Farm fun before the big party

On Aidan's birthday we had time to stop by Dad & Lynne's for a little while. Both of them were still at work, but the boys did what they could to get a start on the chores for them. As you can imagine--they're aren't the best farmhands just yet. It was a VERY windy day, so we didn't stay outside too long. Wade took both of the boys on 4-wheeler rides, Owen terrorized the chickens and Aidan visited with Cowboy and Cutter. Once Dad & Lynne were home, Aidan got to open his birthday presents from them as they weren't able to stay at Happy Joes too long. Aidan is now equipped to fish. Thanks for the worm farm, but good luck explaining to Aidan what it is that you want him to do with his 'wormies.' That conversation may break his heart, but he'll get over it when he catches a fish---but, then we kinda have to have the same conversation with him don't we? Enjoy the pictures!

Making birthday invitations

Before the party, you have to make invitations! This went well!

BIRTHDAY! BIRTHDAY! BIRTHDAY!

Our little leprechaun is four...I always thought it was a cliche, but I must've blinked! Due to the fact that the kitchen was non-functional and we were coming off a bad case of the flu (which Wade luckily escaped) we had Aidan's birthday party at Happy Joes in Burlington. This will probably be the last year that the grown-ups out-number the kids. Next year, we'll have to break down and do the dreaded 'kid party'. Aidan had a blast! Thank you to everybody, he is loved! On a side note, we got pulled over for a headlight on the way home. It was hard to explain to the state trooper why it was that we drove so far for a birthday party. Luckily, the truck was packed to the gills with pizza, presents and cake. He was pretty understanding after he looked in the back and saw Aidan with a balloon and birthday hat still on. Wade wouldn't let me ask the trooper to pose for a picture with Aidan. Fun-hater!

School days....school daze!

With three out of the four Kelleys in the house currently enrolled in school, we spend a lot of time in the books!
Aidan is doing wonderful at preschool. His teachers love him, and he comes home everyday with new information! He can tell you his address, phone number, and pretty much anything about a train that you'd ever want to know. He is making friends, but misses Sayla. She is going to Farmstead next fall with him, which will be awesome. Not only will he have her there, but maybe we can work out a schedule between her mom and I to help with some of the driving--there is a lot of driving involved! With spring finally here, he gets to really take advantage of the school--they get to take turns riding Shortcake, the school's pony. They are also collecting eggs to watch them hatch. He has his big fundraiser on May 2nd. Its a carnival for kids, so if you have kids, or can borrow some, and are in the area--stop by. It should be fun.
Wade is finally feeling the pinch of schoolwork, as he has a class where he actually has coursework that challenges him. This is his last official class for his masters, but due to his work schedule, his thesis project will be extended into the summer.
I have gone back to school, and much to my surprise I am actually good at it. I am currently fourth in a class of sixty. Makes me kinda wonder what I could've gotten out of school five years ago if I actually tried. Oh well, the friends and memories I have of the first go-around are worth the students loans....well, I keep telling myself that.
Owen is still a year away from school (at least,) but he loves picking Aidan up from school because he gets to see the horses.

I dedicate this blog to Ann Nellis

It has been WAY TOO LONG since I sat down to update the blog. Since Aidan is at school, Owen is asleep, my homework is in the mini (which Wade drove today,) and I don't feel like cleaning, I will get everyone caught up! Ann was kind enough to remind me (via her blog,) that I need to keep this up!
So, what has been happening....
Hmm, well a lot actually! Aidan turned four, the kitchen is gutted, Owen is growing up (not out,) work and school is going great for everyone, and FINALLY no one is sick in the house. The next few posts will address all of that, so keep reading....I'll keep posting!

Toy Room: Before

Here's some pictures of what we started with. Aidan helped with the painting....

after...well, almost after

Finished product? Well, not quite, but its functional. Wade still has his special touches that he wants to put on the shelves (adding more framing, doors and drawers.) I just love that the kids finally have somewhere to go! Having them in there is what is giving me time in the middle of the day to blog!!! When it is all finally done Wade will be able to put his employee addition JD tractors on the very top. I have been working on some side projects to add to the room also. I am making puzzle bags, and have an idea for a way to get the grandparents' artistic ability into the room.