Gamma Phi Trick-or-Treat

Last Monday, we headed back to campus and attended the Gamma Phi Alumni trick-or-treat.  It's a fun tradition, mostly to see good friends and their kids.  From our pledge class, Kristin, Jessica and I were the only ones who attended and we had fun watching our kids interact.  Kristin and I had to get our kids hanging out in the room we lived in our Senior year.  Ty and Katie were flirting with each other - hilarious!!

Campbell, Black, Platt...10 years later

Love this series of pictures.  Andy is doing his own thing while Ty and Katie flirt.

Buddies on the Skybridge

The Roses and adorable Kristin...can't wait to meet you LJ!!

Keith Urban

It's no secret in the Graebner home that I am a fan of Keith Urban.  It's all Kyle's fault as he introduced me to country music and took me to my first Keith Urban concert.  We were suppose to go to this concert together, but last minute, he had to be out of town for work.  So we made it a girls night. Full disclosure...going to a Keith Urban concert is much better as a girls night.  Why do I love Keith Urban concerts so much?  Well, I really enjoy his music and know almost every song...which makes for a good concert in itself.  And, in my opinion, he is the best live performer that I have witnessed - meaning, he makes the concert/his music/the experience fun.  He involves the audience.  And...well, he is easy on the eyes : )

I am a fan...borderline groupie.  My claim to fame is that he kissed my hand after a concert that I went to with Courtney Kirk and Alison Anderson a few years ago.  Well, I was able to top that this concert.  Towards the end of the concert, Mr. Urban decided to perform out in the audience...in our section...in our aisle.  On his way back to the stage, he walked right by me, and...well...I did what my instincts told me to do...I gave him a bear hug.  According to the witnesses around me (Betsy, Courtney, and Cynthia), I totally caught him off-guard.  I guess it's not normal to give a performer a bear hug?

We had a blast, and were laughing the next day as we read the below Article about me and Keith Urban : )

If only I had some creativity and extra time on my hands...I would be all over this Keith Urban Contest

Ben Towne- BENefit

We attended the 2nd annual BENefit honoring the Ben Towne Foundation.  We were lucky enough to know little Ben, who died from neuroblastoma at the age of 3 1/2.  Hearing Carin's and Jeff's story always is a perspective builder.  AND they have raised $1 MILLION toward pediatric cancer research.  They are so humble and so real.  The fact that they have taken such an awful, awful situation and turned it into something positive continues to amaze me. 

We had fun night with the Johnsons and are SO excited for them to join the world of parenthood (doesn't Carleigh look adorable?!?)

Callie

Callie came over with my mom to help watch my kids while I headed to an appointment.  She is so good with Andy and Katie and it's obvious she loves them so much (as do they).  As the oldest cousin, she is the first to achieve many of the milestones in our family.  Even though she is the "oldest" I still think of her as so young and that she'll never grow up.  When she came over I swear she looked like a teenager...here she is, 7 going on 17!

Thumbs up!  1st grade rocks : )

Books

Andy LOVES books.  He loves to pretend to read and will spend hours (literally) flipping through the pages of books.  He especially likes to be read to before going to bed (or really any chance he gets).  I walked into the living room to finding Andy like this - and it brought a big smile to my face.  Just relaxing in a cozy chair (with his backpack on, mind you).

Hair Cut

After a summer of a surfer dude hair cut, we decided to buzz Andy's hair.  It took me a little while to get used to it - now I can't imagine him with long hair.  Funny how a hair cut can change the look of a little kid so much.  Our experience at Kids Club in U-Village was great!

Health

We are happy to report that Kyle's ear is cancer free and has be reconstructed.  It's pretty incredible what they did - his ear looks great.  I took these pictures before he went in for his first reconstruction surgery.  Kyle has been resistant to me taking pictures of his ear (I don't really blame him!), so I caught him while he and Andy were looking for airplanes.

We are thankful for HEALTH!

Goooo Huskies!

We went to the Husky/Cal Game as a family with my parents.  It was a beautiful day and the kids lasted the whole game.  Katie and I spent 2nd quarter in the tunnel, plugging our ears and eating snacks.  After the first half, Katie rallied and was able to continue in the stadium.  We all were pretty exhausted by the end of the day, but had a great time.  Andy loves the Huskies and was cheering them on with the best of them.  He loves when each side takes turns yelling - Goooo....Huskies!  He just yells with both sides.  He also likes to tip his hat at kick-off.  It was a great day!  Thanks Ka and Bapa!

Katie's Turn!

Katie started at the Magnolia Coop this year.  It is so strange to have her there as I am having flashbacks to when Andy was just one and starting at the Coop.  Since she's not walking yet, taking advantage of all that the preschool has to offer is difficult, but she makes her way around.  It is so much fun having my one-on-one time with her on Friday mornings!

And a comparison - Andy's 1st day at the Coop