Little Drummer Boy

In addition to arranging (and re-arranging) the pumpkins all around the house, Sam has found that they have another use! Fun times!!

Who Needs Toys?

Deep Thoughts ... by Keith Murphy

At the risk of Brian making me sleep on the couch, I'd like to share one of my favorite blogs with ya'll. It's written by one of the local sportscasters, Keith Murphy, and I think it's intelligent and humorous at the same time. It always makes me laugh, and think! (Brian teases me that I have a crush on Keith, but the reality is I think he's a very fair and creative sportscaster.) Check it out if you have some time: http://www.keithmurphyslaw.blogspot.com/. The past few haven't been his greatest work, but I promise he won't disappoint. Oh, and make sure you have plenty of time as they get pretty windy. (And you thought I talked a lot!)

Ouch!

Sam received his first non-self-inflicted "owies" this week. In addition to Sam, there are two other one-year-old boys at daycare, and all three are within two months of each other in age. Yesterday, Garrett and Sam plowed into each other while playing, and each had a battle wound to show for it. And today, Brayden clawed Sam's face. Ouch! I know (unfortunately) there will be worse things to happen down the road, but it hurts my heart to see that another little guy scratched him. Mr. Manly doesn't seem to mind, though, as he's playing and running around like normal. I guess it's the mother in me that wants to protect him at all times. And I'm sure it will be that way until he's at least 60.

Sam's First Shower

Mr. Manly climbed into the shower the other day. He wasn't scared at all. With a rambunctious 16-month-old who is ALL BOY, the adventures never end!

Kim's Night Out

Last night was the bachelorette party for my good friend, Kim. We have lots of great memories of concerts, road trips and working together at the Iowa Games. She is a very fun person and I was glad to be part of one of her special nights! We're looking forward to her wedding (to another Brian Dale!) in a few weeks. (And we hope they decide to move to Story City very soon!!)

Happy Fourth!

Today was our fourth wedding anniversary. We celebrated by going to dinner at Red Lobster. I'd never been there and Brian hadn't been for about 15 years. (As I mentioned in an earlier post, we need to get out more!) It's weird to think it was four years ago when we were in Hawaii. We both agreed it doesn't seem that long ago. I guess it's good that we agree our marriage has flown by so far. Here's to another four ... ty!