Happy Birthday Bob!

Mike's dad recently had a birthday and we were able to all go to dinner at Texas Roadhouse to celebrate. They have yummy food, especially the rolls. Just ask Cole, he ate 5 of them. They had the birthday boy sit on this saddle while we all gave him a big "YeeHa".

Our New Reader...

Jenna is learning so much in kindergarten. For her homework one day she had to read this little book to me. She was so excited when I told her she had just read her first book all by herself, she didn't even realize it. I just hope she develops a love for reading like Rylee has. Even the boys are starting to enjoy books more, now if we could just get Mike to learn to read, I mean to enjoy reading. She was so excited she wanted to read it to everyone.

Our V.I.P.

Last week Jenna was the V.I.P. for her class for the whole week. We made this poster with lots of pics and she got to be the teachers helper all week long. On Friday I got to go and tell her class about her and we played Bingo. I think its a great way to build self confidence in the kiddos, not like Jenna needs any help in that department...

Christmas Tree #1

Each year the last few years Mike's mom has set up a tree downstairs and let the kids decorate it. They have come to look forward to decorating Grandma's tree. I think they did a great job!

Laughing Eyes

Jenna's kindergarten class got Indian names to use for a few weeks during class. They made these cute head pieces and "animal skin" vests. (I love the little papoose on the back) Then they had a feast to celebrate the first Thanksgiving. Jenna's Indian name was Laughing Eyes, it fit her perfectly!

Cousins

Making smores in the fireplace, yummy


Aren't they so sweet and peaceful!?!?

Over Thanksgiving my sister Sara and her cute family came up from Las Vegas. Her daughter is just 7 weeks younger than Jenna and they were able to spend lots of time together. And amazingly enough I don't think they argued or fought once. One night Mara stayed over at our house and Mike helped them roast marshmellows and we made smores. They loved it! The next day they wanted to wear "matching" outfits and have there hair done the same way. They looked adorable and could almost pass for twins.

The End of an Era

Saturday was Ry's state gymnastics meet and it did not go too well. She did pretty good but not as good as she wanted. It was heartbreaking to see my girl crying...I am not sure if it was the fact that she didn't do as well as she would have liked and was frustrated, or maybe because she didn't medal an any events, or because she knew it was her last meet. Maybe it was all of the above because she is usually so strong, then again she is my daughter and I can be very emotional...

She has been debating for a few months about quiting gymnastics. I told her it was up to her. I encouraged her to work hard during this season and then she could decide when it was over. A few days ago as I was driving her to gym she told me she had decided. She wanted to quit. She is not enjoying it as much as she use to and I think she is a little burned out. I told her that was fine if that is what she really wanted. I am glad she decided before Saturday so that it was based on other things not just that she had a bad meet.

She wants to do a tumbling class a couple times a week which is probably a good idea. That way she is still working out (her body may go into shock if she jsut stopped altogether) and doing something she enjoys. A part of me is going to miss watching her compete, it has been a fun experience. Ry we want you to know that we are so proud of you and your accomplishments in gym and school and everything else you do.