Merry Christmas 2007

Our wonderful 2007 Christmas card. For those who are a bit rusty on Cole-ese, here are the real words to the poem:

Let's look into the stable now.
Who do you see inside?
I see baby Jesus sleeping
Mary and Joseph nearby

Jesus sleeps, but has no crib
He sleeps on the hay.
Jesus has no fancy clothes.
He's wrapped in cloth this way.

Tuesday was the Christmas dessert tea at Church. Bryan and I sang in a small choir (about 11 of us) which was fun in a terrifying way. I missed Tiffany, who was going to sit at my table, but she was at the hospital with Joshua. For anyone who hasn't heard about him, look at her blog: tiffslittlebeckwithboys.blogspot.com/ . The most recent update is the as long as the doctors can get a PICC line in he can come home for the meds (hopefully by next week). What a terrible week that little guy has had, and his mommy, too. Tiffany told me he stood for a minute yesterday with a PT's help. Please keep praying. So, after that tangent, here are pictures of the table I decorated.

Our Christmas Tree

Saturday evening we picked our tree. We had a friend stay for the weekend, so she came along and helped. Each year we pick one that almost doesn't fit the house, and this year was no exception.

Hat Night

Cole and I wore our hats to AWANA. He took it off right after the picture and wouldn't wear it for the rest of the evening.

Scout Island

The Starr first graders went on their first field trip on yesterday. They piled onto a bus and drove to Scout Island (San Juaquin River). They used all of their senses and explored the river. The kids were fabulous (as usual) and had such a great time learning new stuff.

Let's party

Last night we invited a few friends over for a party to celebrate Avery's birthday. Avery chose a few from school and a few from Church (it was so hard to split it up), but worked out in the end. We made key chains with beads, decorated our own pizzas with English muffins (everyone ate them and a few had seconds), and ate cupcakes. I think the kids had fun, they played a lot.

And the winner is...

Bryan's car. Or really, Avery's car. It is amazing how much grunting goes on when men have used power tools to make a tiny car decorated with rainbow and glitter. Avery had the 2nd fastest car in Sparks. Great job, Little One.

Wednesday was the AWANA Grand Prix. Bryan helped design it and Avery painted it. I tried to stay away to avoid messing it up (last year I sanded the part for the wheels and screwed it all up). But... this year was different. She had a fast car, and you'll see the results of that in the next post.

Please Help

Papa, we miss you. Look what has happened since you left.

"Now We Are Six"

Okay, so I stole my title from A. A. Milne, but we have been celebrating this week with Avery. It is so hard to believe we have a six year old, but as of Friday, we do. Friday evening we ate dinner and cake at Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's. To add to our evening, Aunt Cheryl was in town, and Quentin took his first 3 steps. Everyone was watching him, but I was looking at Avery open her presents, so I missed it, but I heard they were great. This past year, Avery has finished kindergarten, lost her first teeth, acted in "Annie", and learned so much about Jesus. What an amazing little lady we've got.

More pictures

Good friends- Cole and Annalise. Family friends- Avery, Cole, Rebecca, Rachel, Natalie. Of course, Officer Kyle and Cole- best buds.

Halloween Pictures

Tonight we went to the HArvest Festival at Church. THe kids had fun (who wouldn't have fun playing gaames while eating candy trying to win more candy). Avery was a ladybug with sparkly shoes- which were her a special treat from me since she used an old costume, Cole was Tigger- he wore that thing all day, and Q was a frog prince- hand made by Gramma Jo. The kids had a great time, and were exhausted when we got home. Enjoy the pictures. Oh, one funny story. Our pastor pulled a wagon filled with candy all night passing it out. I told Cole, "Go get a piece of candy from Pastor Jim." He shrugged his shoulders and grabbed a Twix from his basket, said, "I don't like this one" and threw it in the wagon. Apparently he thought I told him to give one to Pastor Jim. Could have been an early lesson in tithing. In exchange he was given 3 pieces from the wagon.

Cobb Ranch

To continue our tradition (our second year) we headed out to Cobb Ranch with our friends. The kids had fun, and when our pockets were empty, which happened quickly this year, we headed home to an exciting evening of grading.

So, when we all think of October 1997, what do we think of? I found out that in that month Ross Perot (Ross Who?- oh yeah) was gathering to discuss the Reform Party. Missouri also decided that salt water may help melt frozen roads. Oh yes, and the KC Chiefs beat out the St. Louis Rams in the 1st ever "Battle of Missouri". I also learned that scientists began to believe that saliva can be studied to check for illnesses with as much success as DNA. "Boogie Nights", "Trekkies", and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" all emerged in theatres (Never seen them, but they sound really really good ;b ). Now I'm sure whoever is reading this is thinking, "Wow, Cory knows some great stuff, but what does it all mean?" On October 26, 1997 Bryan and I spent an adventerous day in Yosemite... seeing a bear, hiking 9+ miles, being stuck many miles from our car, and arriving home way too late to celebrate. It is also the "10yearanniveraryofourengagementday". Sugar, I love you and am so glad I said "yes" to your proposal.

Q walking... well almost

New choir music

I took this Sunday night wgile the kids were practicing their Christmas music. To me, there is nothing better than watching kids (especially mine) singing and dancing. I love the joy even when the notes aren't exact.

Sheldon Ball

Kyle's birthday

Kyle turned 4 last week, so we all celebrated at The Little Gym. The kids all loved tumbling around and eating cake. A fabulous cake made by Tiffany and Amanda. It was a train.

Sting Ray Bay

Last Thursday afternoon, we all went to the zoo. We wanted to see the sting ray exhibit before it was gone. WE must have been too late. I later learned that 19 had died due to a big power outage, but it was fun anyway. The kids enjoyed spending some time with Daddy, and we were able to see a lot of big animals.

Fun days

Two different sets of pictures here. Quentin wore a tuxedo to Marci's wedding last weekend. He was so cute, although Bryan said next time I have to get him dressed. Also, Cole went bowling for the first time. He had fun carrying the very heavy ball. He had a good time with his friends.