Winter Wonderland

I don't know if I am quite ready for this winter scene. I love the snow in Novemember and December not October. I must admitt I do love the entertainment it provided for my kids this morning while they are out on their "Fall" Break.

Grandma's Birthday!

We went to Grandma Donna's for her birthday party yesterday. It was lots of fun. My kids loved that Grandma Marilyn got them presents for Grandma's birthday. My kids provided entertainment by showing us the tricks they have learned at gymnastics. So much fun! Happy Birthday Grandma!

Heritage Day!

We went to Heritage Day in my home town. It was so much fun. The day started out with us in a parade. You could dress up in heritage clothes but since we didn't know we could actually be in the parade, we just wore our regular clothes. One person from each family wore a name tag bearing the family name and when they settled in Menan. I saw some that said 1921, 1889, etc. Ours said 1977. All the kids were given kazoos to use in the parade. Off we went around the block to the city park. When we got to the city park, there was plenty to do. We made boats out of zucchini. Then headed to the canal to race them. Ours didn't win but at least they didn't sink.
They had other activities too. We made candles, dug for treasures, participated in bobbing for apples, went on a horse and buggy ride, and Gabe even chased a chicken. Well he stood in the pen while other kids chased the chicken. We made dolls out of cloth, a bit of batting and yarn. MaKyra made a necklace out of yarn and buttons and the kids even roped "cows."

What would a heritage day be without foot races? It is always so fun to watch the kids race. They all won a medal and some candy.

Parker and MaKyra tried out the gunny-sack race. That was entertaining. MaKyra made it to the finish. Parker did too but he finally just ran with it. There were so many other activities that I just couldn't get pictures of all of them. MaKyra and Gabe tried out walking on stilts. They had displays for trapping, different rocks from the area, old-time photographs, making tools out of rocks, sticks, and corn husks. Oh, they even had panning for gold. What a great day! I think we found a new tradition. I don't want to miss it ever.

Peyton is 3 yrs old

We had a party for Peyton at Leo's with Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Vance. The kids were excited. I asked Peyton what she wanted to eat for her birthday dinner and while deciding, her siblings suggested our local pizza/playland place. In no time the kids had her talked into going there. It was such a blast. The kids loved it. Peyton got a baby doll and a new doll stroller for her birthday. She was very excited. It was such a fun birthday. I just can't believe Peyton is getting so big!

Peyton's 3rd Birthday!

Peyton had two parties for her 3rd birthday. The first one was at Grandma Linda's and Grandpa Mike's with lots of cousins. She told me all she wanted for her birthday was stickers and suckers. We got her a coloring book with stickers and cupcakes with suckers in them - all her birthday wishes come true. Grandma and Grandpa bought her Strawberry Shortcake toys. She loves them and even wants to sleep with them.

Reeves' Football

The Reeves Boys

VS.

The "Next" Generation

Let the games begin . . .

Peyton with Babies

I just thought this was so cute. Peyton walked in with these babies and said, "Mom, these girls want to watch a show." So they did. They sat and watched the whole thing.

Labor Day

For Labor Day weekend, our family was able to go see our nephew play tackle football. It was so much fun. My kids were excited to hold the banner for the players to run through. MaKyra and Gabe are hiding on the right side and Peyton is hiding on the left.

1st Day of School

The 1st day of school.

Parker started three days before the bigger kids on August 15th. The kindergarten teachers wanted the little ones to get used to the school without all the old kids there. I loved the idea. Parker loves school. What a cutie!

MaKyra is getting so old. I can't believe 4th grade is upon us. She is really liking her new school. It is so fun to hear all the great things her class gets to do this year. She has already had her first project about trees and it turned out great!

Gabe is loving school. He is feeling pretty old in the 2nd grade. He has the same teacher he had in 1st grade so that has made the transition very easy.

Peyton gets to be with just Mom this year. She keeps saying, "When I'm big like Parker, I get to go to school." She still has a few more years and that's okay with me. She is such a fun baby.