Happy 12th birthday Kate!!!

 

 Good Morning Birthday girl !!!

the official "gift"

 Happy Birthday my sweet Miss Kate....what a fun weekend of celebrating your special day you had! You woke that day with such excitement for opening your gifts, celebrating with family, birthday donuts with friends, and the biggest smile on your face.  As your Mom, I must admit, the best part was when you told your brother Ben (after he explained to you that he did not have a gift for you (-;  ) that all that you wanted from him was a HUG.......and HE DID IT!  That as awesome!  For most of you reading this, you may not understand the significance of this event, but Ben does not feel that "giving" his older sister a hug is something he dreams of doing each and every day, SO that is why this birthday treat was even more special. And I think that Kate soaked up each and every second of it.  I would not be surprised if we see this tactic used again in the future.

After breakfast, the birthday girl was off to school, excited to share the 60+ oreo truffles that we made for treats, and to start the countdown until her "football friday night party" began.

slowly catching up

Hey there all of you blog followers, I am slowly trying to catch up! Make sure you are looking back on the months prior....there have been a few additions.....thanks for your patience!

Labor Day weekend

We decided to "head west" over our long weekend to visit my sister Nicki and her family. Labor Day is marked in history, beginning in 1894, as a day for us to remember to pay tribute to the workers who have made America what it is today (those who have worked long hours, poor conditions, underpaid, etc.,.)
It was also the kick off to Husker football season so we planned that perfectly.  Who wouldn't want to be driving thru Big Red country on game day right??  I LOVE IT!!! 
The girls planned a shopping trip to get us Iowa residents some new Husker shirts (for some reason, it is not easy finding cool Nebraska gear here....????)  Nicki, Kate and I had so much fun.  That evening we all enjoyed a football party complete with delicious snacks. Sunday afternoon we went out to the fair, explored various barns, exhibits, etc.,. and the kids voted to go home and "play" after about 3 hours so they did pretty good.  Doug and David spend the afternoon golfing with friends.  Monday morning comes too fast for us every year when we plan this time together )-; 

 Modeling our new shirts

The backyard baseball gang: Kate, Ben, Jon & and Wil (cousins)

Even though Kate is the only girl, she plays tough!  Here she is, beating them all at backyard baseball...way to go Sis!

Thanks you guys for a great weekend!  We had a blast and can't wait to see you all again soon -- we love you!!!

First Day of School 2013-2014

All ready for the first day

 Annual sidewalk creation

 Our teachers for 6th and 3rd grade

Kate and Ben both woke this morning very excited for their day....6th grade and 3rd grade..I cannot believe it! This is the last year that they will ever be in the same building (kind of a strange milestone )-; and a bit sad for this Mom too! )  As we were praying for their school, their friends, teachers, the upcoming year, etc.,. last night, we could not stop reflecting on how FAST Summer went by and how much fun that we have had.   

Good luck with school this year kiddo's ~~ Dad and I are very proud of you both and know that you will do great!!!

A day at the Fair

 the biggest bull -- weighing in at over 3,000 lbs!!! "Squirt"

 90,000+ of our friends at the fair with us that day

Kate and I enjoying our eggs on a stick and mini apple doughnuts -- yummy!!

     Just the Cairney girls ventured out to the Iowa State Fair this year. It was a beautiful day and Miss Kate and I had a blast!  Our 7+ hours there were filled with exploring many of the amazing barns/buildings filled with photography, balloon art, huge veggies, the butter cow, various animals (of all ages), quilts, horse shows, art displays, etc.,.   If  you can imagine it, it is most definitely at the Iowa State Fair. The weather was picture perfect and I was with my favorite girl...what more could a Mom ask for??? 

We did decide that our new favorite treat this year was the deep fried reese's candy bar on a stick....can't wait for next year & thanks for being my Fair buddy Kate!  I loved spending the day with you.....

Kate -- church camp

Kate with her best camp buddy Allison and their counselors for the week

closing ceremony songs for the families

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."

The ladies of Creator Cabin

 

     Another year of camp in the memory books for Miss Kate and she absolutely LOVED it once again!!!  She was gone for a week up at Riverside, met some new friends, grew deeper into friendships that she already had (a.k.a Allison and Lindsey), learned to love God and his son Jesus in more exciting ways, and truly experience him being our "REMEDY". We miss her so much while she is gone, but know that God is working in her heart and soul at camp and love to see her abounding in his joy when we bring her home!   

Baseball tournament weekend

Ben was able to play in the "All Stars Tournament" this weekend and had a great time! This was the first time that he had done something like this and it allowed him to meet other boys in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding communities. What a fun afternoon of competitive ball! Great job Ben & we are proud of you buddy!

Nice job pitching

Rounding 3rd, ready to steal home, one of your favorite things to do!

Your team for the day