Playing Catch Up

I fully intend to update this blog...as soon as I get enough sleep to create a comprehensive sentence! Geoff turned 33 and had knee surgery, which went well. Claire got sick like her twin down the street. And Landon...well Landon is being his throw-a-tantrum-til-I-can't-anymore self. I have a couple pics to blog and will give a full run down of Geoff's surgery soon. Until then...

More Branson Pictures

Geoff with a butterfly on his head. Landon hunting for butterflies.

He spotted one!

Gram and Claire enjoying a milk shake. The kids with Gram and Poppy at SDC.

Claire showing off her butterfly searching skills.

Landon Antics

My son gives me lots of ups and downs during a normal day. Although the downs are what usually end up taking the most out of me, the ups are what I remember at the end of the day. Here are a few:

* "Mommy, I don't have to help (clean up toys) since I'm still just a little boy. When I'm 100, then I can help."

* "I don't like wearing jeans, they make me hot, and you know how I get when I'm hot!"

* "I think Sissy is cranky all the time. At least I'm only cranky in the morning and at night."

* "I don't want you to get old Mommy. Is that why you have those dents in your forehead?"

* "I don't want to learn about fire trucks (at school). I already know the sound they make and what color they are and who works them. What else is there?"

* "Can I have milk and blankie? Wait, I know I forgot...pleeeeease?"

The Toothless Diva

Last night after Claire brushed her teeth, we noticed that her loose tooth was pointing sideways. This tooth has been loose for about 3 weeks now, and even though she's played with it endlessly, Claire has been a little apprehensive about the whole "loosing it and getting bloody" part. Daddy decided last night was going to be the night. So after much wiggling, giggling and cheering her on, Claire pulled her first baby tooth out. She was very excited to put it in the tooth fairy pillow and await her reward. She made out like a bandit: 5 dollars! Her reasoning behind the loot: "The tooth fairy must REALLY like me, huh mom?".

A "Surprise" trip to Wichita

Our family went to Wichita this weekend to celebrate Lindsey's 30th birthday. A surprise party at Nana and Papa's house was planned without her even getting wind of it! We had lots of fun visiting and playing during the prep on Saturday. Sunday morning the cousins played until it was time to venture back. I'll let Lindsey blog the rest of her party...we were just excited to be a part of it! The pictures are of Claire and Landon anxiously awaiting Lindsey's arrival...they were hiding so they could yell "surprise!" when she opened the door!

Branson Mini-Vacation

Gram and Poppy came to visit us Friday morning. They arrived in time to eat lunch with Claire at school, which was a huge surprise for her! We went out to the pumpkin patch that afternoon and carved a pumpkin that evening before heading to bed. Saturday morning was an early one...everyone was excited about our trip to Branson! We headed to Silver Dollar City. It was a beautiful fall day and the perfect kind to spend with your grandparents riding rides and having fun! Poor Geoff had to hobble around in his knee brace, but he was trooper, and we got all the favorite things done before shutting down the park! We stayed in Branson that night at the Grand Country Inn which is a large complex with an indoor water park. After having some pizza, the kids "dove" in to the lazy river, slides and hot tubs that were right behind our hotel. Sunday morning was more of the same, while Mommy and Daddy went to the outlet mall. The kiddos had a super time going down the slides "25 times", as Gram estimates, before finally leaving for lunch. A trip to the Butterfly Palace was slipped in before departing our separate ways home. Everyone was happily exhausted after the trip...Thank you very much Gram and Poppy! We have more pictures that I'll download soon. They are on Geoff's phone and mostly from the Butterfly Palace. It was amazing to watch all these butterflies flit around within touching distance.

Fall

The leaves are just starting to turn, there is a crisp chill in the air and the pumpkins are out in full force. Fall is in the air. However, fall has taken a different meaning in the Daniel house this year. Geoff dislocated his knee, again, while playing golf. The Orthopedic Surgeon has ordered him to the operating table hopefully by the end of next week. They don't know exactly how much damage will have to be fixed, but he'll be out for a couple weeks. He seems to be taking it in stride, although he's not exactly happy about it. Landon doesn't seem to notice, and Claire has already made him a couple "get well soon" cards. Mommy is just hoping for the best and trying to keep everyone happy. Updates to follow...

This weekend Gram and Poppy are coming down and we are going to spend the weekend in Branson. The kids are counting down the hours!