December '09
The kids' first time sledding. It was a good year to buy a sled, we had so much snow! The first time the kids took the sleds out it was just in our backyard. We have a tiny hill on the east side of our yard that they really enjoyed. In fact we took them to sled over by Kohl's and I think they would have rather just stayed in the backyard. They were leery at first about the bigger hill, but did enjoy themselves. The rest of the times they just went out back.
12/21/09
We rang 2010 in with the Sumner's. The kids couldn't wait for Derrek and Brandon to come over for the "party". Basically it was the adults sitting around talking while the kids had a blast playing. I think we rang the new year in at about 9pm or so. We had champagne and sparkling grape juice. The kids blew the horns FOREVER!
I just decided to add all the pictures from December. They include our gingerbread house (I must not have taken the finished product), the kids' Christmas programs and presents. Plenty of snow this Christmas! We had to cancel our plans for Christmas and reschedule them because we had so much snow. The nice part was being able to stay at home all day on Christmas. We did end up getting sick and didn't get to see the Cunningham's while they were here. Even though it was a bit of a mess we still had a great Christmas!!
10/31/09
This year we went to Omaha for Halloween and joined the Lindsey family. First we celebrated Mason's birthday, then ate, then got ready to trick or treat. We walked for hours getting candy. I didn't think Madi was ever going to wear out!! We had to have walked several miles that night, but the kids had a blast. This was the first year we just went door to door in a neighborhood.
10/29/09
It was raining during Trunk or Treat so they moved it in to the gym. It was the only option, other than us walking around in the rain. It was okay, but we hope next year it can be in the parking lot again. The kids enjoyed themselves and seeing their friends dressed up.
Madison and her good friend Maggie.
Dad, wanting to be a fireman!
Derrek and Madison, going through their loot.
Madison the Genie.
Ethan the Fireman.October '09
The first few pictures are the kids painting sun catchers. We found some cute ones that were for Thanksgiving. The rest of the pictures are of them painting their pumpkins of course. They remembered last year, having to dig out all the pumpkin guts and opted to paint this year. Personally, I find painting to be easier and less messy, so I don't really mind that choice. It seems like we are always in crunch time to get our pumpkins done before Halloween. I'm always excited to see what the kids will paint.
October '09
The first few pictures are of the kids painting sun catchers. We found some cute ones that were for Thanksgiving.
10/17/09-We went to Roca Berry Farm to pick out our pumpkins and have some fun. In the past the kids went with their classes, but this year was different. Ethan ended up missing the field trip with his class because he had H1N1 and Madi is older and her class doesn't go now. It turned out well because then we were able to take them and my dad. I think the best part is always the hay rack ride. The kids love to take the ride and pick out our pumpkins. We did the inflatables (which were muddy), watched pig races, went through the haunted houses and had a funnel cake. It was a good day!
9/30/09-The day has finally come. From the day Ethan turned 4 he talked about turning 5. We have no idea why, but he REALLY wanted to be 5 years old. Spongebob Squarepants was the theme. I ended up constructing the cake into Spongebob's house, which is a pineapple. It was a little stressful, but Ethan loved it. We also made cupcakes for family and for Ethan's class, he had fun frosting them. The party turned out good except Nick and Madi couldn't come. At the time we didn't know, but Madi was sick with H1N1 and Nick stayed home to care for her. Ethan ended up sick shortly after. We were happy nobody in the family caught anything from us.
On Ethan's actual birthday he wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese. Colin, Uncle Erik and Papa Joe joined us for some fun. The kids had a blast and ended up all sweaty. He's already talking about going there next year...oh goody. :)
9/17/09-My foster brother Wade came to Lincoln. It had been years since I had seen him. This was his first visit since he moved to California. It was so good to see him and catch up. We laughed so hard that night! Wade has the best laugh, even my kids commented on his great laugh.
Wade moved in with us the year that he started Kindergarten. He was the ring bearer in our wedding and now he's a MAN! I'm so proud of who he is today. It's amazing that a little boy can go through and endure so much and turn out so great.
Wade said he's coming back for the College World Series this year. We're hoping to be able to get together with him again.
9/7/09-Since it was the last year of the state fair I wanted to take the kids one last time to look around. The first time we went we spent all of our time on the rides. I wanted to show the kids all the animals. We ended up going with Papa Joe and the Cartwright's. The day ended up being long and warm, but it was still fun.
One of the funniest things was Colin talking to a sheep. He would say something then the sheep would make some noises back. They went back and forth several times, I named him The Sheep Whisperer. The kids enjoyed feeding animals and getting to pet them. In one area it was all baby animals. That was Madi's favorite. She giggled so hard when they handed her the baby chick. She said it tickled her hand, it was so cute!
8/30/09-The last year for The Nebraska State Fair. Nick and I decided to take the kids and let them ride the rides. I'm so glad we decided to go because they had a blast!! If they wouldn't have had school the next day we would have stayed longer. Madison liked all the rides, Ethan didn't care for the bigger kid coaster. Another thing they both loved was the food! Who doesn't love fair food though, right?
8/26/09-The day the cast came off. We were very excited to have the cast come off, but it took a little while before Madi was comfortable using the arm again. I sent her back to school hoping that would take her mind off of it. She was still favoring it even after school. The next day she was becoming more and more willing to use it. It was soooo nice to be able to give her a normal bath. Boy did she need it because that arm smelled so bad. It took several baths and lots of lotion to get that smell to go away. Madison thought it was funny because it smelled so bad. Hopefully we'll get lucky and no more bones will be broken...fingers crossed!
First day of school.
Mrs. Waldren and Ethan
He found his name tag.
8/24/09
Derrek and Madison in line to go home.
Emma and Madison at Backyard Burger.
