Well we have been pretty busy here and have been trying to enjoy the nice weather before we head into winter. It’s crazy to think that winter is just around the corner. We have been enjoying the perks of a small town. They seem to always have something fun going on for the kids (and it’s usually free). It’s usually not to crowded so Jackson gets pretty spoiled. We also finished up some projects around the house—like painting the shed, spraying to get rid of our wood bees and Tyler installed a new sink fixture in our bathroom (he’s become quit handy) Tyler started classes last week so we tried to get the bigger projects out of the way.

This is at a safety fair. Jackson loved the fire truck and thought it was pretty awesome that he was able to spray the fire hose

The library is right down the street from us and they had a beach day. They had a slip n’ slide, a kiddie pool with sand where you could search for turtle eggs (it went along with a book they read), moon sand, and a craft table where you could make sand dollars and little treasure chests. Jackson was a little hesitant of the slide but once he went down it he was hooked.

Painting the shed. We painted it white and red to match the house. We were so grateful to be able to get this little shed, it helps out a ton with storage. Jackson loved to help out and now is bugging us to paint his room blue. Are you loving his painting outfit? Shirtless is how we do it here in Missouri, the kid loves having his shirt off.

Jackson does a lot of play time. Here he is with his friend Chloe (who he calls Chloers) and the biking ones are with his little buddy Max. He is getting so good on his bike and scooter. Tyler’s hoping for a pro biker

Jackson has really been into learning how to write alphabet letters. He practices everyday. He amazes me how much he’s learning these days. He has mastered how to do the first letter of everyones name in our family and since then has learned many more. He’s also into drawing portraits—I’ll post those soon, they are a must see.

Aimee, Tyler, Jackson, Olivia—-he’s so smart!

For some strange reason Olivia loves this rug in our hallway. I put her on it the other day and was doing something in the kitchen when I heard “mom I’m being really soft”—that means trouble. When I went to see what he was talking about I found this. They sure do love each other. Jackson can always get Olivia to laugh.

And these are pics I just couldn’t resist putting up. Odee is such a sweet girl and we are loving every minute of her. She will give a smile to just about anyone who is willing to look her way.

Categories: Uncategorized
4 Comments »

For some reason I’m having a difficult time putting up pictures, and you know my blogs are all about the pictures.  And I know some of you only care to see pictures of the kids :)  So I’m going to try and figure out what the deal is (which really means I’m going to make Ty figure it out).  So hopefully there will be a new post soon.

Categories: Uncategorized
No Comments »

Well we have been here in Kirksville a little over a month so we figured that it’s been enough time to make our lists of our “Kirksville likes” and “what we miss about Utah.”  So here it is.

“KIRKSVILLE LIKES”

*Didn’t have to fill our car with gas for 3 weeks (gas prices here are some of the lowest in the nation).

*Can walk almost everywhere.

*Free workout gym with free day care (perk of being a student).

*Free pass to the aquadics center (also a perk of being a student).  It’s also within walking distance.  Kids love it!

*1000 Hills Lake State Park.  This is only 10 miles from our house and beautiful.

*Our house/living above ground.

*Great, very friendly people.

*Everything is very green.

*Farmers Market.

*Jackson is loving preschool with lots of little friends to play with.

*Safe place to live.  A lot of people don’t even lock their homes, but we’re not quite to that level of comfort yet.

*No hazy inversions.

“WHAT WE MISS ABOUT UTAH”

*Family and friends (of course).

*Mountains.

*Decent radio stations.

*Our favorite restaurants (lonestar taqueria, cafe rio, citrus grill, rumbi, tsunami).

*Bike lanes.

*Target and the Costco.

*Utah grass.

*Mountain biking.

*Sunday dinners with family

These lists will grow, we know, but these are just a few things that come to mind.  One thing that is for sure, we feel at home in Kirksville.

Categories: Uncategorized
2 Comments »

You know when you meet someone who has just moved to Utah and they tell you how scared they were of that first big snow storm—they didn’t leave the house and can’t believe you actually drive in it?  Well I was one of those people here in Missouri, only it was extreme rain not snow.  We have had so much rain here over the past week, so much that it actually flooded our basement.  One night last week the news reported over 8 inches.  We luckily didn’t get 8 inches in our basement but we had around 2.   Luckily we had all our belongings up on pallets so nothing was damaged.  Since it’s been so humid we are still working on drying the place out.  And since it’s so difficult to get it dry we started seeing mold on some things, so yesterday Tyler and I spent a couple hours cloroxing the highchair, bags, chairs, luggage, the kelty—-what fun!!! (these things will no longer be staying in the basement).  Unfortunately lots of people here were battling flooded basements.  It rained for 24 hours straight, but not only buckets of water but intense thunder and lightning.  I can’t believe the kids slept through the night, Tyler and I sure didn’t.

This picture is our backyard.  The rain and wind was so intense that it knocked down huge branches.

Here’s Jackson enjoying being a kid after a rain storm.

Tyler and I found this to be hilarious when we found these in our yard this morning.  Mostly because today is Wednesday and Tyler just mowed the lawn Monday night.  Goes to show how wet, humid and hot it’s been here—anything will grow.  Jackson thought there were jelly fish in our front yard.  I have never seen mushrooms this big.  Don’t worry I didn’t keep them to eat but we did sell them to the local high school kids!

With all the weather excitement I am grateful we are all safe and so far no tornadoes—I’m hoping I never get to experience one of those

Categories: Uncategorized
2 Comments »

It’s hard to believe that 4 months have already passed since Olivia was born.  We are so grateful for this beautiful healthy baby girl.  She has been such a blessing, once they are in your life you wonder how you ever lived without them.   Jackson adores her and she also adores him.  He can get her to laugh just by talking to her.  Whenever Odee wakes up Jackson has to be the first one to greet her.  He climbs up into her crib and lays next to her.  By the time me or Tyler get in there she is all grins.

She has enjoyed the upgrade to the crib and out of the pack n’ play.  She’s an awesome sleeper.

She is quite fond of her tubby.  I think we will soon have to make the move from the sink to the bath tub because she splashes so much.  This girl is all smiles.

At the pool.

She is starting to grab everything that is put in front of her and it goes directly into her mouth.

She is such a happy content little girl.  She of course has her crabby moments like all babies but for the most part is pretty good.  Sadly ever since we got to Missouri she has started to lose her hair but of course she’s still adorable

We love you Odee!!!

Categories: Uncategorized
5 Comments »

Well now that life has settled down a bit I finally had some time to post some pics of our new house. Jackson still refers to it as his “new house,” but pretty much everything he talks about these days starts with “my new house,” “my new friends,” “my new store.” But he is definitely still the same old Jackson. The house is great and we are loving it. It’s a lot of work (i’m sure all of you that have a house are laughing at this comment, mostly the fact that we just are figuring this out). Tyler and I both have lots of ideas of what we would love to improve on the house, but for now here it is.

Master bedroom

Master (yet small) bathroom—so nice having 2 bathrooms

This is our wardrobe, we had to bring this with us since there is no closet—but it works great

Jackson’s room

Olivia’s room. We need to get her some decorations, but she doesn’t seem to mind.

Hallway from the master bedroom looking into Jackson’s room

Main bathroom or the boy’s bathroom as Jackson says

Family room

Kitchen

Outside the house

Our deck

Our mail carrier delivers mail on foot

The backyard

Only in the midwest will you find these storm cellar doors

Tyler spent hours cleaning this out and he did a great job. I can’t believe we have so much stuff

Well that’s it in a nutshell. If the pictures aren’t enough, well then I guess you need to hop on a plane and come and visit us (we will gladly take any visitors)

Categories: Uncategorized
5 Comments »

Well so far things here in Kirksville are going well.  We survived the 4th of July with no family and friends.  We actually met some very nice people (students) who were kind enough to let us join their bbq and fireworks.  Jackson was in heaven with all the little kids to play with.  Before the bbq we went “down town” to watch the Kirksville parade (now that is something to be seen) :)  We had a great time and Jackson made a haul on the candy.

Tyler started school this week.  It’s been hard to have him gone all day after 2 weeks of having him home.  Everyday this week when Jackson has woken up he asks “where’s my daddy?”  He misses him too.  Ty is staying busy and is already working hard on finding his research project.

Here’s Ty on his first day of school—so handsome

The other morning after a rain storm a birds nest and 2 baby birds fell out of our tree right into our driveway.  It was so sad and I felt so helpless for the little birds.  It was pretty heartbreaking for Jackson  as well.  One of the babies had a rough go, I wont write what happen to the poor thing because it was to sad but when Ty got home he put the nest and the other bird back into the tree.  The bird was gone the next morning and we told Jacks it’s mommy came back for him—I’m believing the story too.   I’ve never felt so sad for a little bird, maybe it was the way Jackson wanted to help it so badly.

Odee is thinking she’s pretty strong and thinks she’s ready to sit up.  Here she is “trying” to lift herself up—she’s going to have killer abs.

All in all were doing great.  We take lots of walks and love watching the fireflies (or lightning bugs as the locals say) We’re enjoying the house—we even like going to the Home Depot.  I’ll post pics of the inside soon.

Categories: Uncategorized
1 Comment »

Well we made it Kirksville. We are finally feeling a little settled and organized, thanks to all the hard work from mom Reeder and mom and dad Smith. I never knew moving into a new house could be so much work. Not only the moving but also the cleaning. I always knew we had it good in the basement but I never knew how good until we got here and had to clean other peoples dirt. But everything is starting to feel like our own and we are loving the new place. The kids are adjusting well, Jackson thinks his new house is pretty awesome. He has informed us that he wants to play with some friends so hopefully we’ll find some soon Once again I’m going to be posting a bunch of pictures, they show more than I could ever write. We miss everyone in Utah and appreciate all those who helped us pack, load the truck and help us travel. We love you all!

Goodbye little basement

The kids thought the big moving truck was a pretty fun toy. This pic of Tyler is the morning him, Jeremy and mom and dad Smith started their 1200 mile journey to Missouri.

After Tyler left me and the kids had a few extra days to hang out with family.

Jackson was so excited about riding on a plane, he had been talking about it for months. The kids traveled great. I was grateful to have my mom with me, don’t think I could have done it alone.

Tyler and I felt so lucky to have our parents here to help (my dad couldn’t make it out this time but can’t wait to have him come out soon). They worked hard inside and outside the house. Tyler had a big job of cleaning out the storage, while dad Smith mowed and the girls got the kitchen all organized.

We have the best moms. They weeded our flower beds and my mom helped me plant my new flower pots.

Our cute little house

We did let them take a break from working We went out to dinner a couple times and took a trip down to the farmers market. Thanks again to our parents for all their love and help.

Thought I should post a pic of our little Olivia. She is growing so fast and is such a good baby.

Categories: Uncategorized
3 Comments »

Just a quick little post to wish our big 3-year-old a happy birthday. We love you so much Jackson and your are the best big brother. We’ll post more of the birthday fun once this weekend’s parties are all out of the way. Happy birthday J-Man!

Categories: Uncategorized
1 Comment »

For those who have ever taken the time to look at my blog roll you may have noticed that I have a link to a blog called The Fat Cyclist.  I highly recommend this blog to anyone who loves cycling and, also, to anyone who doesn’t.  For those who don’t think spandex is a fashion statement, don’t worry, not all the posts are about cycling, actually lately they are more about his family’s battle with his wife’s metastatic cancer that has recently spread to her brain.  He is a brilliant writer and his blog is read around the world. Sometimes there are well over 100 comments on one single post, and he writes daily.  I could go on, but I wont, I’ll get to the point…….This picture is of me (obviously) and Fatty himself.  I met him tonight at the intermountain cup mountain bike race.  I was a little star struck, (Nerdy I know but c’mon I wear spandex, what did you expect) but Aimee did the dirty work for me and tapped him on the arm and told him we are big fans and that I was blushing and hoping to have a picture taken with him. (Thanks for being there for me Aim, I suck)  He was super nice and graciously overlooked my lameness and let me get my picture with him to put in my Disney autograph book right next to the picture of me and Princess Jasmin.  So for all those fellow bike nerds out there, suck on that.  It was awesome and totally made up for the fact that I got my trash kicked during the actual race.

Categories: Uncategorized
1 Comment »