Oh boy, am I behind with my blog or what? Last spring I started writing a monthly post for an online magazine. It's kind of different than writing in here, since it's seen by a lot more people. My first and last name are published with my articles, so I'm careful about what I share. Writing here, at funwithoursons, is like wearing a comfy pair of pants. :) Unfortunately, it has become "one more thing" to do at my computer. I never documented our vacation to the Black Hills, or our Colorado vacation in July. I missed writing about back to school.
Where do I start???
I turned 39 years old in August. Derek's already 40, so 39 seems a bit anti-climactic. But to me it's the end of my 30's. I got married and had babies in my 20's. I raised them in my 30's. The next decade holds high school graduations and college years for our boys. Dare I say the words empty nest? I feel waaaaay too young for that.
 |
| My birthday boy and me |
 |
| 16 and 39 |
My Saturday birthday felt like summer was back and the first two days of school never happened. We had a nice, slow morning. I opened my gifts from my family--a blue tooth speaker from my boys, a homemade flag stand and Netflix subscription/Amazon Fire Stick from Derek. My parents sent some fun gifts and birthday money, which I love of course. But what meant the most to me was this card.
Some more photos of my 39th birthday. :)
 |
| I love my portable flag stand! |
 |
| My boys at work in my kitchen. Ahhh. :) |
 |
| Presents! |
 |
| When did they get to be so big? |
Now we're moving on to fall and all that it holds for us. I started writing this post weeks ago. I'm not even sure when I wrote it, but today is September 24th. We've already had our first round of Parent Teacher conferences, and Derek is very close to shift change--hallelujah!
My parents recently visited us for 10 days, which we enjoyed very much. They've done such a great job relating to their older grandsons. It's different and good, sad and fun, all at the same time. That must be my definition of change. I miss the days of little boys playing with my parents, but time marches on and we all find new ways to connect with each other. Aaron had his grammy and grampy at school with him for his last Grandparents' Day event. Braylen took Grampy to Cabela's--or did Grampy take him? ;) Kaleb and Braylen ran in cross country meets and marched in their marching bands, knowing there were two generations of family fans cheering them on. Aaron played 2 games of flag football.
 |
| Enjoying our front yard, and waving at our neighbors driving by. :) |
 |
| Making something called goo-beck? |
 |
| Banana grams and ice cream! |
 |
| They let Aaron pick out treats for his "Halloween box." |
 |
Kaleb's turn!
(Braylen chose lunch money instead.) |
When it was time for them to load up and head home, we remembered to take a few pictures together. I cannot express how much it means to me when they visit us. For over 17 years they've been doing this!
 |
| Braylen and Grampy |
 |
| My dad with my boys, oh how I love them so. |
 |
| Growing up, but never outgrowing the love of their grandparents! |
And for now, this is enough. Otherwise I will never get this posted! :)
