Saturday, February 28, 2015

February Date Night

Originally our February Date Night was going to be drinks and Jazz at the The Blue Room, a famous jazz bar in Kansas City.  The weekend we had available to us was the same weekend as the boys state swimming and diving meet.  On Saturday, when we got back into town from the meet, Monica dropped the kids off with my mom, and we decided to stop by the State Celebration with the swim parents at Johnny's Bar and Grill.  We had a few drinks and some food, and took off towards downtown.  We were both getting kind of tired, so we decided to swing by Cheesecake Factory for some dessert and headed home.  We ended up watching a movie while we enjoyed our cake, and fell asleep a little early, but it was very nice to be able to spend some alone time with her, especially with how busy the swim season gets at the end.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Thor

This week has been one of the hardest weeks that we have ever faced.  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we noticed that Thor had lump on his paw that turned out to be cancer.  One of his digits needed to be amputated, which he adapted to, but after a few weeks, new lumps appeared.  After fighting infection and watching him lose weight, diminished energy, and increased pain level, we made the heart-wrenching decision to put him to sleep.  The anticipation was bad.  The realization was so much worse.  For ten years, this smart, beautiful, neurotic creature was part of our family, and we loved him dearly.  He was a presence in our house, sauntering between the living room and kitchen.  Laying under our coffee table or on our bed at night.  Even sick and wasted, his presence filled our house.  But knowing he was in pain and the cancer continuing to grow and eat away at his body, we knew this was the right decision, but damn it hurts.  Its hard to imagine what life will be like without him.  Of course, we will, but for so long, we've had to take care of, put away, check up on, chase after, love, hug, lay on, get licked by, wrestle with, walk with, and sit with him.  So many memories include him.  He brought so much happiness and love to our lives, and taught us to be better.  We love him, and miss him.

            Santa and his elf get ready for Christmas.
Who's spot is it? that's right, mine...



Let's share!
He put up with a lot...
Happy New Years!




 Help! This white plastic devil has trapped me!


Toys are awesome!

 Jungle gym

Saying goodbye


Thursday, February 12, 2015

5th Birthday Party

Annika wanted to have a birthday party that included all of her friends from school, plus one other favorite friend, Beckett.  With our tiny little house it becomes difficult to have 10-11 5 year old running around.  Add in that it's winter and we can't go outside and it is next to impossible.  So off to Silver Tree Visual Arts again!  This is where we had her party last year and we loved it.  Not only are Ken and Kristen wonderful, the price is fantastic and the kids LOVE it.  This year Annika wanted something from Frozen so Ken came up with an Olaf project and it was a hit.  It is so fun to see the kids do so many different things.  Annika had a blast and was very excited to turn 5!