Family Updates - March

 March 4 - Happy 60th Birthday!  We had a family meal together to celebrate Richard's birthday.

 The kids compiled a book of  "Dad-isms" and stories....60 pages worth.  It brings smiles everytime we read through it.

 And in between times, there's plenty of playing with the little ones.

 This is what "waiting for our food" looks like at Wendy's. 

 What?   No phone for Kennedy?  Our baby is getting so big.

 Eli always has lots of smiles!

 Carly and Westin

 Trying to coax a grin from Miss Kennedy.

 Nothing so precious as a napping little boy!

 Getting ready for the Sparks FunFair.  Pretty well fills the living room.

 Each brown bag represents a "game" for the fun fair.

 While Stephen and Freya were busy, busy moving to their new house, Richard and  I got to go to Max and Henry's last Upward Basketball games.  Henry was #11.

 Emmy and Lena came with us for the morning.

 Go, Henry!

 Max had an outstanding game that morning.  Lots of points and great ball-handling!  Of course, I'm not biased!

 Everyone needs a princess on moving day!

 Little Peter.  Growing up way too fast.

 The next weekend I went to Branson to see Grace play in the NAIA tournament.  Exciting games and a fun time to be with my sisters.

 Jordy had a little birthday party with his daycare friends at a bouncy playland at the mall.  Here's Jordy and Eli sitting in the balls.

 Okay, Jordy.....Happy Birthday!  Get ready to blow....

The next weekend was a piano recital with Lisa's piano students.  Joshua played first.

 Good Job, Kayla.  Did you notice her new glasses?

 It will all be okay, Lisa!  :)

 Lisa and I did a duet together.....only because she has had to spend hours practicing for a violin recital and didn't have time to work up a solo.

 While Brian was in Kentucky at a cattle show, Carly and the boys came over in the evenings.  Westin is very good at posing for pictures now.

 Camden, are you playing in the water????

 Tyler, how can you possibly be 6 years old.  I still think of you as our 10 lbs, 11oz baby.  You are just too cute!

 He still loves his "superheroes."  Batman, Superman, Spiderman......and Lego!

Busy Saturday

 I thought I would be in Indiana today to drive back Stephen & Freya's van to be repaired and all plans were changed in 40 minute's time on Wednesday!  So....I decided to drive to Liberty this morning to take in Joshua's Awana Grand Prix and Tyler's basketball game.  Joshua's car did really well....4th out of 24.  But, alas, they gave out awards to the first three places.  Anyway -- Good Job, Joshua!

Hanging out with friends.

 Here's Mr Tyler!  #15   He is great at guarding.  He warned me ahead of time that he doesn't shoot the ball because "the other guy runs faster!"   Yeah, that's why I wouldn't shoot the ball either! :)

 Okay, so maybe Tyler didn't want his picture taken at the moment.

Snacks after the game -- it's the best part!

Happy January!

 Happy 1st Birthday, Little Eli!  How can you already be one year old?

 Eli didn't hesitate trying out his birthday cupcake!

When I went into the toy room to check on the boys, I found Camden perched on the shelf playing.  He's a climber.

Happy December!

 We celebrated Kayla's and Joshua's birthdays the end of November....so a late celebration for Kayla, an early celebration for Joshua.  Kayla had a "Frozen" theme and Joshua was "Baseball."

 10 Years Old!  Sounds awfully grown up.

 The last Awana night before Christmas break, we a "Birthday Party for Jesus" theme.  Made mini-cupcakes for treats.

 And of course, our annual thank you gift to our leaders -- mini loaves of bread.

 Balloons -- Party Hats --  It was fun.  P.S. this is only the left hand side of the room :)

 Stephen, Freya and the children arrived on the 20th.  Thankful for clear weather to travel and they made super good time, even with little Peter.

 Peter isn't the little newborn baby that I last saw in September.  Such a good little guy.

 There's even time to have piano lessons while at Grandma's.  

 Could hardly wait for the cousins to be together.  Here's some "Girl-Time" going on with Lena, Emmy, and Kayla!

 Mealtime is always fun.  Sometimes it is just easier for the mama's to fill all the plates ahead of time.

 The kids opened their stockings at breakfast before everyone arrived.

 Emmy, Lisa and Peter

 With all the battery toys around, Eli and his green doughnut were constant pals!

 Our family gift exchange.  23 of us.

 Joshua and Max received a latch hook kit and Aunt Rebecca showed them how to get started!  She was the "Latch Hook Queen" during her 4-H days.

 This was the year of "Frozen."  Frozen doll, Frozen fuzzy blankets, "Frozen Nightgowns.

 The boys discussing the new Lego project.

 This was the first gift I opened.

 Oh, my goodness.  I immediately had a stress attack, but you know, it was a success; and here is the proof!   It only took two boxes of fruit snacks, $1 bills,  going to CiCi's for pizza, and an EXCELLENT photographer!  (Billye's Portrait Studio)

 Westin turned 3 December 28 and guess what the theme of his birthday was.....JOHN DEERE!

 Brian made the cake.  I'm totally impressed!

 I got this idea of how fun it would be to make the 4 girls matching dresses for Christmas -- different patterns, same fabric.  Yes, it was fun, but I was still sewing on them the day before Stephen's family arrived.  I didn't like Kayla's Dress #1, so I ended up making a second dress.  So, actually I made 5 dresses :)

 Emmy turned 3 January 1.  That called for girlie type cupcakes with fluffy white icing and pink sprinkles!

 One last family gathering.  What a wonderful time we had together!

A Fun Post

 Kennedy made the perfect Cabbage Patch Baby.  Rebecca's workplace invites the employees' children to work to go trick or treating!  It's great to go from cubicle to cubicle and end up with a bucket full of treats!

 Rebecca's friend made the hat/hair!

 Mr Jordy was Thomas the Train...until we took Thomas "off" to go down the steps.  Thomas the Train didn't go on again!

 Okay, Jordy, just one more picture!

 Went to church with the Nelsons and after lunch had a little photo session.  Tyler and Grandpa!

The kids are growing up so fast!