Unexpected surprise.

After feeling sick and tired over Thanksgiving break, I just couldn't put my finger on what was going on with me. Listening to a few of my pregnant gals over the break, gave me the only idea that I was possibly pregnant!! I couldn't be though...I have school, little time, we weren't planning on adding to our family. Little do our rationale have anything to do with God's miracles and plans for us. I mustered up the courage, took the test and about died from shock. I was indeed pregnant!! We figured out that I'm about 7 weeks and will be due around the time my sister Ali...just 5 weeks later in July. The kids are super excited and I even think Kip is as well:) I'm still in shock and am not sure when this will sink in; probably over break. So that's our unexpected surprise...BABY #3!!

'Tis the season.

Once again I have no new pictures to post. I've been using our 35mm camera instead of my digital due to Kip needing it for work which leaves it not readily available for me. We have been busy once again with family gatherings and enjoying every minute. I was fortunate to have an entire week off from school which allowed me some time to play "mom" again. Of course I still had schoolwork to keep me somewhat busy, but was able to keep my attention focused on the kids and Kip. I'm looking forward to our long Christmas break, which is only 3 weeks away!!
We've had our first round of sickness go through our house...luckily it involved only Linley. She came home with strep throat and had to miss out on the field trip my hygiene class had for her class. Kip and the kiddos have been fighting the sinus junk, but we're keeping our fingers crossed...or rather clean so we keep the flu bugs away! Our Thanksgiving was quick but full of family and fun. We had 3 rounds this year and I had an extra one with my class at school...Thayer of course only ate dessert and corn casserole if it was offered(and carrots). Haven't quite figured his eating habits out yet. I'll try to post some pics soon, the kids are growing like weeds.

Thanksgiving Round 1.

I have no pictures to post this time. Thanksgiving has officially begun for us, beginning with Kip's side of the family. We of course had all the traditionals with a few new sides...sushi(yum) and olives(none of us were quite sure why these were added). The kiddos enjoyed ramming the trucks and running around like wild!! We were even able to play cards without interruptions...well sort of:) Linley caught her sweater on fire by setting it atop a burning candle. Thank goodness Kailen noticed it otherwise our night could have been very interesting. I have round 2 this week with my classmates and teachers before we all head off for break. Aye, I may need to definately recoup this year after 4 Thanksgivings.

Paxton talking.

Paxton Pics.

He is such a cutie. Thayer just had to put the cowboy hat on him and as I snapped the picture this is the face I got. He is getting to the talkative age and still loves to be held. My sister is such a good mom!

3wheeler and Linley's school parade.

Recent Pics.

Family fun update.

I have once again let time get away from me and neglected our blog. Our house has been in full swing of school stuff which doesn't allow me much time for anything extra. I am slacking in just posting the pictures from our various outings with the kids...I wish I had time to go into detail about each one. We took the kids camping out to Tuttle and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, then we hit up the pumpkin patch in Louisburg with my parents(yummy doughnuts!), Thayer got to ride on a real 3wheeler at Uncle Dustin's, got some Pax and Londyn time, and then just recently watched Linley's school Halloween parade! On top of our family things, I've been doing stuff with my dental hygiene classmates...only 6 more weeks left til break!

Loving on Pax.

While making a quick trip over to KC last weekend to see my sis and Londyn, we got to love up on Pax. Linley and Thayer were once again fighting over who could hold him...I have a feeling both he and Londyn are going to be spoiled by them! Pax is such a good baby and loved staring at the fluorescent lights. I took my turn this visit and was able to put him to sleep. I haven't lost my touch..makes me want another baby, but only briefly:) My sister Lauren also turned 21 last weekend, can't wait to celebrate with her. Our life is full of babies now; looking forward to the holidays!!

Another new member...Londyn Beckett!

This little cutie, joined our family September 22nd and belongs to my sister, Meg and her husband Adam. Unfortunately she gave us quite the scare and spent a week in NICU in KC. She is doing just fine and is finally home! Meg is still battling high blood pressure but is in heaven finally having her bundle of joy at home. We can't wait to hold her, which will still be awhile due to limited visitors. Finally Linley has another girl to play with.

Little Apple Days.

We had a great time over at Fort Riley for Little Apple Days. Both kids were able to ride inside the armored humvees, slid down the blowup slides, watched the tail end of a reenactment with the soldiers and horses, devoured delicious homemade apple pie and saw some adorable animals in the petting zoo. Regardless of the hot, windy weather we will definately return next year! Thayer was pretty disappointed he was too young to ride the ATV's but Linley will get to next year...not too sure if he'll like that either.

Jackson's party.

Jackson turned 4 this month and we were fortunate enough to help him celebrate in City Park...it was a fantastic day regardless of the wind. Thayer loved trying out Jackson's new bike and Linley enjoyed helping organize the opening of the presents. Another treat was Jackson's grandpa took the kids for a spin around City Park in his convertible with the top down!! If Linley could have jumped out of her skin I think she would have and the look on Thayer's face was priceless.

Purple Pride.

I'm a bit behind on my blogs due to schoolwork and busy schedules. We took the kids to their first KSU game of the season a few weekends back. To our surprise they both lasted a lot longer than we anticipated...Linley made it the whole game and even watched the fireworks display with Grandma and Poppy. We hope to make it to some more home games, especially now that both kids enjoy going! These are some pics Uncle Doug took of Linley and I prior to walking over the game. We love those Wildcats!!

Labor day in KC.

Sunday we made last minute plans to head over to KC for Labor Day and take the kids to Deanna Rose, get haircuts from Aunt Ali and visit with my parents and sisters. It was a

quick trip, but well worth the drive. It had been 4 weeks since we had seen baby Paxton and he's grown so much. The kids are smitten with him. Even though it was a bit windy Deanna Rose was enjoyable. Thayer and I caught 2 fish, both kids got to ride a pony and expend some energy before heading to Aunt Meg's for their haircuts from Aunt Ali. Linley went back to her short bob and Thayer looks much more clean cut than shaggy. It's trips like these that make me long to be closer to my family...maybe someday. These are just a few shots from our trip.

KSU Tailgating.

Saturday was KSU's season opener and we had a houseful. There was plenty of food, laughs, washers, kids, and KSU pride. Linley only made it the 1st quarter, so Kip walked her home and she watched the game on TV with Thayer and I. Junk food got the best of her, along with the heat. We've concluded evening games will probably be best for our kiddos. If you didn't happen to catch the game, KSU won which meant everyone was in pleasant moods after the game:) Thayer and I are hopin to make an appearance at this coming weekends game, it will all depend on my homework load!

Purple Power Play.

Thursday night we ventured down to Purple Power Play to kickoff KSU's football season. There was plenty to do, but unfortunately lots of kids...which meant long lines of very impatient kids. We ran into quite a few friends and were able to briefly catch up before being dragged away by our tired children. As much fun as the kids had, I'm not sure we will make the trip back downtown next year due to an embarassing scene while trying to leave. All I can say is it involved 2 very cranky, tired children screaming and yelling all the way to the car. Aye, I could have crawled under any available rock. They both enjoyed the football throw and got to decorate a mini-sized cupcake before devouring.

Kindergarten, PreK and Changes.

School is in full swing at our house. Both Linley and Thayer started this past Tuesday with just a half day. The transition went better than either of us anticipated. Linley is loving Kindergarten even though she is there all day. She was more hesitant than Thayer the first day but has warmed up tremendously. Thankfully eating lunch at school and meeting new friends were her only concerns, which she has adjusted to both very well. She loves her teacher and the kids in her class.

Thayer is attending Linley's old preschool and loves every minute. He is more of our shy one and we were a bit concerned at how well he would do being dropped off. Fortunately it's no problem whatsoever. His teachers are great as well. The challenge has proved for Kip and I with the drop off; both Linley and Thayer start at the same time.

We look forward to watching both kids establish new friendships, engage in new experiences, and make memories this school year!

On a side note, our house has been saddened with the recent loss of Kip's grandma. Along with the transition of school, we have had to adjust to losing a great woman. Every week the kids visited her and loved the time they got to spend at her apartment...their many trips to Ray's for something sweet, new toys from Mr. P's or just a fun game of hide-n-seek. We will truly miss her and were not ready to let her go. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support and comforting words during this hard time for our family.

Introducing...Paxton Bradley

Last Friday the kids and I made the drive down to Pittsburg for the birth of my nephew. My sister Lauren went in for her induction Friday and Paxton came Saturday afternoon. Linley and Thayer were in love and didn't want to give him back to Aunt Lauren...I think they are going to be great cousins! Fortunately he has been a very laid back and easy baby for my sister. We weren't able to stay long for our visit due to school starting up for me Monday morning but we are all looking forward to seeing him again soon. Megan, my other prego sister will be having her baby in a few weeks...such exciting times right now for my sisters and I wish them the best. Motherhood is an amazing gift God gives.