Christmas Break!

The kids have had a blast during Christmas break. We spent a few days back in PK with the family. There never seems to be enough time to see everyone. I'm sorry to those of you I missed and those who we were only able to see briefly.

We had Christmas with Grandma Helen, Uncle Jon and Uncle Rick (and the rest of the clan) on Saturday afternoon. Saturday night we had dinner and opened presents with Grandma Lynn and then on Sunday we had another big dinner at Grandpa John's house. I think I gained 10 pounds that weekend!!! Everything was great...especially the tears of joy from Mom and Dad when they opened their Christmas present from us. We had a portrait taken of our entire family (my sisters, me , our husbands and the kids). It was a great surprise.

We got home in time for Santa. It was nice to be home and have a relaxing time opening presents and playing with the kids all day instead of rushing from house to house to see everyone. We've even been able to do some sledding. The kids LOVED that we had a white Christmas.

Crazy Neighbor!!!

I didn't have my camera handy or I would've taken a picture of this one. It is below freezing today and my neighbor was mowing his lawn!! Now that is dedication...or insanity!!

Basketball...

Abbey's basketball game went WAY better than the tournament they played in a few weeks ago!! They won their game 45 - 6 !!! Abbey was quite the defensive player. I was amazed by how aggressive she was on the court. She also had three steals and 2 rebounds. Great job girls!!

Happy Holidays...

FROM OUR



CRAZY FAMILY





TO YOURS!!!!

Snow!!

We got the first snow of the season on Friday night.
The kids couldn't wait to go outside and play when they got up Saturday morning.

My favorite part is warming up afterwards with cookies and hot cocoa.

Last of the Thanksgiving Pictures!

Eli and cousin Keaton chillin' out watchin' some tv.

Me and my sweet cuz, Kari.

Aunt Lauri and cousin Keith

Uncle Kevin and Mike...DORKS!!

Scary...isn't it?
Thanks again Turner's. We had a great time hanging out with you for the holiday. I don't think it would've been the same without some of our family around to share it with us.

More Thanksgiving Pictures!

Thanksgiving Day!

Mike and I decided to stay home and fix our own Thanksgiving Dinner this year. The Turner's came up to spend the day with us! We ate WAY TOO MUCH, watched football, of course, and had a great time hanging out! Thanks for coming up guys!!!

Turkey Coma!!

Had to post this picture of everyone veggin'-out after our big Thanksgiving Feast.

Playtime in PK

Abbey brought her friend, Megan, to Parsons last weekend. On Sunday we went and picked up her friend Rhyder to spend the day with us as well. I think they had a good time together - even though we kept pretty busy!! We miss you Rhy-Rhy!!

Our Week With Sarah

Let the Season Begin!!

Abbey (#24) had her first basketball tournament last weekend. They played some pretty good teams. They gave it their all, but lost every game. One of the teams they played against went to Nationals last year, so I'm sure you can imagine how tough they were.

Turkey in Disguise!

Eli had to do a family project for school. We had to disguise a turkey, so it would survive Thanksgiving Dinner...lol!! It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that he wanted it to be spiderman!!

Stuff Happens!!!

We had to say goodbye to the Malibu last week. I got rearended by a big Ford 4x4 pickup and my little car didn't stand a chance against it. Luckily, I had just dropped the kid off at school, so I was alone in the vehicle. I was only sore for a couple of days, so all is well with us. We found this 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan and decided it was time for a minivan...the car never seemed to have enough room!!

Eli's 50th Day of Kindergarten

The kindergarten classes dressed in 50's garb for the 50th day of school. This picture was in the school newsletter yesterday. Eli is in the back row - 4th from the left. I didn't think he would want to dress up, but he was really into it. He even let me slick his hair back. I love it when the kids let me play dress-up with them...LOL!!!

Poetry

Abbey was proud of this poem she wrote for her English class, so I thought I'd share it with you all.

Eli and Tiger

Eli no longer wants to be Peter Parker/Spiderman when he grows up. Now he wants to be Tiger Woods. He still loves Spiderman, but now he spends the majority of his free time playing golf and watching it on tv. He has to wear "Tiger shirts" (polo shirts) to school almost everyday. Here are a couple of pictures he drew of himself with his new hero.

Magic in Manhattan 5K

The kids spent the weekend with Grandma Lynn in PK , so that I could go to Manhattan and run the "Magic in Manhattan 5K" with my BFF, Jenna. I had a such nice time with her and Miss Bridgette on Sunday. Thanks for having me!

Birthday Cupcakes!

Uncle Travis thought it would be a good idea to pick up some cupcakes to celebrate Tori's 9th birthday since we are staying in Marion to have her party next weekend. Thanks for the sweets...they sure looked yummy!! I bet you didn't save one for ME!!

MUUUAH!!!!

Eli wanted to blow a kiss just for you, Grandma Lynn.

The Many Faces of Eli

Eli and I had a little time to ourselves yesterday afternoon. The girls were gone so we went outside and enjoyed playing with his remote control trucks. He was pretty silly. Here a just a few of his MANY poses.

Proud Parents!

Tori was chosen by her teacher as the "Student of the Month". She was so excited and anxious to use the coupons she got from area businesses. She couldn't wait to see her picture in the paper.

Yummy Homework!

Abbey's science class just finished a unit on plant and animal cells. The teacher asks them to use their imaginations and build a 3D replica of a cell using whatever they chose. Abbey made hers out of a giant chocolate chip muffin, frosting, twix, twizzlers, jello and Mike & Ike's. Her

whole class had fun eating it after her presentation.