Can't wait for the cold....

The kids are anticipating the cold weather. We had a very fall-like day today with rain, wind, and a high in the low 60's. The sun came out this evening and we went outside for a little fresh air. It lasted about 5 minutes and they were inside looking for hats and gloves. This is the result (not mommy's choices by the way):

For the past couple of weeks we have been scouting out cold weather wear (ie. snowpants, winter jackets, gloves, hats, etc.). You may be thinking, "It's only October, there's plenty of time for that." At least that was my thinking last year at this time. However, Ames stores have the ridiculous mentality that they only need to put out one shipment of cold weather items and when they are gone, they are gone. No more for the rest of the season!!!!! Last year, I tried finding boots at the end of November, not a single one left in a 30 mile radius. I kid you not!!! Hence, I have learned my lesson and the minute I saw snowpants, boots, etc. go out, I snatched them up. Cold weather watch out, the Kvernen family is ready for you!!!

Just like daddy

Connor and Carson love to be just like daddy!!!! Whether doing chores or hobbies, they want to be just like him. He is a wonderful dad and we all feel very blessed!!! Fall football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We love you daddy!!!

Love,

Carson and Connor

A new friend

Kaelynn usually likes the break from her brothers when they are at school. Today though she was a little lonely and decided to make a new friend. I was downstairs when she came down with a tight fist and exclaimed, "SSHHH, Violet is sleeping." At this point I am thinking that she is talking about one of her dolls who often take naps during the day. Oh boy, was I wrong!!! Violet is the little girl/imaginary friend who lives in her hand. Violet was with us all day long. Most of the time she was sleeping, but sometimes she was playing or walking on her tippy toes on the carpet. She was also carried around in Kaelynn's pocket (even though she didn't have one today). At one point I gave her a kiss and Kaelynn quickly exclaimed, "No don't eat her!" Earlier in the day I interviewed Kaelynn about who Violet was:

Don't be surprised if you see more of Violet later :)

These are a few of our favorite things........

All the kids have favorite things they like to do. Things they do pretty much every day!!! I thought I would capture those things for you! They all love to be outside of course. Carson's favorite thing to do outside is play hunting and fishing. The wagon is his boat and inside it he has his stash of guns, fishing rods, and bait. It really is the best of both fabulous worlds for him! Connor used to be able to sit in there with him, but as of late Carson has too many "toys" and can barely fit himself in there. Like father, like son!!!! Kaelynn loves to swing, once in a while she will let Connor push her. She is quite particular about how one is to push her- standing in the back of the swing pushing with only one hand. She must have been in a good mood this day :) Connor has more ecletic taste when it comes to outside adventures. He usually doesn't stick with only one activity like Carson does. He has enjoyed riding his bike and also likes to play hunting and fishing with Carson, but also likes to catch butterflies and insects as much as possible. The butterfly nets have gotten a lot of use in the past few weeks. He is finally starting to figure out how to keep the butterflies in the net once he catches them. She also loves to climb! She is very coordinated and has mastered getting up and down this rope ladder already. Her mind set is "What my brothers can do, I can do." Mostly that is true. She has no fear and will try pretty much anything. She is very independent too. That has been a good thing until last weekend. We started potty training on Friday and struck out big time. She had made up her mind that she didn't want to do it, and she didn't. After the 8th accident on Monday, I put a quick end to it and told myself it will happen when she wants it to happen. I just wish that would be soon. We are looking forward to not buying diapers anymore :) Another favorite activity during the day is baking or cooking with mom. The girls and I made banana bread this morning. Kaelynn loves to stir and dump things in. Abby is a little too little to help, but she was a great spectator. Both boys are experts at lego boat building. Here you can see a couple of their creations. I would say that a majority of their days are spent with legos in hand. I don't think I have ever seen the same boat twice. Yes, things are quite busy around here, but wonderful imaginations and creativity have produced great times for all of us!

MY princess!!!!!

There is something really special about a boys need to protect people or things. Connor and Carson are very protective of Kaelynn- the #1 princess of the house. Today it was my turn to be the princess. We were playing at a park in town when Carson stopped suddenly in his tracks and looked at me and said "Mommy, you're MY princess." At this point my heart melted and I was on one of those clouds that you makes you think things can't possibly get any better. I'm still on that cloud :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard

On Saturday my baby sister Katie became Mrs. Katie Leonard. It's hard to believe that we are all married now. She married a wonderful man named Rusty and we are very excited for the two of them. The ceremony and reception were absolutely beautiful as was the bride (as you can see!!) Connor and Carson were 2 of 4 ring bearers and Kaelynn was 1 of 2 flower girls. They were so precious and did very well!

Kaelynn did have a small breakdown during pictures. She ended up not being in a few of them. Overall though she did very well for being only 2 years old :) It was a great weekend and a beautiful wedding. Congratulations Katie and Rusty!!! We love you!!!!!!!!

Kaelynn- mommy or pop star?- you choose...

Kaelynn absolutely loves her dolls!!!! Most of her day consists of feeding them, consoling them, putting them to sleep, doing their hair, taking them for walks, and of course changing their diapers. Here she is changing her baby's diaper on the sidewalk of all places. She is too funny!!! She is becoming quite the little lady. She was downstairs with Andy when he decided to go upstairs. He asked her if she was coming up with him and she replied, "I probably won't, could you please leave the light on for me?" Just like that!!!!!!! Singing has become a well heard activity around our house lately. You can hear all three kids singing throughout various parts of the day. The favorite thing to do right now is sing a conversation. I often hear Kaelynn singing phrases like "you need to go to sleep now," or "I love you very much" to her babies. Since I have taken on the music of Kidstuf at church, singing/dance parties are a regular activity for our household. The music is so fun and upbeat and the kids love it. They are even starting to get some of the actions down. I've added these two videos of Kaelynn because they are too precious. These happened on Saturday evening before bedtime. This first one is of her singing to her BOZ CD. We love the air guitar she has picked up from her brothers :)

The second one was caught when she didn't know it. I heard her singing in her room and ran to get the camera. As you can see in the video the radio antenna is her microphone. The last note she hits is our favorite :) Maybe the opera house is where her heart is at???????