Update On The Fam

We're rounding out 6 weeks on Sunday here in Kansas City. Doesn't it seem like we've been here longer?

Our patio has been a lot of fun and since we've arrived, several critters have claimed the space, too. We put up 3 bird feeders and have quite the wild bird collection now. Squirrels have become a nuisance, however. They seem to know no boundaries.

This one is plotting my death. He follows me around the house and even watches me walk to the mailbox. See that evil look in his eyes? Stalker. I can distinguish this guy from the rest of them, but the other 3,000 are throwing me off. Wonder if PETA would frown upon my spray painting them to keep track of who is who?

They dig right in and raid the food intended for the birds. This is one of the smaller guys, so he's forgiven.

Batman witnesses this backyard circus every day and never flinches. Tough guy.

Enough of the varmints.....here's an update on us:

Summer is full speed ahead. We're enjoying the pool and our usual outings. Need to get into the city and see more of the downtown area. Love The Plaza and will visit Crown Center again soon.

Carter went to bowling camp this week and is counting the hours until Trysten arrives on Monday! Wrestling.....Lord, give me strength.....remains his biggest passion. Yes, that kind - WWE - where grown men wear ridiculous costumes, play out soap-opera quality quarrels, and then fake fight each other to the ground. This is what he likes. I'd give anything to talk about Bakugan right now. It's that bad, people.

Jack is talking like crazy and is a joy to watch grow from a toddler to a little boy. He went potty today for the first time! Lainey was right behind him wanting to try, too, but I distracted her. Our middle child needs at least one thing to claim as his own, even if it's short lived. Still adores trains. Counts everything in sight and identifies colors, too. Loves helping me in the kitchen.

Lainey Bug is working hard to keep up with her brothers. She's been wearing her baby bjorn around lately and is constantly tucking in a "bebe", feeding one, or pushing one around in her stroller. Still not interested in the pool....instead seems content to walk around the edge and occasionally touch the water. Fine with me. It's intimidating enough having 3 there by myself. If one chooses to stay dry - no problem!

Britney and kids visit next week and we can't wait! Lots of fun stuff planned and plenty of time at home, too. We'll be thrilled to have them here on our turf for a bit.

Life with Blake is lovely. Having a husband again....and one that is here every evening instead of traveling....is a blessing. Everything has fallen into place nicely after our 7 month transition. We're enjoying our little rental house and I'm pleasantly surprised at how well we're doing in a smaller space. And, the trees.....the lovely trees......make the summer heat bearable. We haven't seen 90 degrees yet and I'm in no hurry to do so.

Some work on the house planned for the weekend and plenty of time outside. Enjoy yours!

Update

Thought I'd take a few minutes to update you all on the Starnes family. We're busy as always getting ready for a move and more changes! We bought a house in Brighton, Colorado...about 45 minutes north of where we are now. It's in an expanding and thriving community, much like Castle Rock is, and we're excited to set roots there. The house is wonderful and has plenty of room for our growing family. Batman, too!

We will be 20 minutes from Denver, 30 from Boulder and a little under an hour from Fort Collins. It's a great location and so we can't wait to get settled. Right now, we're spending a lot of time outdoors and more specifically, taking advantage of all that this area, south of Denver, has to offer.

We'll actually be closer to Linda and Debbie and families....but further from Belinda, so we're gaining and losing in that regard. But, everyone is wonderful about getting together and seeing each other, regardless of the driving it takes to get it done.

And, onto the boys....Carter is doing so well in Kindergarten and couldn't be happier here in Colorado. He's sad to leave his buddies on our street, but I have no doubt he will make plenty of new friends in Brighton. We had him all signed up for soccer and had his first practice scheduled tonight, but we decided to not make the commute to Castle Rock this season. Hopefully, we'll find a fun spring/summer sport for him to do up north. Skiing took over his winter season, so we didn't even try an organized sport then.

Jack is almost 11 months old and is such a happy baby. He has 5 teeth now and is learning to use them!!!! He's almost walking (we're doing everything we can to stop it!)....definitely cruising and getting where he needs to go. He gives kisses and plays peek-a-boo and loves Elmo almost as much as he does us.

That's about it from our little family. Here's a photo of Jack with his new front teeth.