Town of Holden where I grew up.  My father got his hair cut here and so did my brother.  The boys needed their hair cut, so my mother took them.  Horace Jr. Cut my Dad's hair (Horace Sr. Did as well but  is retired) and was very excited to do Joe's.  Horace spoke highly of my father to the boys which is a great way for them to remember their grandfather.

We are not in Massachusetts anymore

We are back in Kansas....we have tons of fun things to post from our month in Mass!  Stay tuned!

First Sleepover

Caroline and cousin Erin survived their first sleep over!  What fun!

Uncle Pete

Uncles are truly the coolest people on earth.  I absolutely love how our kids look to my brother in amazement!  He does the neatest, yet simple, activities with my kids and they have the best time with him!  What fun memories they will have of him!

Helping uncle Pete in the garden.

Hannah building with uncle Pete...she didn't flinch with him or give him any tears!

Learning to tie flies (for fly fishing).  This is something I know my father would have loved to do with the boys and I am beyond grateful that my brother is passing this craft down to our boys!