Family Pictures 2011

Ah, Travis' favorite time of the year--family pictures.

Everyone Needs a Twin

For our family it is so special to have these two little spirits who are going through life together. They love each other so much. If you mess with one you mess with both. Megan often is Justin's voice, and he is her fierce defender.

They both have their own rooms, but at the end of the day they would just rather be together.

Jacob is 6!

This past Thursday, October 13th, Jacob turned 6!!! On his birthday he took ice cream bars into his kindergarten class and shortly after he got home from kindergarten Grandma Amy and Papa rolled into town to surprise him. He was speechless. I thought he was going to cry. Later that night after gymnastics he opened his gifts. Friday evening was the party he may have been waiting for his entire life. He has never had a birthday party where he picked a theme and invited a handful of his closest friends. He decided long ago he wanted a firework themed party. When I asked him who he wanted to invited he started with Brock (our neighbor and his good buddy), then Corey (another good buddy), then Tonya (his BUS DRIVER), then Brent (TRAVIS' EMPLOYEE)...it was about this time I intervened and started making suggestions. There were still more adults on Jake's list than children, but he really does love Tonya, Kendall, Ali, and his grandparents. It just wouldn't have been the perfect party without them.

For a couple of months he has been planning the firework show. He researched youtube and knew exactly which brands and types of fireworks to purchase. After months of waiting he went finally got to go to the firework store a couple of weeks ago.

Jake was so sad that Ali wasn't going to be able to come celebrate with him. Again, he almost cried when she surprised him by coming into town for a birthday visit.

We started the party with dinner, then the kids painted pumpkins, then presents and a firework cake, and finally the firework show. He did a fantastic job of picking out fireworks and I think the party was all he had dreamed it would be.

Jake's friends Shawn and Cooper

Jacob and Brock

Ali and Kendall

The child who enjoyed painting the most? Justin!

Tonya (the bus driver) and Grandma Jo cleaning up the painting aftermath

Justin required a bath mid party. Travis predicted his nipples would be painted. He was right.

Presents

Shawn gave Jake cash. He was so happy.

The firework cake

The firework show. Nothing says fall quite like fireworks.

Last year when Jake turned five, he was so offended that I would not drive him to kindergarten. Now that he has started kindergarten he is ready for it to be over. His mind is so busy, there just isn't enough to keep him occupied. He would be much happier if they would just let him talk to everyone all through the day, but sadly that is against the rules.

Jake has a very mechanical mind and we cannot wait to see what he becomes when he grows up. He finds something that interests him and researches it until he is satisfied he knows all there is to know. Recently, we came across a catepillar on our walk home from the bus. It wasn't long before he knew what type of catepillar we had found, how to make a habitat, and what to feed the catepillar. Louie (the catepillar) may just have been the longest living captive catepillar. All the informtion was gathered through youtube. Jake loves youtube. He watches videos about everything he loves--catepillars, vaccuums, fireworks, and the occasional laughing baby.

Jake brings a lot of spark to our family. He constantly amazes us and definitely keeps us laughing without even trying. He has never really played with toys. To him work is play. He is an impressive four wheeler driver, has never met a stranger, and is finally learning to listen (hallelujah!).

We love you Jake! Happy 6th birthday!

The Tonsillectomy

Annie's tonsils have been giving her trouble for years. We saw the ENT on Friday and he scheduled her for surgery today. I worried about the anticipation and anxiety Annie would feel about the impending procedure, but it seemed she was almost excited to get them out.

Today was shipping and sale day for the cattle who have spent the summer in Twin Falls. So, Travis is out of town and was disappointed he couldn't be here.

This morning I started the normal morning routine of waking the kids for school. Emma is always so pleasant to wake up. When the first words out of her mouth this morning were that she didn't feel well, I knew she meant it. So, upstairs we went to take her temperature. Sure enough, she had a fever, was flushed, with a headache, and a sore throat.

Grandma Jo was kind enough to take Justin and Megan while I went with Annie. Emma got to go to grandma's too. I just pray we don't share any germs. The last thing my dad needs a bug.

Before surgery the nurse put in Annie's IV. I'm telling you the girl is tough. Well, she's tough as long as I am there. No one has ever loved me as much as Annie. When it was time to say goodbye, the tears flowed freely. The anesthesiologist gave her some medicine to take her to a happy place and it worked. She was wheeled off happily talking about what grade she was in and what book she is reading.

Post surgery I continue to be amazed at how tough Annie is. She has been eating and drinking like a trooper. I have to all but sit on her to keep her in bed. She hasn't so much as had a nap! I would love for her to rest and to willingly take her pain medicine. She does so well at swallowing pills, taking this liquid medication is no fun.

I called our pediatrician with Emma's symptoms this afternoon. Bless him for diagnosing her over the phone and calling in a prescription, and bless Kendall for picking it up for us! We have had strep around here, and every indication is that Emma has it as well. Meg is running a fever too, and obviously does not feel well. She was treated for an ear infection Monday. I'm praying her fever goes away soon and that she too doesn't need treated for strep.

The sliver lining? The boys are healthy!

Happy Birthday Megan and Justin!

It is nearly impossible to believe it has been three years since we had two tiny little babies. I still maintain that it is the funnest hardest thing that has ever happened to us. We are so grateful to have been blessed with these two special spirits and are still amazed and thankful that they came at the same time.

Megan continues to be the dominant big sister. She's never met a stranger and is so affectionate...and dramatic. She has the most adorable lisp and an incredible vocabulary. We love the way she tells a story and how she places the words in her sentences. The first thing she did on her birthday was wish Justin a happy birthday. Megan is always "so very thirsty", is in love with the nursery leader Sister Walker, and probably loves "T.B" (television) a little too much. Meg loves to draw and doodles adorable spiders, people, and smiley faces. She loves to help in the kitchen, is so happy to wake up in the morning, and never forgets please and thank you.

Justin is our timid little buddy. He is undecided on how he feels about attention. He loves to make anyone laugh, but would rather duck his head and enjoy it. Up until a recent little miracle, Justin didn't say much. However, in the past couple of weeks he is putting sentences together, telling stories, and singing! There is nothing I love more than to overhear Megan and Justin's conversations. They crack each other up! Never has there been a boy more in love with Buzz Lighyear than Justin. He calls himself Dustin and Megan is Neg or Negan. He knows where Neg is at all times. Justin does not share food, potty trained in one day, loves his Dad's pickup, and his blanket. Justin is Mr. Mischievous. He sneaks outside, puts blueberries in the dryer, throws eggs, wanders away, and colors on himself and the walls. However, it has been a while since he flooded anything. Justin loves his pajamas and changes back into them about halfway through the day.

Grandma Jo and Grandpa were in Dallas for the weekend, so we celebrated with them a week early. Justin and Meg loved every minute of opening their presents, and were genuinely so happy for each other and their gifts.




Notice the pajama bottoms? Oh, and the other love of his life? Rain boots.

We celebrated yesterday with pizza for dinner followed by presents. Once again, they were thrilled. I bought Justin a stuffed Buzz that is about his same height. Grandma Amy bought Justin a Buzz with lights and sounds and movable parts. Grandma Amy's Buzz was opened first, and Justin needed no other gift. When he opened my Buzz, he informed us he didn't like it and wanted us to give it to Jake!

After dinner and presents we invited some family and friends to share cake and ice cream with us. Jake loves a party. He couldn't wait for all the "gesks" to get here. Megan and Justin loved having everyone here too.

Justin couldn't wait to blow out his candles. He blew them out twice before they were all lit.

Notice the Buzz...

Happy Birthday Megan and Justin we love you!!!

First Day of School

It is hard to believe summer has come and gone and that today is the first day of school. This year brings a lot of changes for the Kraupp family. Our elementary school is kindergarten through 4th grade. The 5th graders in our town go the the Middle School. Early this spring we starting researching a charter school in a neighboring district. It really felt like the perfect fit for Annie, and we decided to have her attend there. When we found out some of her closest friends would be attending as well it felt perfect. So, we have Jake starting kindergarten in Homedale, Emma in 3rd grade in Homedale, and Annie in 5th grade at the charter school.

All of the kids seemed really excited to go to school. Kindergarten is going to be just what Jake needs. Emma has her best friends grandma as her teacher, and a class full of her closest friends. No surprise, Annie seemed the most nervous to start the school year. She has to wear uniforms. It is going to take so much stress out of her life. She hasn't been thrilled about it, but is adjusting. She is excited about the brand new school building.

All of the changes this year include a change in schedule. Annie has to be out the door 30 minutes before the other kids, and 30 minutes earlier than past years. This means we get everyone out of bed at 6:00. Whoa, 6:00.

Megan loves to wake up. For her 6:00 was no big deal.

Justin on the other hand, HATES to wake up and HATES to change out of pajamas to clothes.



Annie the 5th grader

Jake the kindergartner

Emma the 3rd grader

The first day of kindergarten was all Jake has been dreaming of and more. He had his own special spot with a name tag. When we dropped him off the room was eerily quiet with only the sound of sniffles and an occasional whimper. There were a lot of kids who weren't thrilled to be there. But...not Jake. He found his spot, and started waving, "Bye mom and dad! I love you!"

After kindergarten I met Jake at the school to ride the bus with him. He really wanted to do that alone, but when I told him all his friend's moms would be riding as well, he changed his mind in a hurry.

I wish I knew more about every one's first day. When it came time to tell me all about the day, you would have thought it was time to get a tooth pulled at the dentist's office. Annie and Emma had the usual shoulder shrug, but did confirm it was a good day. Jake can't remember doing anything.

Next year, the twins will go to preschool two mornings a week. I will be home alone. Why does everyone have to grow up?

On our way to pick Annie up froms school, our early morning caught up with everyone. I felt the same way!