The Simonson's: Still Sinking

I am still sinking but the surface is getting closer. After 6 weekends on the road we finally have 2 weekends at home and I am finally getting to some of the things that have been put on the back burner. I am finally back on here to update our life. Here we go:
September 12-18
Monday the girls both had school but we stayed home in between running to school to do laundry and unpack. Due to our lawn mower breaking down and they had to order parts we had Austin Raatz come out and mow for us. Kate and the kids moved but Justin had a few things left to tie up here in town so he and Austin stayed for a couple extra weeks. It was kind of nice to look out and see the lawn mowed without taking my time to do it but I do really like to mow. Tuesday was school and Jazz. We had an interview dinner that evening so Johnna came out and watched the kids. It is so nice to have her in town, she can drive, she loves the kids and they always have a great time with her, she does Rachel's readings and homework with her if I need to be gone right after school.
Wednesday we took Rachel to school then went to Jazzercise. After class we went to meet Rachel's first grade teacher's new baby. Kyson Johanson was a little snuggler, and the kids liked playing with all of Cash and Karly's toys. Thursday the girls had school, we went to Jazz, then after taking Becca to school Alec and I went to Maxwell to watch Sean play football. He did very well in his game and Mullen won. Since I was not back by the time school got out Jen Hampton got the girls and they all played at school until Alec and I got there. Thursday night we went to town for Marko's birthday party. The kids all had a great time getting balloon swords and Rachel and Becca got their faces painted. After some pizza and cake we came home and went to bed.

Panther Rachel

Alec's balloon sword

Becca's kitty

Friday we stayed home and I packed the kids for the weekend. Mrs. Cox and Mrs. McConnell came to do the preschool home visit and then Wanda came out and got Becca and Alec so I could meet Mike in Cozad and we could head to Omaha. Rachel went home from school with Elly and then went to Lisa's Saturday night. Wanda took the kids to McCook to watch Nathan play football then Pat, Wanda, Aaron, Sean, and Ashlyn stayed here at the house with Becca and Alec and then all went to the ranch for the rest of the weekend. Mike and I went to Omaha and meet up with his classmates for their 10 year Creighton Med School class reunion. We stayed the weekend with Tyson and Nicole. Saturday we went to Lincoln to the football game with Garrett and Jenny. We meet some of their friends from Oregon that just happen to be a graduate of UNK and from North Platte. What a fun weekend we had. Lots of food, laughter, and friendship. Sunday before coming home we also got to finally meet the Barney Trio. What cute little babies they are.

Best friends reunited after 8 1/2 years.

Our Best Man Garrett

Rachel and Elly at Cheer camp. Mike and I missed it but are so lucky to have great neighbors and friends to take pictures and allow Rachel to attend.

Excited to Cheer

The Simonson's, Schroder's, Branting's and Bruning's before the game.

Outside the stadium with new and old friends.

Mike and I's seats.

So Hot.

After the win/loss.

Finally got to see Kevin again for a couple minutes

Me with Cora and Oliver during our visit.

Dad's family had a get together for Patti and they also dedicated the bench at the park and took some pictures with all the kids.

September 19-25

Monday the girls had school and I cleaned, unpacked and did laundry. Tuesday the kids didn't have school because of teacher in-service. We all made a big breakfast together then had baths. We put up all our fall decorations and I mowed the lawn while the kids played outside. Wednesday the girls had school and we stayed home to catch up on more housework and book-work. Johnna came out after school so that I could go have drinks with Traci and Abby Branting. Mike and I then went out for dinner before coming home. Thursday we took Rachel to school then went over to the Klug house for a play date. Alec and Becca had a great time play in and outside with the twins. We then took Becca to school and I came home and made some more salsa. Friday Becca turned 5. She still likes to cuddle with mommy in the mornings and to be held and carried but she is growing so much each day and loves school. She was so excited for it to finally be her birthday. She got some new clothes and a battery powered car for outside. Friday after school we went to Omaha for River City Roundup weekend.

New Car

Breakfast Cupcake

Giving Alec a ride!

Saturday and Sunday we spent with Mom, Dad, Nicky, Clay, and kids, Kristi and kids, Katie and kids, Patsy, and Devan. We had a great time at the rodeo, swimming, exploring the Century Link Center. We did not take family pictures this year since Sandi was still on bed rest and not able to come. We are going to take family pictures now in the Spring. Here are some pictures from the weekend. Sunday night when we got home I took Babs out for dinner to talk about her upcoming Confirmation.