A Kearney Christmas in the Makings….

This holiday season has snuck up on me! Although, I don't know how. It's just about the ONLY thing Aidan talks about. Non-stop.

He was so, so, so excited to decorate the tree, the boy could not contain himself.

And put the angel on top? He only told us about 54 million times it was his turn this year.

Success.

And Bookie the elf is back! Aidan has been photographing this little guy like none other. I wish I had a video tape of Aidan squeal when he realized Bookie had returned for the season. 

And so then, we decided to it's time that we become real, live Idahoans and buy ourselves a big truck. Oy vey. It hardly fits in the garage.

Aidan had to say good-bye to our last car with a little hug. This kid, I tell you, sentimental.

So look out for me driving this beast. Yes, my husband drives a station wagon and I drive a ginormous truck. Since I drive a total of 10 miles per day, it just makes sense. It's not because I'm a bad driver and need a tank, no it's not. I swear. 

And we capped off the Sunday with gingerbread house making. Aidan's is the more decorated one on the right. Seriously, I think this kid might be a reincarnated elf or something. He is INTO it! And we are loving every second of it!

Giving Thanks in Wine Country….

As every year, we have a lot to be thankful for this year! We ended up meeting the Foster five in Walla Walla, enjoyed some wine (even a night out sans kids!) and shared a lot of laughs. A great weekend!

The boys earned their keep quite nicely and prepared quite the feast!

Oh this cutie. Edible.

Meanwhile, the animals became quite antsy for their food...

And angry when it didn't appear!

People, this is why I don't cook. Seriously.

Macka-macka (aka Max) stole the show. Rumor has it, tears were shed when we parted. We felt the exact same buddy.

A little pre-Apple Cup coffee to ignite the rivalry. It was a sad loss for our Cougs (Ryan, Morgan, Aidan and Cassie). There's hope of at least three of them jumping ship someday.

There was a lot of "photo scavenger hunts" to keep the Apple Cup fans entertained. Hence, the random self portraits on my phone. I think he took this photo when the scavenger item said to photograph something "awesome."

There was also a lot of game time snuggling.

And mugging for the camera!

And taking pictures of Aunt Sarah. Oh Macka, I'm surprised I didn't just eat you up. It was tempting!

And of course a lot of resting after filled days of cousin fun. The kids separate into a blondie group and a brunette group, with Mr. Max joining them all!

And lots and lots of twister. I tried it for a second, but it didn't turn out well.

And there was a wild and long "Turkey Bowl." Teams were the Seahawks vs. Cuties. I'm not really sure who won, but with a name like "Cuties," I think they should win because whichever dad put up with that team name put up with a lot!

And we got a new dog! Ha, kidding. We had a fun night out, wine tasting and a great dinner. At one winery, there is a dog that plays mascot. I think he fits us quite well, right?

Amazing dinner!

This a front shot of the house we rented. I tried my best to just stay there, but the housecleaner eventually kicked me out. Whatever. Seriously though, can you beat that charm? Until next year Whitman House!!!! 

SLC or BUST!

I've probably mentioned it on here before, because I constantly mention it, because…. our little buddy has been so sad. He has been mourning his best buddy moving to Utah. Aidan and Jack are just the cutest together and throw in Jack's brother, Max and Aidan is in dude heaven.

So what to do? Before they move REALLY far away, more south in Utah, we packed up the car and sent Aidan off for a weekend that he said was the best of his life. They are currently staying with Stacie's parents while their new home is being built and Aidan said it is the coolest place on earth (sorry Disneyland). Four wheelers, trampolines, sport courts, you name it… And his best buddy.

So what are the girls to do? Why spend the weekend in a hotel in downtown SLC and do some shopping!

We had a BLAST!!!! This is now a "first annual" girl's trip and we're already brainstorming spots for 2014. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Such a fun weekend with my big girl.

Who is this kid?

After searching, searching, searching and cursing myself for not doing food allergy research beforehand for a "safe" restaurant, we settled on a good old standby. Look at that smile. Love her to pieces.

Dork Diaries. I love that she loves to read.

And be silly. Is she my kid or what?

This was the craziest part. She requested that we work out each morning. Ryan and I were laughing on the phone that this would last 5 minutes tops. Another sign our little babe is growing up, we worked out for an hour each morning and I'm still sore! Don't get me wrong, there were lots of breaks that included dance moves in the mirror, gymnastics and stories that started with, "You wanna know what happened to (insert any 3rd graders name and then a reeeaaaalllyyyy random story)."

And then we went school clothes shopping. Yep, at the end of November. Better late than never people. Don't judge.

Gulp. What did she do with my baby?

Oh and the buns. There was a lot of hair styling this weekend. 

Oh gawwwwwwddddd. Who is she? Really? *Can you tell I'm having a hard time handling these changes?* I kid, I'm extremely proud of the crazy, silly, smart, kind little lady this girl is turning into….

And of course we had to get in a movie. 

Free Birds Fun! 

And a little bowling. Apparently this sign lets me know I'm a "loser." 

More work out.

Stacie kept me posted with such fun pictures. We missed our guys but knew that Ryan was having a much deserved break from the madness that comes along with Morgan, Aidan and myself and we knew Aidan was having a fantastic time. Until next time SLC!!!!

A little obsession….

I know, it's getting embarrassing, but I have an obsession with Brett Dennen. I've only missed one Boise concert and that was because Aidan was an infant and had a cold. So it's not a problem, right? I can stop at any time….

Ryan made the latest Brett D. concert a little date night. I promised myself I wasn't going to drag Ryan into the concert space early to get front row. 

Must have been subconscious then. But look at that face, he's having fun!!

Such a great show. I might quit my job, homeschool my kids and follow him around watching his shows. Ha, I kid! What in the world could my kids learn from me? Mad dance skills and chocolate eating contests with myself are not approved curriculum items.

Brett and I have similar moves. One of these shows, he's going to look down, see me fast snapping and rocking the hand tambourine and bring me on stage. I just know it…. (Yes, that is my finger. Just capturing my aggressive finger pointing dance. That's how you know I'm really having fun.)

Thanks Brett D. for another fantastic show. Until next time, my favorite red headed friend!!!

Sugar fiend...

I went to gather Aidan's sheets today to give them a little wash and what did I find under his comforter?

Yep, candy wrappers. I thought he was going to bed a little too easily lately.

In completely related news, we went to the dentist today and homeboy has his first cavity. Hmmm, how's that for natural consequences? 

Halloween 2013!!

Well, would you just look at this... This girl is blogging the day after an event? Must have some reports to type, yep!

Another FUN halloween went down in the books. Morgan was very particular about our trick or treating plan this year. No crowds so Warm Springs and Harrison were out and she had to walk everywhere, so our neighborhood hay ride was out.... So we went to the Hills! And had a blast, as evidenced by our 11 p.m. arrival at home, ouch.

Our particular trick or treater had a pretty cool costume this year! At her school's party, I asked all of the girls what they were going to be... Vampires, go figure!

And a treat for the mothers. It's cold out there people!

Aidan took Spidey very seriously....

Oh look another Spiderman! We couldn't keep those two straight all night. 

Even Spiderman has to get his shoes on....

And a darling Dorothy!!

And they are off. Loot, loot, loot!!!

But sometimes need a little break from the madness. I hear you buddy!

And loot they got. I can't believe how much candy they had, unreal amounts. 

Too bad we "accidentally" left most of it at the Hills.

Halloween in Idaho is always cold. So why not going swimming at 9 p.m.?

Luckily their pool was heated to a toasty 90. But standing outside to observe wasn't quite so toasty.

So to mix things up, I might have suggested that Carissa push Byron in... And she did. Sorry about that.

Post swim fireplace lounge.

And rap.

And pose.

And a game where Ryan can try to get in on the candy action.

I can't believe Halloween has come and gone, AGAIN. What a fun time we had!