I had a wonderful birthday this year thanks to my family and incredible husband. We started the day with a trip to the pumpkin patch. There is something about this place that I just love. How could you not...fresh peaches, strawberries, apples, pumpkins...something wonderful year round.

Jamie planned some time for me at a spa and then took me out to dinner at a restaurant that rotates while you eat. It has such amazing views of the city lights and the arch. Just gorgeous and so fun to get all dressed up together. I am thankful for a husband that likes to celebrate moments together...even the small moments. And yes, he is taken and he's all mine.

This is a funny picture to me. In the parking lot that night was a toyota solara, which was the first car I bought myself and I LOVED it. It was sort of like my dream car. We parked across from it in our Odyssey and it just made me laugh how much my life has changed in the past 10 years.

We met my parents in Columbia for the afternoon the next day. We played at the park and had a nice dinner together.

Never say never

Dear 16 Year Old Nikki,

Remember the other day when you said you would never drive a mini van? You are now almost 33 years old and practically jumping up and down over your new Odyssey. Never say never.

The Beginnings of Fall

Lainey is going to pre-school 3 days a week this year and is loving it. Makes me happy that she enjoys school so much. She has some fabulous teachers and is in the same building as Jamie so he peeks in her window a few times a day and tells me that she is always right in the middle of the action. Boy do I miss her though. Three days a weeks feels like a lot to me...guess it's good preparation for kindergarten next year. Daddy's 30th birthday was a couple of weeks ago. We sent him on a weekend trout fishing trip with one of his best friends and took this picture right after he got home. This is our new birthday hat...pretty cute huh! Can you tell how much Jamie LOVED wearing it? He just couldn't turn his little girl down when she put it on his head : )

We have been loving our Saturday morning soccer games. I never thought that Lainey would be timid doing anything, but she is when she plays soccer. Jamie has been working with her to be a little more aggressive. I think it's sweet though, she always cheers for the other team when they score...such a thoughtful girl : )

Wild, little man in the middle of the goal (while the team was heading his way with the ball!) The boy just wants to be in the middle of it all. Have I called him wild a lot lately? Seems to be the most fitting word, or maybe ferocious. Love having a little boy!

One of our favorite fall traditions...apple picking at Eckerts. Love living down the street from an orchard.

What a Summer

This was a fabulous summer. So fabulous in fact that we've been living it up and I haven't updated the blog in a while. So, per my momma's request here are way too many pictures of the past few months... I officially became a soccer mom this summer and am proud to say that I am the loudest mom at the games. Lainey likes it at this point in her life, not sure what she'll think of my cheering her on in a few years : )

We visited Grant's Farm

and the zoo

homemade salsa with things we grew in our garden

Little man took his first steps

Lainey and I had a special "girl day" and she got her first pedicure

We read our first chapter book

We went to Starlight in Kansas City to see Cinderella with my family

We had some good, quality cousin time

We enjoyed the new playhouse my parent's and Seth built in memory of my great grandma

We played all day at an in-door water park

We celebrated the 4th of July at a small town carnival

We added a new member to the family...my niece, Malloree Grace

We had a wonderful vacation in Branson with Jamie's family

We visited Silver Dollar City and Lainey met two of her favorites

We got small glimpses of what it must have been like growing up in the O'Dell house : )

We found out that another member of the family is on his way! Baby boy #3 will arrive in January for Brian and Crystal!

We caught a glimpse of our daughter's driving ability. Yikes!

Praising God for a Miracle

I have been praising God in my heart all week for a wonderful blessing He has allowed me to be a part of. The little boy above is Luke Pope. He is the son of my closest childhood friend Danielle. Danielle and I have a long, wonderful history together that began when I was 4 years old. Our lives growing up were intertwined in so many ways and she is dear to me. Though we are not in each other's lives on a daily basis now, when we talk and catch up it's as if we have never been apart. I love her so very much.

About a month ago, Luke, who is 9 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors scheduled a surgery right away and began making preparations for it. The Lord gave Travis and Danielle the wisdom to get a second opinion as the neuro surgeon was uncertain exactly what type of a tumor it was. They came to St. Louis to a Children's hospital that is only about 20 minutes from our house. At their first appointment, the MRI showed that the tumor was slightly smaller than it had been. They were hopeful that it would continue to shrink and scheduled another MRI a week later. At that appointment, they found that the tumor shrunk such a significant amount that it made the doctors question if it ever was a tumor to begin with. They decided that there was no need for surgery and will continue to monitor his progress in the months to come. The doctors could not explain what happened in scientific terms. Danielle and Travis were quick to tell them that they believed this was a miracle and that the Lord chose to heal Luke. I feel so thankful to have witnessed this process and to celebrate with them how great is our God! Danielle and Luke right after the good news! Jamie and I were blessed to get to keep the Pope's other kiddos while they were at the appointment. Their family celebrated with a mini vacation in St. Louis after. So happy for them!

Lainey, Abigail, Samuel and Ethan

Playing princess

Some cute, well behaved, little men! Made Jamie and I excited for the years ahead with Cooper.