Butch

We lost Andy's dad, Butch, after a long battle with cancer on November 21st.  While we knew the cancer was terminal, he had been doing so well that it was a shock that he went downhill so quickly the week before he died.  

His death was hard on everyone, but Kayley took it especially hard.  I hate that my kids never got to meet their Grandma Florence and now lost Grandpa Butch when they were so young.  I lost my grandpa when I was Ryan's age and I don't have any memories of him.  I hate to think that Ryan won't remember Butch.  I have a lot of pictures, but it isn't the same.  Our kids have learned a lot about death and dying these past few months.  You want to shield them from that for as long as you can so it has been tough. 

Fall Fun

I can't believe it has been so long since I updated our blog.  We had a busy fall with the kids' activities and work.  Drew played football, Kayley was in swim club and Ryan played flag football and took swim lessons.  Drew usually had practice every week night, but we got "lucky" and Kayley and Ryan's practices were opposite nights.  So, we were all gone every night, but Andy and I were able to handle it.  :-)

Ryan is ready for the play.

Drew throwing a touchdown:

Drew on the quarterback keeper:

Ryan learned to ride his bike without training wheels!

I forgot clothes for him to wear home...

We took our annual trip to Tanner's Orchard.  Ryan is the perfect age for it, but the older kids still love it too.

Our kids and their cousin Jackson had the same fall break so Matt, Kim and Jackson came for a visit. We watched the Hawks lose, but we still had fun.  I have no doubt that the highlight of the trip was watching me fill in bartending at The Pour House.  Or maybe that was the funniest part of the trip.  :-)

Trick or treating.

Football awards day.