Things are going well

We are slowly adjusting to life in Colorado.  The last few weeks have been filled with a lot of new adventures in our new town.  I was wondering when we moved here if we would go cut our Christmas tree down or just drive to a lot and buy one.  As much as the idea of cutting down our own tree sounded fun, it's just way to much time and work with the two little ones.  We opted to drive to a lot close by and get our tree.  That was a great decision and took only about 10 minutes.  It was in the low 30's and very cold but I have to admit it did kind of seem like this is how the weather should be when buying a Christmas tree. We settled on a Frazier Fir (we've always gotten Noble's) but in this season our our life it seemed like the perfect time to try something new.

 This is Nathan seeing his breath for the first time.  It was super cute.

Kiersten was tired by the time we got home so we put her to bed and then set up the tree.  Nathan had a blast this year.  He wanted to open up each box and put every ornament up.  He can't keep his hands off of some of them.  It's fun to see our ornaments we had as kids, loved by our kids now.  I'm so excited for the coming years and watching the joy on his face and on Kiersten's as they grow.   At the end of setting up the tree, Nathan topped it off with Angel.  What a great night.

Parker is a small town but has everything you need.  We really like it so far.  Last weekend we ventured out to the Parker Christmas parade.  We never actually watched the parade (surprise, surprise) but Nathan had fun.  He got his face painted, decorated and ate a cookie and played at the park.  Poor Kiersten was stuck in the stroller.  The parks here are not good for her.  A lot of wood chips and rocks and all she wants to do is eat them so I can't put her down.

We went out to dinner and had mexican food at some place I found Yelp.  It was okay.  We never go out to eat so it was a special treat.  The kids were great which made it even more fun.  As you can tell from the pictures, Nathan thought it was a good time.  He keeps saying "go to Casa Mariachi".  Haha

The next morning when we woke up it had snowed for the first time since we got here.  Nathan thought it was pretty neat.

 A few days later we were surprised by my sister with a layover in Denver.  We had about 35 minutes with her and it was so fun.  What a great day that was.  Nathan ran up to Kim so fast and said "I love you Aunt Kim" it was really special.  We found a great place for the kids to play while we hung out.  Nathan loved watching the construction at the airport and Kiersten loved having all the room in the world to crawl around and explore.

Kiersten is so stinking sweet.  She loves the freedom at the house and I love the carpet and safety that brings.  She is always in my way but I love her for that.  (most of the time!)  She is a Mama's girl and crawls up to me all day saying "mamamamamamama".  It's sweet and I think she is very close to calling Kevin Dada on purpose.  Love this girl.

Kevin's tools have been out a lot lately as you can imagine.  He's been great putting up all of our stuff all over the house.  Every time his tool box is out Nathan asks to go through it, it's really adorable.  Anybody who knows Nathan knows he LOVES trains.  He has really become obsessed with his halloween costume lately and wears it at least 3 time a week now.  He'd wear it every day if I let him.

We love the new park we found and were able to get Kevin there over the weekend.  It was fun.

We now anticipate a visit from my sisters, mom and Brooke for a day on Friday and then Kevin's sister, brother-in-law, my nephews, and Kevin's dad and wife come out for the holidays.  We are greatly looking forward to having everyone with us and spending time with the ones we love during Christmas time.   Miss you all!

We made it!

We arrived last Monday evening and it was a long day followed by a long night.  The kids were great on the plane but it took a while to make it to our house.  On the way to the house (thankfully) we were a mile away, Nathan threw up all over himself.  It was so awful.  We got to the house and he was running around like he was fine, he ate dinner, then about 1 hour after that, he threw up again and then again.  Kevin took him to the ER where they watched him on and off for about 5 hours.  He threw up on and off, they gave him some medicine to stop the throwing up, but it continued.  Eventually they came home and Nathan slept for about 6 hours before the morning.  The next 3 days he was so sick, throwing up on and off about 1-2 times per day.  By Thursday night we had our boy back and he has been feeling healthy every since.  I think a lot of it was his anxiety being in a new place and there being so much change.  It breaks my heart but I am grateful that kids are so resilient and he seems to be catching on to our new life here in Parker, CO.

All of our stuff got here on Tuesday and that was a HUGE blessing!  Our house has been a total mess but we are slowly making progress.  Kevin is such a fast worker and has helped get this house together quickly.   He's already put up the Christmas lights too.  I'm so grateful that he always makes time to do things for the kids enjoyment (and mine!) no matter how tired he is.  I've met a few neighbors and one in particular brought us the nicest basket on Wednesday.  I wish I would have taken a picture of it before we devoured it.  

  

Poor Kiersten's stocking was missing for about 5 days so it was just the three of us on the mantle for a while.  It's quite a challenge unpacking AND trying to decorate for Christmas at the same time.

On Thursday we took a break from everything and went for a walk in our neighborhood.  We found some tunnels which Nathan's loves and park and played for a while.  The park is terrible for Kiersten.  The ground is covered in rocks and all she wants to do is eat them.  It was good for us to get out of the house though and away from the boxes for a short while. 

On Friday Kevin went to work at his new job.  He had a great first day.  His office has a view of Pikes Peak which is pretty cool!  I guess if were going to live in Colorado it's nice that he gets to look at the mountains all day long.   I'm trying to make Nathan feel as "normal" as possible.  We did a craft and ran some errands like we do back in CA.  He's been very needy and defiant lately and I'm asking God for his patience and wisdom as we navigate this difficult transition time for him.  Kiersten has been great, you'd never know anything has changed.  She's such a sweetheart!  She just goes with the flow and for that I am grateful!  If only, we can get her to stop crying in the car.  I am so OVER that. 

Saturday night we took the light rail train Downtown to watch the "festival of lights parade" that goes through the city.  We saw 1 float and some drummers and that was enough for all of us.  Nathan liked what he saw, but the train ride and the big bear were his favorite parts.  It was a fun night.

I got horribly sick on Saturday night and literally threw up 2 times every hour until 6 am.  It was horrible.  Kevin spent the whole day with the kids while I slept.  I'm feeling better now, thank goodness!

Today we tried out a new park that at neighbor told us about.  It's about 10 minutes away and it is awesome!  It opened in April and is great for all ages.

Okay, I've caught up the best I can and need to go get Nathan up from his nap.