Retirement Ticket

Rob and I have been having a few good laughs at our children's expense. We were on a long drive back and somehow got into a discussion about lottery tickets. We then decided we should have bought a lottery ticket with the pot being so large, but Rob pointed out that we have three retirement tickets sitting in our car right now.

The Great Grandparents

We headed out west again and took a longer trip through Topeka to see my grandparents. My grandpa just had a hospital stay and a life scare so it was nice to see him up and moving. They still have the squirrel, the kids really don't know what to think of it. It jumps around a little too fast for them. It was a great visit!

3 out of the 5 generations of girls

Letters To Great Grandma Gray

Mason and Sam wrote hilarious letters to Grandma Gray thanking her for the candy and now I can't find it? Rats! If I find them I will update!

A vist to see the Wertz Family

Cori with Bryson!

It is funny to see her with my kids, I remember her when she was as small as all three of my kids and watching her experience each stage with them while I went through the stages with her is a neat thing to watch!

We were going to tell Keelan this is a baby picture of him. Unfortunately when Keelan was little they had a fire and lost a lot of keepsakes and baby pictures! We told Roni we wouldn't put Bryson on this blanket, but then when we thought he could be a double for Keelan we let her do it. Get a good look now because we won't be having andy Go Big Red items in our house even though we live in Go Big Red country!

Roni can make anyone smile! It just took Bryson a little longer than most!

I know the Wertz family gets tired of BBQ, but we are so happy they have it with us when we visit! It is soooooo yummy! She also made beenie weenies wrapped in crescent rolls and my kids couldn't get enough of them! It is always fun to catch up with the Wertz family. They have NE roots, if only they would come visit us!

To The Hills

We headed to the Black Hills for a Chaplin early Thanksgiving get together. We loaded up the family and headed out for our 8 hour drive with Grandma Ellen. We had a great trip out. A few highlights from our drive is that we all learned to sing the alphabet backwards from Grandma Ellen. A fun skill to have mastered. We also played some rhyming games. The funnies rhyme was Mason suggesting we all come up with words that rhyme with ditch. When it came back to his turn he blurted out "bitch". We kept going with out skipping a beat, but Rob and I sure got a laugh out of hearing our sweet 5 year old get all excited over rhyming and saying the word bitch like a proud man!

Long Lost Family

I finally met my 2nd cousin once removed from Germany. He came to town to see his Grandma and my Great Grandma Gray. It was fun catching up and I hope we can make a trip to Germany to meet the rest of his family sometime in the near future!!Rob thought he was funny when I sent him out to to the store for salad and he came back with two blends. The European blend of course for our company!

We also had a small reception at Grandma Gray's. We have a funny love for cake in this family and corner pieces are a hot commodity. We always have jokes on who gets them and this time I put every one's initials on it so they actually could claim what is rightfully theirs!

Shrimp Boil

The reason we go to Charleston every other year is for a big family reunion. What a reunion it is every year. 40+ family members! Impressive!! This year we had everyone over to the beach house for a shrimp boil. Yummy! A big thanks to Ellen and Uncle Tom for boiling the shrimp and making the grits! Although I don't eat grits I know everyone else really enjoys them and it might be the only time every other year that I give my kids grits! I was worried how the kids would do with a huge house full of people. Surprise surprise Mason went around introducing himself and stating his age. Ellery was a bit more overwhelmed and stuck close to an immediate family member. Bryson shockingly went to anyone who would hold him as long as he couldn't see me. Plus everyone in our family likes shrimp? Who knew??

Rehearsal

We headed down to Wichita for Cody and Brittany's wedding. I tried explaining the kids roles to them, but I was met with blank stares. Since Cody and Brit are easy peasey I decided to go with the flow and go with it! Aunt Laurie was sweet and walked them through the process, and I think they were happy to just be a part! If they handle the wedding like they handled the rehearsal, I think we are going to pull it off without any unpleasant scenes or melt downs!

Jenna and Bryan had a great time playing with the kids over dinner. It warmed my heart watching them and the scenery and lighting just added to the view! I know Aunt Laurie was enjoying it from a whole different perspective, but it was a joyful moment!

Cody is going to ride in on a horse. Ed named the horse 20 years ago and he named him Business, that way when he was out on the horse he could tell work or friends that he was out

on "business". I think it is brilliant and if I ever buy a boat, I am going to name it Business. Mason was excited to sit up on Business and take a ride, Ellery was our more reserved child. We were just happy that Mason's experience was a pleasant since the first experience required me to pry the horses mouth open to retrieve his finger!

Baby Seth

We headed up to Sioux Falls for some family fun for the weekend. Rob has to work Memorial Day, but we still went up to celebrate Baby Seth's 1st birthday for the regular weekend. I am not sure Seth knew what to do with dancing, jumping, moving, and talking kids. Ellery wanted to hold and pet him of course while Mason liked to get in his face and talk to him. Bryson wasn't so sure of Seth because he wanted the same toys as him. It is sad that Baby Seth isn't a baby anymore, but I think that is how our house will refer to him until another baby comes along. Cute, would be the word to sum it all up!

I also will now have to deal with a caffeine withdraw problem. We either went to Coffea or someone brought me Coffea once and sometimes twice a day. What a treat!!! I would have to be put on a budget if we lived closer. Something about Latte Art just makes me smile!

Go West One Man

We loaded up the family and headed west to visit Papaw and Grandma Debbie. I think everyone had a great time, and I am not sure who wore who out more.

Rob showed Mason a map of our route to Papaws, and instead of asking "are we there yet" multiple times, he kept asking are we on the red or green road now. "Mom when we got on the green road the map showed an airplane, I didn't see the airplane, so are we on the green road or the red one?" Funny the things they focus in on.

4 Legs Up BBQ

We hit 4 Legs Up BBQ again this year! YUMMY!! If you are ever in the Great Bend, KS area you must go eat some of the greatest BBQ. I can honestly say it is grand because they have a Grand Champion trophy to prove it. I am looking at taking a BBQ class to be a taste tester for BBQ cook offs, Roni and Kelly were giving me some information on it. I also would love to make it back sometime so Rob could take a BBQ grilling class from Kelly. Rob was busy taking the picture of all of us that he didn't get to be in it. He did devour the BBQ. I was happy that the Deming's came down from Pratt to see us and meet Bryson. They represent a true blessing in my life and helped me out in my younger years and I will always be grateful for that. I have lots of fond memories from them and can't thank them enough for those!

We also decided to try to get a picture of Ellery next to her BBQ picture. My mom printed it, framed it, and sent it to Roni. Roni was sweet enough to display it. She wouldn't cooperate like we wanted, but I caught this precious one of her looking at Kelsi. It tugs at my heart it is so cute! Roni says she gets lots of compliments on the photo and it is right next to the grand championship decor and everyone comments on how cute the kid is, and doesn't always give them a congrats on the big win!

Cousins

TJ, Melissa, and Seth came down for a visit from SD. They came to see us, but they also really needed a shopping trip to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Let me just mention that Melissa is on a first name basis with the manager at Trader Joe's now, I don't think I need to say anymore, but I will. They treated Trader Joe's like a Sam's Club in bulk buying. They stocked up so much I don't know when they will be back for more, but we hope soon. Plus it was like having a personal shopper in the store. Try this and oh these are so good. I didn't need anything but some how came how with $75. I will say they chocolate covered blueberries are a new favorite. YUMMY. It was great visiting with them and spending good quality time together. We hope to do it again soon! We also feel very special because it was Seth's first trip out of SD.
This bunch is going to grow up together. What a joy that will bring to watch. Plus TJ and Melissa aren't done having babies, so they will add more to this bunch. They are so cute I could pluck them off like grapes and just eat them all up!
These two are just tooooo cute. I think TJ and Melissa will get the short end on these two growing up together. Seth is their first and I assume will lead a sheltered life like Mason did until we added the second child. With Bryson being the third, I am a bit nervous on what he will teach Seth from what he has learned from his older siblings. I am going to go with the response of how it just is building character!

The family tree lesson is that Seth is really a first cousins once removed or something like that. I am going to just tell my kids they are cousins rather than try to explain the family tree lesson. I will leave that up to TJ and Rob to explain, and when they explain it to the kids could they make sure I am present so I can get a refresher as well.

Family Fun Day at Mulhalls

My favorite local nursery had a family fun day filled with Santa.

Elves

Reindeer

crafts and face painting.

Everyone had a great afternoon. We some how came home with two reindeers.

Chaplin Party of 5

Our first family of 5 picture. Here is to being an odd number, getting the weird placed tables at restaurant's, someone having to ride amusement rides by themselves, never getting two hotel rooms someone just gets the uncomfortable cot, and lots of hand me downs, etc.... I have never experienced having a baby during the day so it was nice to get settled into our room, and then bring up the kids for a late afternoon visit. They are quite proud siblings and couldn't wait to hold and touch baby Bryson.

Happy Birthday Seth

It is official, Rob and I have proof we are great at something. Rob's nephew and his wife had a baby boy at 2am on May 2nd. Seth weighed 7lbs and 20 inches long. Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Tom are proud first time grand parents and that makes Rob and I Great Uncles and Aunts!

Baby Seth's Baby Shower

The main reason we headed up to Sioux Falls was to attend a baby shower for Melissa and TJ. They know they are having a boy and he is due April 23rd and I hope she is late and he is born on the 27th. I really hate to wish a few extra days on her, but how cool would it be to share a birthday with him. We are super excited for them and it brings back fun memories of how we felt having our first baby. It is funny how you can stress and think so much over baby paraphernalia and really think it matters at the time. As if you buy the wrong baby swing your child is doomed. Mason was quite the little helper when it came to opening gifts. He was really good at taking them the next present, but not so good on waiting for them to open it. He was an expert present opener assistant.

Fall Fun in the Leaves

We were on a walk the other day and came across a jack pot of leaves across the sidewalk. I let the kids get out and we played for almost 30 min in the leaves. I am not sure they were done playing, but we had to leave and get dinner going. We threw them up, down, and all around and even threw some all the way to California where daddy is for a conference. Mason even tried to pile them up so he could step on top of them to help him climb the tree. A big high five for a plan of action even if it didn't work.

Showered with Love and Gifts

Papaw and Grandma Debbie have been up here for a visit and we have had a wonderful time. The boys were going to escape and go to the firring range, but didn't make it out. Surprisingly so the girls made it out to shop and go through the Omaha Street of Dreams. It is six houses recently build that are decorated to the hilt. We took away some good decorating ideas along with remodeling ideas the men would love. We saw TVs built into the mirrors in the bathroom, wine cellars, covered decks, and entertainment rooms.

The kids were well loved during the visit as well.

Papaw and Grandma Debbie have satin pillow cases on their pillows and Ellery would go into their bedroom and cry and point to them until some one got one down for her. Grandma Debbie thought Ellery needed one of her own and went and got her one. Maybe if I should try the point and cry tactic sometime when I want something?

Grandma Debbie also brought cookies and the kids ate them upon arrival and during the visit. She also made them donut and donut holes. I think I ate just as many as the kids, I have to say they were mighty tasty and easy enough that I might actually make them for them someday.

They also brought up Mason's birthday presents. They brought him a bike and a scooter. The scooter is not pictured but the correct size and bringing lots of enjoyment. You might be looking at Mason on the bike and think it looks a little big for him and you are correct. Papaw thought he bought him a 16 inch bike but actually bought him an 18 inch bike. It is like the 4T shirt Mason is wearing in the picture that Papaw got him when he was 1 year old. It will be a well loved present that we will grow into. I am not sure if you can see them in the picture but the 18 inch bike comes with pegs and all for tricks I don't even want to think of Mason attempting.

You might have been worried, what about Ellery. No worries here, she was showered with gifts as well and I don't have the birthday excuse. Ellery has been eyeing Mason's back pack he needed for school and attempts to wear it but it doesn't fit. Papaw and Grandma Debbie brought her a pink princess back pack just her size and she struts in it like she struts when she has her pig tails. They both also got some Halloween socks and other character socks that they are enjoying. Nothing like watching running toddlers as an advertisement. Mason might not have any tattoos, but I think I might be able to send him in to a marketing add for Thomas the Train on his underwear and Lighting McQueen on his feet

We might need to establish some house rules around visitors bringing gifts in the future. We are very blessed to have visitors and even more blessed by the gifts they bring to the kids. We are very thankful for all the love we encounter from everyone.

A Visit from the Greats

Grandma Ellen's brother and his wife had a conference in Kansas City and took a slight detour on their way home to come visit us and the kids. Great Uncle Bob and Ann were wonderful with the kids and we had a great time catching up with them. We really appreciate them adding a few hours to their trip home for a visit with us.

Nana Visits

Nana came up for the weekend and boy was it a welcomed visit. I know we wore her out, but I was worn out from my late night toasting and jumping so I was in heaven when she took the kids in the morning and let me sleep in. She came bearing gifts and the kids are in heaven. I might have to start intercepting items at the door and save them for Christmas, they are that good of toys. She came with a talking robot that sings and teaches all sorts of things and a discovery view finder that also doubles as binoculars. Nana was even brave enough to venture to the store with Mason alone. She learned that you need to put him in the cart quick because he tends to latch onto items and repeat over and over that he either needs it or wants it. She came home with a Lightning McQueen pillow case that he talked her into. I am sure he said he needed it rather than wanted it. You have to watch those Nana's. She did also come home with a cake and fed it to Mason right before dinner. We attempted to feed him dinner and then Rob and I took off and left Nana to deal with the children sugared up. The sad part is that I don't think she learned not to do it again.