Ridin' the train

Final post for tree hunting. The kids are taking a short run on the barrel train. Pretty up to date - even had seatbelts. We had a lot of sleeping kids by the time we got home!!

A few more shots of posing kids. The little guy in the red coat is Solomon Beauchamp. His dad, David, has been Lindsey's good friend literally since birth. He is about fourteen months old and little cutie. Katie was thrilled to find someone smaller than herself.

More Christmas Tree Hunting

Christmas Tree Hunting

You don't need camo or firearms for Christmas Tree hunting. A bunch of excited kids is usually enough to get things going. We went to a new tree farm this year where you sat on hay bales as the tractor / trailer took you up the hill to the back '80' of trees. When we got back the kids visited with Santa, posed behind a picture board and took a ride on a 'barrel train'. All in all a great day. We even got some beautiful trees!

Just a short video showing everyone visiting.

Here Ryan & Steph find out Tyler & Jerilyn are moving back to finish Ty's degree. Tyler had already told Lindsey (in Italy) and Shane (in L.A.)but we thought an early Christmas present would be appropriate for the other two siblings!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008!!

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving! We have had a great day here with lots of noise, chaos, love etc. etc. Thru the magic of skype we were able to see and visit with Shane, Christy & Alex in L.A., Tyler, Jerilyn & Jackson in Santa Barbara and John & Lindsey in Italy!! We were even able to pull three laptops together so they could see each other and we could all visit. I'll be loading a number of pictures today and a few videos. One video is where Steph & Ryan find Tyler & Jerilyn will be moving to Manhattan, KS to finish his degree and then (hopefully) find a home in Missouri. We realize we may only have them here for a short time but we'll take what we can get. Enjoy!!

The Counting Song

This video is the class singing 'the counting song'. Notice Noah's fingers as he sings. During several of the songs that required hand movements he kept his hands in his pockets as if he was afraid they would embarrass him! We finished the day with bringing all the kids home with us for Thanksgiving. Mom & Dad will be up tomorrow night.

Oops

This little video is of the class singing 'the red' song. I've uploaded it because of the cute carryover that happens at the end. Noah was quick to point out that it was NOT him.

Noah's Grandparents Day

Here are some shots of Noah's first grandparents day. The entire kindergarten class wore vests and headdresses they had made in art. As you can see Noah was on the front row but often turned around flirting with the girls behind him!

Alex's missing tooth

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX!!! Alex lost her first tooth. She has been watching carefully for any signs of loose teeth since last spring (her dentist told her it was coming). She called and let us know she had one that was loose but I guess it was very happy in her mouth - it took a L O N G time to finally come out. She is wearing an outfit Jeff (Pat's brother) bought for Shane approx 37 years ago - there is another bought for Steph at the same time. Jeff bought these when he was overseas in the Navy. Alex sure looks great with her parasol from Chinatown.

Come On In!

This little video is just because Katie uses 'yep' and 'sure' a l o t!! And it is really cute. I got a kick out of how cheerfully she answered Ryan.

Katie discussing dinner Nov. 08

This is just a few minutes of my conversation with Katie about her day and what was for dinner. We had worked hard and she was a tired little girl. When I turned off the camera she smiled and said "All done?"

Katie & Caleb

I spent the day today with Joy, Katie & Caleb. As you can see Caleb opened his eyes long enough to see what was going on and then back to sleep. He is eating more and his face is a little bit longer and not quite as round. We managed to get Katie's room set up and the office transformation into Caleb's room is on the way. I'll upload some videos tomorrow!

Stair Master!!

This video is just to make you laugh. Dexter has conquered the stairs in his own special way. Watch his back legs as he 'bounces' down the steps behind the big dogs. He knows no fear!!

...............Several folks have asked to see Dexter's Condo. It is a second story condo with a living room / kitchen combination, a cozy heated bedroom and a huge bathroom. We've looked for an entertainment center but for now he has to be content with chew bones. As dog dwellings go - it's not bad!!

This video is just a few seconds of one of Seth's class songs. They also sang "Coming to America" - a version I'm not sure Neil Diamond ever performed ;-) We were proud of Seth for knowing all the words to the songs!

Seth's Grandparents Day

Here are a few shots taken today at Seth's Grandparents Day. The kids put on a great presentation celebrating America. We learned the symbols of the Statue of Liberty (Seth supplied the torch) and even the symbolism behind how the flag is folded. We then went to Seth's room and saw some of his work. Thanks Seth - we had a good time!!

Caleb's First Halloween

This is the response we got when we asked Katie to 'smile big' while holding Caleb.

Halloween 2008

Here are a few shots of Halloween. Jeff & Steph brought the kids to Gower. Pat & I watched Caleb & made soup while everyone else went trick or treating. Audrey was a High School musical cheerleader, Katie was Tinkerbell, Seth was the 'evil spiderman' and Noah was Batman. Pretty scary bunch!!

A few close-ups

Here are some pictures taken Thursday afternoon. Katie spent Wenesday and Thursday night with us. She was a bit traumatized until I showed her how much fun shopping could be!! Joy and Caleb were able to come Friday afternoon (Halloween Day).