Game 6 {2014 World Series}

For all intents and purposes, I write this post as if Game 7 hasn't taken place, because really -- for us, the WS stops at game 6. 

Once upon a time, on a Monday, I was in the middle of changing 2 kids diapers and my phone dings.  It's from my sister Steph, but I couldn't see what she said.  I went back to the text a little later and it said "dad said he's buying us tickets to tomorrow night's game if you can find them cheap."  Umm, what?  So.. the search began.  After hours of research and ticket scouring, we ended up with 2 world series tickets in section 413, row LL.  We were high.  (like, in the stadium)  I texted James "THE BOGENERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!"  I bought us a parking pass (for a mere $200.. to park a car.. yeah), hired a sitter, and drank lots of water.  

Tuesday, I left the house at 4 pm to go pick up James and our friends at Truman.  Traffic was an utter nightmare, and we arrived at Kaufman Stadium at 5:30 pm. :/  After a brief tailgate, we headed in, and almost immediately.. we could feel the energy.  We're talking non-stop chants of "Let's Go Royals!" and people being kind to one another, no pushing, no cursing, high fives.. it was amazing.  And the game.. well, it didn't disappoint either.  It was a euphoric experience, really.  I actually *only* had 1 beer inside the game, just so I could remember it all and take it in.  It was definitely in the top 3 sporting events I've ever been to, though I'm hesitant to say 1 or 2 because you know I'm a Chief first and a Jayhawk second, then a Royal.  I don't really know what else to say, because it's really hard to describe how amazing it was.  So I'll just leave you the photos and say THANK YOU to my dad, from the bottom of my heart.  It sucks the Royals didn't take game 7, but then again -- I guess I don't know that yet ;)  I know there's a lot of people who said going to a World Series game was on their "bucket list," and I'm sure it would've been on mine some day too.. but it's pretty effing cool that I crossed that off at 29 years old ;).  Next stop.. SUPER BOWL :))

 My favorite Royal -- Mike "Moose" Moustakis :)

Did I mention we won 10-0?  Take that, San Fran!~

Ava's 6th birthday {day}

My dearest Ava,

Another year has passed and you're already 6 years old.  Where does the time go?  At 6, you are incredibly spunky, kind, smart, and very sweet.  Your teacher says you are a friend to EVERYONE at school, and we have seen those qualities in you also.  Your favorite tv show is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  You *pretend* not to like the Paw Patrol, but... when it came time to spend your birthday money from Grandpa Rex & Grandma Sam and Grandpa Bob & Grandma Carolyn.. what did you buy?  Skye, from Paw Patrol.   Your brother freaking LOVES Paw Patrol though, and you put up with it for him ;).   You are still a very picky eater.  You eat tacos with just the shell and the hamburger, no cheese or lettuce or salsa.. lol.. and you like just plain 'ol cheese pizza.  Some day though, maybe at the end of the year when you're reading better, I'll show you this blog and you will learn that I've been substituting ground turkey for ground beef for MONTHS now.. and you haven't said a thing.  So that first time you asked me what was so good about the spaghetti?  Hehe.  Joke's on you, sister!   You still like sweets (you get that from me and g-ma C) and fruit, but no vegetables.  And funny enough, you are adamant you despise corn, though you've never tried it.  (you get that from your dad)  In school, you are smart and respectful.  The sentences you write leave us all giggling and aww-ing at your misspelled words but your cute ideas.  (Today, you wrote pumkiin with 2 i's {pumpkin} and you argued with me that you were right)  You have so many best friends at school, but Ben, Ella, Christopher, and Wren get talked about the most.  You have such tomboy qualities in you, but your favorite color is still pink and for your birthday, we bought you HOT PINK UGGS (yes, the real ones.. you'll appreciate this someday).  Again, you get that from me.  You love going to Chiefs games, playing outside, and going to school.  You are an amazing big sister and such a good helper to me.  Actually, I feel like I don't know what I would've done without you these past few months since Finley was born!  6 years ago today, we were getting ready to take you to Ventana for trick-or-treating and you were a ladybug.  :)

You make us all so proud.  Your smile can light up a room, and your laugh fills our hearts with joy.  I was thinking about all of your amazing qualities as I'm writing this and yes, I'm getting a little soppy doing so, but I have one thing this year that I hope never changes.  I hope you never stop being loving and accepting of all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, etc.  You have never once said someone was a different color than you, nor have you said someone was "weird" or "ugly" or anything else derogatory.. and I hope you can keep that quality for your entire lifetime.  It really is true that babies aren't born racist or sexist.. those qualities are learned.  And I hope that we have taught you to be accepting of all people, and it warms my heart to know that you are practicing those things in school and in life at such a young age.  Ok, this is getting preachy.. so I digress.  The bottom line is, you are so grown up for such a young lady, and we are proud of you every single day.   We can't wait to see what the next year holds for you!  Next year, you'll be 7.  Good grief.

All our love,
Mommy & Daddy James
10/30/2014

Kindergarten Fall Party

 Today was the fall party at Ava's school, and I helped put it together as part of the PTA events.  We played candy corn bingo, made ding dong spiders, made pumpkin frames, and had so much fun!
  Thank you to all of the other moms who helped out and thanks to Ava for not being totally mortified that mommy came to school :).  (someday, right?!)

Ava's 6 year pics {part one}

There really are no words, so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  I love you Ava!

Ava's 6 year pics {sneak peek}

MNF - Chiefs vs. Patriots