MERRY CHRISTMAS 2019!

 

Surprise!  BIG Smiles! 

Reindeer Costume A:

Reindeer Costume B:

 Which Christmas costume would you like, Piper?

Bah-humbug!  I think Piper is ready to move on!

First Grade is FABULOUS!

Kate has so many fun days in first grade.  Her teachers go out of their way to making learning fun!

Secret Spy Day-  The teachers used black lights and played spy music.  The kids had to crawl through the room to complete different missions.  It was an all day event!

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Feast-

 Gingerbread Play Day-

Pancake & PJ Day-

"Nugget" for a Week- Kate got to bring home a stuffed bunny (Nugget) home for a week.  She carried the rabbit with her everywhere and took excellent care of it.  One day, we were getting ready to run to a store which I had previously commented about it being in a shady area.  Anyway, we were getting ready to go to this area again, and Kate must have remembered me talking about it before.  She was walking out of the house with Nugget and then ran back in and very seriously said, “I better leave him at home since we are going to a bad area.”  :):)   I think that was the only time she left him alone all week (for the bunny’s safe-keeping of course).

She took cousin rabbits to play with the cousins!:)

 So far, it's been one very groovy school year! 

Celebrating KATE!

Kate celebrated her SEVENTH birthday in October.  How is this possible??!

She requested a sleepover with Grandpa & Grandma for her birthday- instead of a party.  Did I get off easy or what?! 

On Kate's actual birthday, Grammy & Grandpa Mike came over to celebrate too.  Lots of loving grandparents for this girl!

If Kate scans enough groceries now, perhaps she will want to choose a different career path when she's older.  I still had the desire to scan groceries when I was 16 and could get a job.  After a summer at Kroger, however, I learned that it wasn't as glorious as I once envisioned.  Kate sure makes a friendly cashier though.  I would always choose her lane!

Kate is my only child who enjoys sleeping in.  If I tiptoe down the hallway, Scott and Natalie immediately wake up.  Not Kate though.  She requires a personal wake up shake.  When I wake her up, she is almost always cheerful though and will give me a sweet smile or funny wave.  One morning, I wiggled her awake and she said groggily, "I seriously just went to bed!"  Isn't this how we often feel?! 

Kate LOVES the clip chart at school.  I get the daily report as soon as she gets in the van.  Scott made her a clip chart that she can use at home with her dolls.  Kate had very specific guidelines for him, and he executed beautifully.  I was impressed with the end result.  "Clip up for being a great brother, Scott."

Kate is having a great year in first grade.  She has a tender heart, wants to do the right thing, and has a great sense of humor.  We are proud of her! 

Her teachers have told us how she is very sweet with their class pet, Nugget.  We hear about this big bunny a lot!  Kate made us laugh when she said, "Last year, in kindergarten, we had a plant for our class pet.  I mean, come on people, a plant?"   The teachers have really upped the ante this year!

Happy Belated Birthday, Kate!  We love you!

Fall Break- Tent Fell, My Parents Didn't

My parents recently took a trip to Utah and hiked in all of the state parks.  While there, they tackled one of their big goals which was to make it to the top of Angels' Landing.  I am very proud of them and very happy that they lived to tell about it!  :)  Some of their film footage makes me squirm.  It was a long way down.

Back at home, we were up to our own Fall Break adventures- a.k.a. backyard tent camping.  We made it until just past 1:00 a.m. when fierce winds and rain knocked down a wall to our tent.  Scout was scared and wanted to be as close to "mommy" as possible.  When she rested her head on my pillow, I threw in the towel, and we all made a beeline for the house. Jon would have totally toughed it out all night, but I guess I'm more of a millennial.  When the going gets tough...I sleep inside. 

We had a great day at a state park prior to camping.  The weather was beautiful!  (I've also discovered that the more times we stop for pictures along the trail, the less strenuous the hiking seems.  I'm not sure if Jon is onto my little trick or not, but let's just say, I captured many memories from our day!)

 Two out of three kids enjoyed the cave- can you spot the one with the fake smile? 

What Fall Break would be complete without a trip to the good old pumpkin patch? 

Grandpa Mike and Scott prepared for winter by stocking up on firewood.  Even Scout got in on the action and tried to assist, as pictured below!:)

And POOF it was over just like that.  After a couple of play dates, a little shopping, and family flu shots, our week ended, and we started the next countdown to Thanksgiving Break!