Tubes for Carson

Carson had nonstop ear infections for about 3 months straight. They were really rough on him. Lots of sleepless nights and trips to the doctor, which he now hates. Finally we were referred to an ENT doctor who recommended tubes. Since then, Carson has been MUCH better. Still some colds, and sleep isn't always great, but finally no more antibiotics and fewer doctor visits. Now he's mostly just busy, happy Carson!

First lost tooth

Brielle was THRILLED to finally lose her first tooth. It had been loose for a long time, and finally Dad just popped it right out. No tears, just excitement!

The tooth fairy knew where to find her even though we were out of town. She was very concerned about losing it under her pillow, so left it on the nightstand. $1 richer!

School fun

Brielle has been really enjoying Kindergarten. Spirit Days are fun, when she gets to dress up for a certain theme.

Mustache day

Hippie day

Pajama day, showing me how sour her candy is

100th day of school celebration

Brielle also brings home lots of great school work. Here are a few favorites. 

(Note: Brielle clarified that she loves her little brother, she just wouldn't want 100 little brothers)

And her Star of the Week poster she created

Thanksgiving

We had a fun Thanksgiving. We continued our recent tradition of ordering a traditional dinner from HyVee and having a relaxing dinner at home with just our family.

I also got to go to Brielle's Thanksgiving feast at school. Here she is as a Pilgrim. 

Then we got to see Noah, Kristina, Jack, and Sam. Brielle had a blast playing with the boys. And checking out the iPad together:

We had a great fish fry on Friday with Cassie's family. Then we capped the weekend off watching a big Mizzou football win over Texas A&M to clinch the SEC East. 

Ice Skating Lessons

We signed Brielle up for ice skating lessons. We weren't sure how they would go, since roller skating has been a challenge (mostly Daddy or Papa dragging her around while flailing and bruising their shins). But she did great! She really seemed like a natural and had a blast. We took another camp over Christmas break and she wants to take another class when it starts up again.

Carson's Birthday

Carson had a fun first birthday party. Lots of family made it, including Uncle Jay, Aunt Tiffany and Cate, and Great Grandmother Klug. Cassie got most of the photos, so I'll let her add more and share more details, but here are some pics I grabbed.

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween this year. Brielle had 2 costume ideas - a unicorn if it was cold, or a fairy if it was warm. She explained this to everyone who asked. She ended up getting to do both - fairy for her Dance dress up night, and unicorn for trick or treating. Carson wore the Lion costume that Grandma Fishburn made. He wasn't a big fan of the hat/mane though.

Brielle's neighbor friends Peyton and Brooklyn

We had a fun block party with our neighbors and then Brielle and I went trick or treating. She really got into it this year, instead of being too scared to go to strangers' houses like last year. Lots of candy was had!

50s Day

Brielle celebrated her 50th day of school with a 50s themed party. She was excited to curl her hair and wear her poodle skirt outfit. Fun times at school!

Nap time surprise

I'm not much of a napper, but this weekend I was exhausted after getting about 3 hours of sleep and took my first nap since Carson was a newborn. I asked Brielle to wake me up in an hour. She woke me up as requested and told me she had a surprise for me.

First I noticed she had covered me in blankets and pillow pets. Then she gave me 2 Oreos for a treat and this note that she wrote:

Loosely interpreted it reads:

Hi Daddy,

I love you so much. Sweet dreams. 

Love, Brielle

(Happy picture)

Bye Daddy. 

Sign your name. Then I can tell that you love me

Made my day! She told me she already knew that I loved her but she wanted me to sign it just to remind her.