The family

The family

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Apple Picking

This year we tried a new apple orchard called Pome on the Range.  It is about 6 miles north of Ottawa. We were so happy the Dawson clan could join us on this adventure.  We started at the famous Ottawa Applebees for lunch and to watch the first half of the Chiefs game.  We then headed to the orchard to pick our apples.  The kids had a great time and we ended up with 20 lbs of apples!

The ladies and Drew!
I wonder how many more years we have left that they'll hold hands on command....

Sweet little apples!
Drew and Daddy picking some apples.
standing by dad and holding the apple bag!
checking things over....
it is a keeper!
This boy was super at picking at apples and he knew which one were keepers, he got to throw the yucky ones!
Nans and Brookey - best buddies.  They have so much fun together!
Family pic

watch out!
sweet kids

ok enough Anna (she was pushing the poor guy over)
play time!
love that face!
funny kid - she cracks herself up!
silly!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

A New Routine

Life is different these days!  I'm experiencing life as a stay at home mom.  It is definitely different.  I love taking my kids to and from school and getting to volunteer up at Drew's school.  I'm still trying to get used to the new routine, but I feel very blessed to have this chance.  I keep hearing that I'll never regret this time with my kids!

Drew is in half day kindergarten (morning) and Anna goes to preschool two mornings a week.  I'm working a little here and there from home.  When Anna is home with me in the mornings, we do her gymnastic class one day and hang out the other day.  I sometimes have work to do or I get stuff around the house accomplished.  Anna enjoys playing with her toys or sometimes even Drew's toys since he's gone.  We hope to get some play dates in too in the near future.

On the days Anna has been in school (it is only been a few weeks) I either work, clean, meet a friend for a walk or coffee, or go to the grocery store.  It is rather strange being completely kidless on a weekday morning I must admit!

In the afternoons we come home eat lunch and typically hang out around the house.  Drew and I work quite a bit on academics throughout the afternoon with plenty of breaks.  Anna doesn't nap much, but I do put her down for a "rest" most days.  Drew loves just playing with his toys, he has quite the imagination!  We sometimes get outside and hope to do more of that now that the weather is cooling off.  Last week we went to an open gym at the recreation center.  It was great and I see us doing that quite a bit this winter when it is cold!

school work
playing with her barbies

Patton Puddles

We sure love this dog around here!  Our sweet puppy paws will be 9 in December.  So hard to believe!  You wouldn't know she was getting up there in age if it wasn't for her gray beard and belly.  She is probably the sweetest dog that has ever walked the Earth.  She just loves to be part of the family!  



 She is definitely a daddy's girl.  She lives for her special daddy time each night once the kids are in bed!

Soccer!!!

Our weekends usually include a soccer game these days.  I absolutely love going to watch Drew play.  Soccer is by far my most favorite sport (to play and to watch).  I think the fast pace of the game makes it more exciting to watch.  Drew has made some great improvements this season.  He has an amazing coach who expects a lot, but at the same time is fun and is teaching the boys amazing things!  We are just hoping he continues to coach!

Drew plays 3 on 3 and his team only has 9 players.  So he's lucky to get a lot of playing time.  I'm impressed with Drew's aggressiveness.  He usually goes after the ball.  He is still working on knowing where to place himself throughout the game.  He needs (and most of the boys on his team) need constant direction as to where to stand for throw-ins, corner kicks, goal kicks, etc.  We also need to remind him to get back to defend his goal when the other team gets the ball.  Speed doesn't seem to be Drew's strength, but regardless he's pretty darn good for a kindergartner!  Last week Drew's team destroyed the other team and Drew got about 6-8 goals (we lost track after a while), but this week was a little different.  The team we played to today was pretty good, and it was a good for our team to be challenged.

 Drew and his buddy, Colin. 


 ready for action







Thursday, September 19, 2013

Picture Update


 two cute kids
 tired puppy dog
 Mike spilled Patton's food all over the counter, so what did he do?  Pick her up and let her clean up the mess.  That's one way...
 the guys!
 ready to get soaked
 daddy tubing!
 stud muffin
 such a typical "Anna" look
 loving the water!
 yawning while swimming
 first go cart ride on his own...
 he's ready!
 cousins
 my guys
 Pa and Anna
 night night
just finished one hot soccer game!
 one sweet pup!
 on stage
 ready for school
 Drew and his buddy from school!
 t-ball
 goof ball!
 pedicure!
 blue toenails with flowers!
 open gym


Pedicures for Ma's bday!