So Today is mine and Dave's 8th Anniversary. Dave had to work today and had class tonight until 10 so instead of feeling sorry for myself I went on a date with the second best guy I know. Isn't he handsome? He is a little bit louder than I prefer and a tiny bit more messy but still.. What mother can complain when her 2 year old takes her out to dinner at Village Inn for pancakes and fries? ( Keanon had the pancakes and I had the fries.) Man I am so lucky to have these two amazing men in my life. I love you my bates!

PS. I have to give credit to Dave for teaching our son to open my door.... girls 2+ watch out! Chivalry is giving extreme feminism at run for it's money.(Atleast around our house)

Keanon has a CSO too!

For those of you who know my friends Jules and Jason, They call eachother CSO ( Cousin's sort of). They are related but so far down the line that they wouldn't have known it if they hadn't showed up at the same family party. Well, see if you can follow this. Keanon's Birth mother Kate's Mom Sanny's boyfriend Tony (who we call Kate's step dad cuz they have been together so long they might as well be married and it is easier to explain) has a daughter named Chanda. Maddison is Chanda's daughter. So can you see how they are related... sort of? Well anyways... we were at Grandma Sanny and Grandpa Tony's the other night for some good old Volleyball and BBQ, (Tony's BBQed onions are the best! Also, genius idea to add pastrami to the hamburgers Tony!) and Chanda, her husband Dave and Maddie were there too. I love to watch Maddy and Keanon play together. They are about 6 months apart and have a blast together. You gotta love family, Adopted or not! Boy are we glad to be able to claim them. Good times huh guys! We love you!

One of my favorite fall traditions...

Yes ladies, (and the few men who have enough confidence in thier manhood to blog), today I broke out Keanon's new season wardrobe!!! I look forward to this day bi-yearly and it has yet to disappoint. Any of you who know me know I LOVE to shop for Keanon clothes. It is my one true vice (aside from food that is) and I am greatful Dave puts up with it! ( I supply the addiction and he supplies the dinero!) Anyways, I tend to watch for bargins and buy at the end of the season sales. What does this mean? Well I have CP, Gymboree, GAP and OK on my internet speed dial you could say. I bought Keanon's clothes for this cold season at the end of last years cold season. It saves a ton of money and gives me something to look forward to when the seasons change. Awe how I love the smell of unworn, fresh out of the box, toddler duds! Am I certifiable? Nope, just a stay at home Mom who needs a little excitement every once in a while (and something new to look at!) Anyone else have the same addicition? Maybe we could start a support group!

Proof that God cares about aesthetics!

We have all been feeling a bit under the weather,thus spending most of the week inside. Keanon and I were starting to get cabin fever so we talked Dave (still feeling like"turd") into taking a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon. (I have to give props to my bates for putting up with our antsy dispositions) It was definitely beautiful and reminded me why I like the Mountains. It was hot in the valley but by the time we got to the top of Big Cottonwood we put on our hoodies and it smelled like Fall. I LOVE AUTUMN!!!!

PS... Anyone who has spent any time with Keanon knows that He is ALWAYS on the go thus all the candid shots!

Columbia, Missouri... The Family Friendly City

So while I am visiting Angel here in Kirksville, Missouri, we decided to take a trip to the closest "city". That being said it was a hour and a half drive in to Columbia which seamed to me to be about the size of Logan. Anyways, It was really pretty and great to just talk to my sister. The boys all fell asleep on the way there so we could just chat in peace. ( This very seldom happens with three boys under the age of 3). Well, we went to the Columbia Mall and be lined it straight for the Restrooms.... Ang is pregnant you know and Scott is only 3. So anyways, I was very pleasantly surprised by how family friendly the bathrooms were... check out the collage and you will see... a nursing room, a diaper changing station with running hot water and hand soap, a family restroom with a large and small toilet and a fold-down chair on the wall to lock in roaming toddlers. All in all I think the management at South Towne could learn a thing or two from the good old Midwest. Oh, and the icing on the cake? They have parking stalls right next to the handicap ones that are just for families with strollers and toddlers. Genius!!!!