Jude’s 9th birthday lunch at the West Des Moines Chipotle

The kids have been on Thanksgiving break this week so we made the trip to visit our Iowa family. Jude had a soccer game here on Sunday afternoon and he really didn’t want to miss it after missing the previous weekend’s game to see the Lion King. And he also really wanted to wake up Monday morning in Des Moines for his birthday. So, we decided to hit the road after his game finished, at 2:45pm, and drive through until we got to Baba’s house. We made good time and arrived right at midnight our time which was 1am Iowa time. The kids did well although probably only managed an hour or so of sleep before we arrived.

Jude blowing out his 9 candles with Ella looking on

But Jude was very happy, albeit a little tired, when he awoke on Monday morning for his birthday. He enjoyed receiving all his presents as well as being the center of attention for the day. And he got to choose his birthday cake with Baba and Grandpa.

Jude brought his viola along so he could keep up his daily practice. Lily has recently taken up the cello so the two regaled us with some tunes before Jude’s birthday dinner.

A string duet with Lily (Jude in his Cristiano Ronaldo gear)

The kids did lots of fun activities with their cousins: they went to the science center, played at the Dahlen’s house, and Baba hosted a special birthday party for Jude at a glass art studio where Jude made some lovely creations alongside Anna and all the cousins. They celebrated again with song and cupcakes.

One night we all went out to light the Chinese lanterns – these are like mini hot air balloons made out of paper and the kids love watching them rise into the air.

Anna about to let her Chinese lantern fly into the sky under a full moon

The weather was so nice in Des Moines when we arrived. The grass was still green with the warm weather they had been having. On Thanksgiving day it took a turn for the worse with rain turning to ice. Luckily, we had nowhere to go as we sat inside and watched football and ate turkey. Baba and Grandpa cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal with assistance from Marcy and Mandy.

All the kids decided it was time to pile on Daddy/Uncle Peter

On our last day in Des Moines, Baba and Grandpa took all five grandkids to see Disney on Ice while Marcy and I went to see a movie.

On Saturday morning it was time to go and we departed Iowa with many tearful faces. It was a great week and our kids really appreciate their time with the Des Moines family more and more. We made it back to Denver without incident and today has been a quiet day at home apart from Jude’s soccer match.

Anna building a snowman in the back yard

Normally, by mid November we have had a few snowstorms, but not this year. It has been a warm and dry fall so far and it wasn’t until Wednesday of this week that we had our first storm. Anna was excited about it and decided to go out and build a snowman before school.

Jude jumping in to a pile of leaves he had just raked

It was only a quick storm with 3-4 inches of snow and by Wednesday afternoon there was not a cloud in the sky and the ice began to melt. So much so, that by Saturday the snow was all gone and it was time to rake leaves. Jude and I did some raking and filled our compost bin.

The big outing this weekend was The Lion King. The musical is playing in Denver for the month and we bought four tickets for the matinee on Saturday afternoon. Jude was not happy about it, to say the least, because it meant he had to miss his indoor soccer game this weekend. After complaining about it bitterly he ended up being a good sport about it.

With young Simba and Nala of The Lion King musical

The Lion King was fantastic. It was the first show or movie we have ever seen where all four of us loved it equally. Even Jude who was so against going really enjoyed it. Although, he pointed out afterwards that we would have still rather gone to play soccer.

Anna in her 25 yard breaststroke race

Today it was up bright and early for another swim meet for Anna. Marcy left at 7am to get Anna there in time for warmups. Jude and I followed a couple of hours later to see Anna’s last few races. Anna swam her heart out once again and she did well especially considering she is racing against girls who are sometimes 18 months or more older than she is.

Anna as Laura Ingalls Wilder and Jude as Darth Vader about to go Trick or Treating

Last weekend was Halloween and we had another unseasonably warm night for trick or treating. Anna’s costume was a big hit with everyone they visited – the cute pioneer girl. Regardless, they both had a large stash of candy by the end of the night. They kept a small amount of this for themselves and the rest went to the “switch witch” who comes during the night and takes the candy, replacing it with toys.

Anna with Chad Wonder, the magician at the 1st grade birthday party

Anna’s 1st grade class did a group party on Halloween for all the kids with October birthdays – there are four including Anna. While Anna had her own party earlier in the month, the rest of the class organized a group gathering in the park with a magician for them all. We actually hired the same magician, Chad Wonder, for Jude’s 7th birthday a couple of years ago.

Carving pumpkins for Halloween

My travel schedule has been truly crazy of late. I have been away for most of the last three weeks with trips to London, Las Vegas and New York – all for conferences. But now I am home for a while and very happy about it. It has been a grueling few weeks and now I can settle in for some time at home with the family.

This weekend was busy but it was also nice that I did not have to rush off on another trip like I had to do the past three weekends. Jude had his first game of indoor soccer yesterday which he loved. Then one of his school friends came over for a playdate in the afternoon. Anna had ice skating on Saturday and today we were up bright and early for Anna’s swim meet that started at 7am where she swam in five events. Then it was Jude’s last flag football game of the season.

Anna is ready to go for her next race