Josh's Thanksgiving Performance

Josh's Kindergarten Class had their Thanksgiving performance today.  This is my favorite part!  It is just a short clip of a much longer song, but it tells the story well.

I totally cried listening to those sweet little voices singing America The Beautiful.  For a moment all seemed right with the world...

A Day with Michelle

So don't tell, but the boys played hooky one day this week and we spent the day with Michelle!  I don't feel bad since she lives in California and we rarely see her.  And it was well worth it.  The boys had a great time and were so happy to hang out with her.

First we hung around the house waiting for Jill to wake up.  So the boys entertained Michelle with a rousing game of Ring Around the Rosy.  But c'mon, these are boys, we don't just play Ring Around the Rosy, there is a rough and tumble twist.  The boys won't "all fall down" and Michelle has to make them. 

Then when her royal highness awoke, we headed downtown for the Aquarium.  We loved seeing all the fish, but our favorites were the sharks, the rays and the eels.  Then we got to the Tiger Exhibit in time to see the tiger switch.  It was good because the tigers know something is happening so they are up and moving.

Group Pic.

Jake's favorite part, the touch tanks.  He dives right in.  Josh isn't so sure.

Jill wants in on the fun.

Josh finally gets brave.

Mom and Jill check out the fish view.

You have to take a pic with the tiger statue.

The tiger "fishing" in his pond.

Jill's First Birthday Party

Jill had a rockin' first birthday party this past weekend.  We had a few kids, lots of adults and too much fun!

The kids get ready to break open the pinata.  I was lame and made them do the pull-string kind.  I learned my lesson when after pulling all strings it didn't open!  So the kids beat it with their hands until the lid broke off and it fell to the floor!

What I like to affectionately call the "Candy Scramble."  It reminds me of the Calf Scramble at the Rodeo, only with no calves, or dirt, or ropes, or announcer.  So, it doesn't really remind me of it at all.  I just like the name!

Even Jill tries to corral her some grub!

Just too cute!

Jake's turn to help Jill open presents.  They are reading the card.

Next, Josh's turn to help.

Now, Owen's turn to help.

Jill doesn't want to push the stroller, she wants a ride!

Jill pushing Uncle Jim's gift, her own pink popper!

The Princess Cake

Jill, for the millisecond she wasn't trying to rip off her crown.

Jake blows out the candle while Jill eats a princess.

Cake Face!

Jill and Dad

Jill and Uncle Jim

Jill and Auntie Michelle.

Cute Video

I couldn't resist posting this cute video. 

Jill just started playing peek-a-boo by herself and it is SO cute.

Book Character Parade

At Rummel Creek this morning, the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes had a Book Character Parade.  Each kid chose his favorite book character and dressed up for a parade around the school.  It was super fun for the kids as all the other grades lined the parade route to watch and cheer.

Josh went as Scaredy Squirrel (if you have never heard of the books or read them, my family highly recommends them!!!).  The main problem was that, despite the fortunate timing, there were no squirrel costumes to be had this Halloween.  So, we made our own. 

The name tag and "air freshener" are part of the book, so read it!

Josh and the other "animals" in his class.

The whole class.  There were some Darth Vaders, a Batman, a Harry Potter, a Merlin (Josh's best bud and right next to him), a Wolf (from Peter and the Wolf - my fave- thanks Grammy!), and a few Fancy Nancys.  Very cute!

Happy Birthday Jill!

All I can say is, "Happy Birthday, My Little Princess!"

Jill is 1 Year Old today!

I could never have imagined the craziness of having 3 kids.  But I have also witnessed the wonderful and tender side of my 2 boys who love and adore their sister.  The sheer joy that Jill experiences when her brothers get home from school every day is a sight to behold.  And she is Daddy's little princess for sure!

Jill has simply been a marvelous addition to our home.  What a wonderful, blessed year we have had with her!

Halloween

It is that time again! 

The boys love Halloween and lots of thought goes into our costumes each year.  They have to be our most favorite thing in the whole world.  Plus, the candy!!!!  I mean, who doesn't love candy?!?

But like most other years, the boys have a blast running around the playground at the neighborhood party and then only want to trick or treat for about 1/2 an hour or so.  Then we come home and they delight in handing out candy to the kids that come to our door.  Not so many since the first half of the street keeps its lights out (I don't think old people like Halloween, I'm just sayin....).  But mommy likes it quiet!

Here are some pics of the fun...

The house is ready for action...

Mom and the kids carve the pumpkins.

Jills wants to see what all the fuss is about.

My favorite, the puking pumpkin!  Hey, you have to liven it up somehow!

Our normal pumpkins.  Jake carved the small ones with his Cub Scout pocket knife.

The whole gang is ready to go to the neighborhood party.  Jake is Master Chief from Halo, Josh is Toad from Mario Brothers, and Jill is Cinderella.  Minus the crown.

Jake looks darn good!

And now, as before, a visit to Halloweens gone by....

Josh as Boba Fett and Jake as a Clone Trooper, 2008.

Josh as a race car driver (Kyle Busch, shocker) and Jake as a Fire Ninja, 2007.

Jake as the Red Power Ranger, Josh as a garbage man.  Yes, you read that right.  Sigh...., 2006

Josh as Woody, Jake as Buzz Lightyear, 2005.

Jake as The Flash and Josh as Captain America, 2004.