GRANDMA PARTY

Each year grandma Joyce sends us some money to have a GRANDMA PARTY. In previous years we have just gone to lunch and to a movie, but this year we broke out from the norm and really had so much fun! We went to the Outer Limits Fun Zone. They have a huge play area, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, and tons of food. The little kids had a blast in the kids area, swinging, climbing, and riding rides. The bigger kids (Tommy and Avery included) spent tons of money on tokens, but ended up with hundreds of tickets!! After a few hours there we were in great need or nourishment...

Where better to fill our bellies than Golden Corral? Well, it's not our favorite, but the kids LOVE it- especially the dessert buffet! It's hard to get pictures while everyone is eating, but believe me- we had so much fun!

Since we filled our bellies, we needed to work it off again- so we went swimming at the Clarion Inn! The kids were super hyper from all that sugar, so it was the perfect way to work it all off. The water was FREEZING!! But that didn't seem to slow anyone down. It was such a fun day to spend together. Thanks Joyce for the great memories- they are priceless!

Go West!!

Each year the kids get to perform in a program- This, the 4th grade year, was a program about settling the west. It was really cute and the kids did such an amazing job. They rehearsed their parts individually and had group practices, then they performed for the whole school and then for the parents. I was so proud of Tommy. He really got into his part and did phenomenal. I did get lots of video!!! I am always so proud of my kids when they work so hard and do so well. Way to go Tommy!

*Note: This is for the embarrassment of Tommy EXCLUSIVELY!!!*

This beautiful girl is Sari. Tommy likes her A LOT! They have liked each other since 1st grade. I thought it fitting to get a picture of the two of them together. Aren't they adorable.

Fabulous FIVE!!!

I can't believe my baby is FIVE!!! It seems like yesterday that he was just a baby. Timothy has grown up so much this year. He is loves to do just about anything-especially if Tommy is involved. He is such a good helper around the house, he is so loving and is always willing to give someone a hug. He is the highlight to our lives and he is definitely spoiled because of that.

So this year when I asked Timothy what he wanted to do for his birthday, it took about a half a second for him to respond "BOWLING!" So that's what we did. It was so much fun, and a little hectic, to take several little boys bowling. I laughed so hard when the ball rolled down the wrong lane, or when the balls were thrown up into the air rather than down the lane, or when the boys would run up to the line-stop-then lightly roll the ball!!

So, when I asked what kind of cake Timbo wanted he said "Star Wars LEGO cake"- HUH? That one came out of left field, but we went in search of a cake and this is the one we found. I think it turned out pretty good. Guess what else? It was a blueberry muffin loaf instead of a cake!! Timothy had some pretty random requests, but it all turned out yummy.

Boy he is handsome!!! I love his light blonde hair, his bright blue eyes, and his smile. I love his laugh, and his ability to love! I am so blessed to have him in my life. Happy Birthday little man!!!!

She's SEVEN!!!

I can't believe my Siera Bug is SEVEN!!!! The years just seem to fly by. This year she wanted to have her friends over for a cowgirl party. There was even a special request to put a horse on the cake (again). She was so cute running the invitations all over. It was so fun to see her so excited about her party.

Here are her friends-Anna Belle, Emalee, Brenna, Nichole, and Taylor... (Bella came a little later)

Some of the games we played were "Pin the tail on the HORSE"- my friend Janette drew this horse and it was AMAZING!! They had so much fun spinning each other around. I should've made it harder for them!! Then there was the PENNY DROP- they each had 10 pennies and they had to get as many in their team's jar as they could. That was a lot harder than it looked. Then Siera's FAVORITE- the Pinata!!! Now that was a tough one to crack- literally. Each girl hit the pinata at least 10 times, then we had Tommy try- finally we just put the thing down on the ground and beat it until it opened. We had so much fun though- and there were lots of fun prizes!!


Then it was time for the horse cake. My sister taught me how to make my own fondant and so this is my first attempt at a fondant cake. I thought it turned out ok, and Siera loved it so that's all that matters right? And the inside was sooooooo delicious!! That was a homemade chocolate cake with chocolate pudding in the center- oh I'm drooling just remembering it!



And the funnest part of any party is the PRESENTS right? Well, Siera was totally spoiled, not only from her family but her friends got her some great things too. One of her favorites was a jewlery making kit- she even made me a matching necklace and bracelet set!!



Every year the kids get a photo shoot specifically for their birthday. It is just them. They get to pick their outfit and we just have fun. This year we went to my friends studio and just had a blast trying new things. I still can't believe how grown up she looks. I know I say that every year- but it is true every year. She is just getting too big. However, I am so blessed to watch her grow. I am so grateful that this beautiful girl is my daughter. She has a giggle that is contagious, a smile that can light up the world, she is caring, thoughtful, incredibly giving and very smart. I love you Siera Bug!!! And Happy Birthday!

Ice Fishing

This winter has been so weird. There has been almost NO snow, and the temperatures, even though it's been cold, have been fairly nice. One of our favorite family activities is to go fishing- even on the ICE!! The kids love to play in the snow and ice. The girls had so much skating and dancing on the ice, Timothy just wandered and played- he also kept an eye on the poles- and Tommy was EVERYWHERE. He was fishing with the adults, pulling the little kids in the sled, slipping and sliding all over and sledding down the hill himself. It was such a nice day, and we even caught a few fish. Grammy bought a brand new pink pole and broke it in by catching a tiny little fish. She also caught one on Josh's pole- even Papa caught one! Overall it was a very successful, FUN day!!

Welcome 2012

Can you believe it's 2012 already? Last year went by so fast and we had so much fun. Normally on New Year's Eve we all get together and play games, eat yummy food and stay up as late as we can. This year was a quite affair- it was just the 6 of us with Grammy and Papa! We sure had fun though. We all made it until about 12:01 then it was time to head home and go to sleep. We love starting the New Year with our family. It just makes it a wonderful start to the year.

Christmas at School

Each year the kids perform in a program. Depending on their grade determines what time of year they present. This year, the 3rd grade (Savana) presented the Christmas program. She was so cute as a little tree! She was soooo adorable prancing around and singing all those fun songs! I wish I could put up a video, but it's just not gonna happen. But here are a few pictures from it. The middle picture is of Savana and Halle who have been friends since pre-school! They sure are beautiful posers!

I promise that Tommy and Siera had Christmas festivities as well, but I just wasn't there to capture it on film. I did make it to the Pre-school party. Santa came to visit there as well. Each of the kids got a turn to sit on his lap and tell Santa what they wanted- Timothy said he wanted a NERF gun! Then he gave each child a gift (puzzle) and then they sang him a few songs. These little tykes sure are adorable!

A visit from SANTA

Have you ever wanted to catch Santa Claus in the act of putting gifts under the tree? It's every kids DREAM!! This year, we caught the jolly elf in the very ACT!!!