What We Do On A Snow Day

Sled down a hill...

Take a nap...

Play a game...

Eat a grilled cheese sandwich...

...and yummy soup.

Also, we read books, baked bread, addressed Christmas cards, and watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Finding Our Tree

We took our annual trip to the Christmas tree farm last week. We chose the right place, because finding a great tree was not difficult. There were many beautiful trees to choose from...

The kids had fun walking around looking at all the trees. They would find one they liked and put a branch over it to mark it so we could find it again...

Halloween Fun

A friend and I organized a little Halloween party for kids this past weekend. The kids played games, decorated cookies, and did a pumpkin craft. It was slightly chaotic, but we expected that. The kids all had a great time, I think. We're brainstorming ideas for next years party...

Balloon popping craziness
Mummy time!

Most of the group

Crusoe

I don't watch very much T.V, but when Trevor told me about a program showing tonight, I knew I wanted to see it. It is Crusoe. It is based on the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and we happened to read the book together earlier this year. Tonight was the premier, and it was two hours long. Amazingly, we were able to watch the entire program, and we both enjoyed it. Of course the story has been embellished a bit, but that just made it more entertaining for me. I love the relationship between Crusoe and Friday. And the drama that is already unfolding. Oh, and the gentleman who plays the part of Crusoe, Philip Winchester...totally hot! Can't wait till next week!

Every little boy needs one...

...oh make me a red cape

I want to be Superman...

~John Mayer

I recently purchased some red fabric to decorate for Hannah's "High School Musical" birthday party. As I was waiting to have the fabric cut, I pondered in my mind what four yards of red fabric would be useful for after the party. And then it occured to me. A superman cape, of course! Trevor had one when he was younger that I made for him so he could be like a favorite computer game hero, Pajama Sam. He loved it. And I don't know where it is now, but it got so much use that I'm sure we trashed it. Doesn't matter though, because I had the makings for a brand new one, special for Benny. And with left over fabric, I'll make a second one for Ben's little friend Harrison.

Back to School!

Trevor, 7th grade! I can hardly believe it. He is growing up before my very eyes. He is taller than me. He is smarter than me. Well, at least in math. The boy is taking Geometry this year. Normally a 10th grade class. He'll be earning a high school credit for it which is great. He continues to amaze me with his success in school. Hannah, 3rd grade. On to a new school. Oak Grove is 3rd through 5th grades. She adjusts so well though. Even though none of her closest girlfriends were in her class, she was still very excited and ready for 3rd grade. She is already bringing home books from her classroom library, and I'm sure this will be another great school year for her.


Ben and Ava braved the big world of preschool yesterday. They had different feelings about the idea of going, though. Ava was very excited and even said she was going to be a big girl and stay without Mommy there. Ben, on the other hand, was a little nervous, as the pictures show. He wanted me to stay the whole time. But after a few minutes on the playground and having his teacher come over to him and talk to him a bit, he loosened up and was doing well when I left. They will only be going two days a week. Just enough to get some social interaction and experience a structured, school like environment. It will be strange for me to be without any children for 2 1/2 hours on those days. I'm sure I'll get used to having some free time to get things done...

Clear Lake

Clear Lake in the morning
Nichole, Hannah, and Ben at Sahalie Falls
Getting the fishing poles ready for morning, Ben said, "What does your taco box do daddy?" (He was referring to his tackle box.)
Koosah falls
My dad and his dog, Sam
Mmm....smores!