Kate's new look

Well, Miss Kate got glasses about 2 weeks ago. She has been doing so well adjusting to them, and states that she thinks that she can see things better with them. I think that they are perfect for her! Of course, Ben had different comments.....at the office kate said, "Ben what do you think?" and he said " I think that you look weird" (-: AAUUUGGHHH the love of a brother!!!

First snow

Ben is really into sledding this year. Doug took the kids out last night and it sounds like they had a blast! Especially Ben.....


Kate is loving the shoveling part..let's hope this continues throughout April (:


We hope that you all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving as we did. We were able to celebrate with both the Cairney's and the Suhr's during the week and weekend. Fun was had by all and the food was delicious all weekend - thanks to everyone that fed us. The Husker victory on Friday was just the icing on the cake - what a kick!!!!!
After visiting with my Grandma on Sunday afternoon we did run into some yucky driving conditions on the way home. Come to find out that West Des Moines was under a winter weather advisory.....the last 50 minutes or so were very long, but we made it safely and thanked God for watching over all of us as we traveled. Ben had a "first" on the trip. As you can all figure out when you are stuck on the interstate and you have to go "pee".......let's just be glad it wasn't Kate, because I don't think that little water bottle that we had would have really worked for her. He of course thought that was pretty cool! Perfect for a 4 year old boy.....
The kids were excited with all of the snow here. It was a beautiful day here today, in the 40's, but sounds like more is on the way for tonight and tomorrow.

Weekend in Minnesota

The kids and I headed up to Lonsdale, Minnesota this weekend to visit the Velarde family. They are all doing great, it was wonderful seeing them, but it was way too cold there! Only 10-15 degrees difference, but I was not ready for that change. The kids enjoyed playing games, trains, chess, chasing each other around and Ben especially loved the wrestling time with Isaiah and Lucas! Thanks again for everything Anibal and Becky - we love you all!
Looks like a busy week ahead with school activities for Kate (book fairs, book club, pancake dinner and of course the most important - "parent teacher conferences" on Thursday night). We will keep you updated on how that all goes - have a great week!

Kitchen remodel

the above two photos are the new tops

the old green and creme laminate tops

The latest of the "projects" at the Cairney house is partially completed. The tile backsplash is not on yet, but here are some before and after shots of the new counter tops if any of you are interested. I absolutely love it and can't believe the difference that it makes! Aunt Stef, thanks again for all of your thoughts and opinions - I really appreciated it! and to Doug - for all of your hard work under that horrible corner sink for the past 4 days - you are the best!

Happy Halloween

Ben and Mommy at the preschool party


"Hannah" and power ranger, ready to hit the streets


The kids had a fun time trick or treating on Thursday night, "Beggars night " here in Iowa. The weather was perfect. Ben was a power ranger and Kate, Hannah Montana. We had about 85 trick or treaters.
This weekend was pretty low key for us, just enjoyed the beautiul Fall weather! Have a great week everyone. Love, Keri

Another birthday celebration

Wil, Ben, Kate and Jon with the awesome pumpkins that Nanny created - they are too cute!

Had another great weekend of birthday celebrating at the Cairney house. Ben turned 4 on Saturday while we were in Pender for the weekend with the Suhr's. We had a wonderful time! The weather was perfect and it was just fun being all together. I think that Ben especially loved his birthday morning pancakes at Popo's. Thank-you Papa and Nanny Suhr for all of the hospitality. Spending time with the Stoltenberg boys is always a highlight for Ben and Kate too.

Birthday weekend

Thanks for the cool hat and Thomas trains Cairney West


Ben love, love, loved his baseball cake Grandma Cairney - thank you!!

As did Kate her Cubs hat cake! They were all delicious

A cool pyramid with the "J" boys and good friend Kassi Kommes

Well, Miss Kate turned 7 yesterday and had a great day! Seven years has gone so quick it scares me! She woke up at 0600 way tooooo EXCITED about her day....I tried to talk her into cuddling with me and sleeping a bit more, but no go! So, her and daddy got up and played some yahtzee. We had some family and friends over to help celebrate. Just like I posted about a few weeks ago, the sense of "community" was awesome and we all had wonderful day. We were blessed with perfect weather too........and for those of you that were not able to be here, or whom have not seen me this weekend, I have lost my voice. Now, I know what you are thinking......what an awesome thing for Doug right??? WRONG.....he thought it was going to be great, but now he is having to answer the phone, call people for me, etc.,.,,,,, hee, hee, hee, haa, haa, haa..I think that I have heard "wow, it sure is quiet" around here way to much in the past 72 hours.......hopefully it comes back soon, I otherwise feel fine. But if any of you were wondering why I did not call and chat this weekend, that is why! Maybe I am going to come out of this a much quieter, introverted person???? I guess we will have to wait and see.....
Many more birthdays to my sweetie pie "Sissy". Thanks for making me a mom!
I love you -- XOXOXO