AWANA Grand Prix

The kids had their Grand Prix a few weeks ago. They worked on painting their cars. Bryan was teaching, so I didn't take a lot of pictures. Q even won 1st in the Cubbies race.

Trade Fair

Avery's class participated in a Trade Fair last week. They were asked to make at least fie items to trade with other students. They had to use only things from home, nothing newly bought. Avery did her paper twirling. She traded for a cotton ball snowman, an amazing wooden box, 2 leather ropes, a leather wallet, a tissue paper flower. It was a great lesson for the kids to learn how Indians traded long ago.

Q's pledge

Holey Lobes, Batman!

Yesterday as an early birthday present, Avery was surprised with getting her ears pierced. She desperately wanted to after she and her friends began a club for those who "really, really want to get their ears pierced or already have them done". She was so brave. I know one picture is super blurry,but they did it so fast I couldn't get the focus on her.

Camping with the Nybergs

We went to Morro Bay a few weekends ago with Ryan and Shawna Nyberg (and Liam). We had a great time relaxing and playing. Cole learned to fly a kite, Avery made friends everywhere we went,a and Q was a great little camper. Can't wait for next year.

WARNING: July and August are missing

Somewhere WAY too early in August, the kids began school. Avery is in 4th grade with Mrs. Riding and Cole is in first with Mrs. McTaggart. So far i has been a good year, although a bit lonely for Cole and me. Almost all the other kids were split between the other two classes, so Cole is working on making new friends.I don't know any of the parents in his class, not a one!
Avery is beginning the flute and has a lot of homework. She is definitely going to have to work hard this year.

July 4

Sunday morning was our July 4 choir performance. I joined Bryan for it, even though I'd missed a few practices because I was sick. Later in the day we had a bbq at Tiffany's , then headed to Buchanan High for fireworks. There were bounce houses for the kids, food, and a few families from Church. The kids enjoyed the fireworks. Q thought they were too loud, but enjoyed watching them with his ears plugged. He actually fell asleep that way.

Now Cole is 6

Wednesday Cole turned the big 6. He was home sick from school with a fever, but we had a great time anyway. We watched movies and sang while he ate yogurt and toast. Friday afternoon was the first day of vacation and his party. The ocean came to life in our dining room. We turned our light into a jellyfish, hung Avery's ocean art from the ceiling (that was the theme in her class this year), served "sea" food and played water games. For dinner we had octopus hotdogs, shell macaroni, blue jello, and blue punch. We decorated the table with gummy worms and varieties of gold fish crackers. The cake was shaped like a fish (but was really cupcakes). Cole had a great time celebrating with his friends.

Hopefully 6 will be as great as five. During this past year Cole perfected his bike riding, began school, learned to read, learned to control his temper- mostly, lost a tooth, continued to love LEGOS, and deepened his Bible knowledge. He is a sweet little boy who loves to love people. We love him and thank God for the gift of raising him.

A neglected event

I completely forgot to post this picture (and event). On Easter, Cole was playing and hit his tooth a little looser than it had been. I helped him pull it out a few days later. It was a big event, and the day the first tooth falls out, the kids instantly become more grown-up looking. That well known fairy also bought him a silver dollar.

Angel Babies Walk

Saturday our family participated in the Hinds Hospice Angel Babies walk/run. We trekked around Woodward Park walking in the 2 mile walk followed by the kid's run. This year my friend Christa started a group called Caleb's Cruisers in honor of her son (he died of SIDS at three days old) and we were on the team. It was so special seeing families love and miss their babies in such a sweet way.

AWANA Grand Prix

Last Wednesday the kids participated in the Grand Prix. They each worked on their cars, sanding them and painting them (Q painted the bottom of his because that was where he chose to paint). We had a fabulous evening, and even though none of the kids won for speed, they left smiling. Quentin's car won 4th place for the design of his (over 100 cars).

Open House (part 2)

Avery's school also had Open House. They have been working on sea life, so the room was decorated with jelly fish, sea urchins, and their ocean reports. Avery has loved Mrs. Dooley (I'm convinced that so far, our kids have had the best teachers in their schools). Avery proudly showed off her room, her friends, and the wonderful things she has learned in 3rd grade.

Open House

Cole's class is in a teeny portable while their class is being remodeled, so Mrs. Baucher's night was on a smaller scale than Avery's was. I still loved watching him brag about all that he'd done. We are so proud of him. Avery's comment for the night that made me laugh, "Boy, this brings back a lot of memories," as she shook her head. Oh how she's matured and wised up in those three years.

Green toilet anyone?

I haven't posted any construction pictures, but here is the new bathroom. See that potty, the eyes are still working, it really is white... and the tub... and the sink- yep, white. 1950 meet 2010. Bryan and John (my cousin's hubby) have been working hard to update/ de-green the bathroom. Now we have a green sink, toilet, and tub for anyone who wished to go retro, just let me know.

Our newest VISITORS

I say VISITORS because they will not be staying. Saturday Avery called me out and said there was a cat in our shed. I went out to check and saw a terrified mama and two kittens (later to find out there are 3). We've had two huge storms over the last few weeks with many inches of rain, and these poor babes were soaked. I fed them and finally was able to catch the mama. They are now in our garage, still scared, but relaxing a bit. The mama is still nursing them and even ate treats out of my hand so I could put flea meds on her neck. The kittens are adorable and will soon be looking for a new home.

Finishing (x2)

Avery finished her AWANA book this week. It is the first in the T & T group (3rd and 4th grade). We are so proud of her and the many verses she is memorizing. She truly has an amazing memory.

Bryan and I also finished a quilt for Ryan and Shawna's wedding, and yes it was a few years ago. But we did get it done before their first baby arrives, so we are on top of it. Here it is.

Day at the MET

This past Sunday we took the kids to the Fresno MET to see the Dr. Seuss exhibit with friends. Little did we know it was the last day it would ever be open. Monday it was bankrupt. We had so much fun. Their Christmas trees were decorated in Seussical themes. We had a blast. The museum will be missed.