Home

There truly is no place like home.  Thankful Ryan and I can both call this beautiful part of the country as ours. This tiny town in NE Kansas is such an fun destination point for Lily and William.  Fun with Grandma and Grandpa, playing on the 'farm', volunteering for Meals on Wheels (honestly Lily's favorite part of the trip!), seeing the horse and playing with the cat, just enjoying the freedom of grass and a big front yard.  And lots of one on one time with Nanny, Papa Kurt, Uncle Matt/Aunt Kristin/Maggie/Sam.  Priceless for two littles and their parents!  

While 'helping' the family move Mema out of her apartment into assisted living (which as an 88 year old strong woman, she wasn't exactly thrilled about), Uncle Tom and I took a quick break to grab sandwiches for the crew.  On our way, we stopped by Washburn to check out Tom and Pam's Christmas gift to Mema this past year.  My grandmother, her college degree in 1949, followed up with a master's later in life, is truly an inspiration.  For better or worse, Lily and I get part of our strong personality from Mema, but (and!!!) I am beyond thankful for her progressive nature, her liberal thoughts on women's rights and beyond, her 'absolutes' (ask Ryan, I am right even when I know I'm wrong), and her knowing what works for her and not being afraid or stifled over it.  We have strong women on the Saylor side that we like to call Spirited Women, and the Trusdale women should be included in that category!  I am so proud of all the strong women in our family.

Kansas City

We headed to Kansas for a week in June, with a first stop in Kansas City.

A serious highlight for William is staying at Nanny and Papa Kurt's apartment in the Western Auto Building.  He asks often if we can go to Nanny's "small house" so he can watch the trains go by from the kitchen windows.  But a close second was riding the brand new Street Cars.  I will admit, Ryan and I were pretty excited as well.  We left Kansas City just as the downtown became a destination point and very much miss it.  

But the highlight of the weekend was celebrating baby Wessel and mama Kelly.  The Saylor women threw her the sweetest shower at McClain's Bakery in Waldo and had a perfect afternoon spoiling mom and baby boy.  So fun to catch up with friends and family!  

A trip to KC wouldn't be complete without a run for me.  Union Station from the Liberty Memorial make such an amazing view.  

To wrap up an incredible weekend...Fathers' Day at the K!  I think our smiles from a fun afternoon (and incredible seats) say enough!

An interview with our 7 year old...

May 31, 2016

Weight - 49 lb 40 percentile
Length - 49.25 inches. 74 percentile

From the birthday girl herself: 

1. What is your favorite color? Pink and indigo. 

2. What is your favorite toy? My favorites thing to do are play piano and color.

3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries and grapes.

4. What is your favorite tv show? A.N.T Farm

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  Chocolate sandwich

6. What is your favorite outfit? My two long, maxi dresses.  

7. What is your favorite game? SORRY!

8. What is your favorite snack? Pretzels. 

9. What is your favorite animal? African Elephant (she did her 1st grade report on this animal) and a flamingo.  Because they are cool! 

10. What is your favorite song? Right now my favorites are from our VBS this week.

11. What is your favorite book? I like all the Weird School books. 

12. Who is your best friend? That's easy...Georgia!

13. What is your favorite cereal? Cheerios. 

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Ride my bike or play basketball. 

15. What is your favorite drink? Water.  Chocolate milk.  Pink lemonade.  Regular lemonade.

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas because I get to spend time with my family and Easter because we get lots of candy!

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My book!

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Chocolate chip bars. 

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pizza.  La Pizetta And cake.  

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?   A singer.  A dancer.  And a mom!  

Thoughts from Mom:

1.  What is your favorite personality trait? Lily has such a huge heart. She had four special needs children in her first grade class, and she took it upon herself to walk these friends to lunch, help out in the classroom when they needed a little extra assistance, always talk kind to and about them.  She is the best big sister and such a loyal friend.

2.  What is your favorite memory this year? Watching Lily learn to play the piano.  I think we've finally found a perfect fit for our girl.  Her face lights up when she plays and she absolutely loves her lessons!

3.  What is your favorite book to read together?  Now that we have an independent reader, we don't read books aloud together as often.  She will normally read me a few pages of her latest book in bed before reading a few chapters on her own before turning off the lights.  

4. What is your favorite activity to do together?  Lily is one amazing shopper! I have so much fun running errands with her and seeing what hilarious items she 'has to have'!  And any time I can get Lily all to myself, I love just listening to her (non-stop) stories and thoughts.  

5. What is the most difficult part of parenting this year? Lily often struggles with new classes, activities, and any changes.  Dealing with her anxiety is difficult for me as I don't really understand how she feels and why she can't just "get over it" or "deal with it".  I am constantly reminding myself to be patient and kind while helping her through it.  Plus it's always hard to see our girl upset or scared!

6. What is the best part of parenting this year? Watching Lily become such a strong yet sweet young lady.  While she continues to have a strong personality, she is also so kind, sweet and loving to her friends and brother.  

7. What is your favorite song Lily sings? Lily has discovered POP music and loves Beiber, Timberlake, Arianna Grande, Taylor Swift, etc.  Oh boy, the teenage years are going to be fun! While not always my choice of songs, I can't help but enjoy her enthusiasm.  

9. What is one parenting trait you wish to improve.  Don't we all wish we were a little more patient!?!  7 years have flown by and I wish I could slow myself down, take the time to listen to her stories, play a quick game, or just sit down and snuggle.  She is such an amazing young girl, has so much to say and offer the world, and I just hope I'm not too busy or distracted to miss it.  

10.  Any last thoughts?   I love our sweet, spunky, sassy and silly girl so very much!!

Thoughts from Dad:

1. What is your favorite personality trait? Favorite personality trait is Lily's determination and focus to get things done. When her mind is set on something, she will not be denied.
2.  What is your favorite memory this year? Snow skiing for the first time with the kids. Lily picked it up so quickly and had so much fun!
3.  What is your favorite book to read together?  The "Weird School" series. She reads to me much more than I read to her, which I love!
4. What is your favorite activity to do together?  Riding bikes together, or really anything one-on-one. It's fun for me to just listen while she tells me about her life. 
5. What is the most difficult part of parenting this year? Dealing with her "determined" personality. I know it will serve her so well when she's older, but it can definitely test my patience. :)
6. What is the best part of parenting this year?  Watching her try new things and in seeing her mind develop (Reading, school work, playing the piano). She is rapidly learning and it is so fun to see. 
7. What is your favorite song Lily sings?  Probably, "Hello," by Adelle...but really all of her songs. We still love watching videos online together (Jimmy Fallon, Carpool Karaoke, etc.). I just love watching her enjoy those. 
9. What is one parenting trait you wish to improve.  Patience, always. It's difficult, but so necessary - especially as she gets older. 
10.  Any last thoughts?  I love this girl so much. She is such a treat to be around, especially as her personality continues to grow and develop. She is going to be a lot of fun for me to be around as she gets older. 

A life moment

Mom.  Seriously.  Think about it.  If you didn’t have any kids.  Can you imagine when dad is on a work trip and you didn’t have William and I interrupting your shows? Or talking to you while you’re trying to get work done?  How bored would you be?  You are pretty lucky you have us!”

Dear Lily.  You have NO IDEA.  I can't tell you how thankful I am for you, and the AMAZING young woman you are becoming.  

Yet... 

sometimes...

oftentimes after 8pm...

you.drive.me.bonkers 

AND

I. just. want. to. watch. a. show. by. myself. 

SO

go to bed. 

NOW. or. I. might. hurt. you

just kidding.  love mom. (i'm only kinda kidding) 

SERIOUSLY go to bed NOW!!!! 

Love you!

{kissing face emoji.  heart eye emoji} 

unless you come backdown stairs.