Family Update

Just thought I'd update and let you know what's new so far this New Year.

Emma started primary last week and loves her new teacher. She's planning her birthday party daily and the invite list is up to about 15 kids plus her aunt Angie.

Maren was hit by a toy in the mouth (thank you Emma) and is probably going to have a small scar above her left lip.

Tim...got a haircut...and that's about it.

Josh blessed the sacrement today with his dad for the first time. His voice was a little shaky from nerves but did just great! And he got to drive a Hummer on Saturday!! He's very happy.

Andrew has recovered from being sick and losing his voice.

Elena went to book club and voted on new books for the upcoming year. (List to be delivered soon...) First book for February is the Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Slow couple of weeks. So I found a couple of funny pics. One is from 1992 and one is from 2007. Can you tell which is which?

It's nippy outside! --get it?

Last week I went into the family room and saw seven deer outside in the backyard. So I ran to get my camera and noticed my cat was out there, too. One deer had her eye on the cat...and it got closer and closer...the cat stood his ground until the deer nipped at his rear and then took off up the hill. THE DEER CHASED HIM UP THE HILL!! It was the funniest thing I've seen all day! Usually the deer just eat my plants and stand there. So to see one chasing a cat was really something.

Crowded with Cousins!

Last Saturday, we were happy to host the Lawrence Cousins at our home. Andrew decided enough time had gone by without us seeing each other. We had a pot luck dinner and it was wonderful. And I can't believe all the effort from Millysa and the rainbow jello! Good conversation and the kids really love one another! Of course, the older teens kinda bonded in the movie room...by not talking to anyone!! Oh well. Hopefully the first annual Cousin Party!! Thanks to all who came!

Brian and Stacie and kids

Dustin and Tacie and kids

Matt and Millysa

Jenny, Kristen

Austin and Becca and kids

Angie, Ashley

Alden and Emily

Ryan and Natalie

Our recent exploration...Operation Hilton Head

Hilton Head, South Carolina. Didn't wanna leave. We saw moss covered trees, Savannah, Georgia, yachts, a lighthouse, campfire singing, trick-or-treating ala Disney, bike rides and beaches. What more could you ask for in a vacation?

It's the Great Pumpkin, Emma Cate!

Emma's Preschool went to Pack's Pumpkin Patch on Thursday. The kids had a blast going through the hay maze and picking out their own pumpkin. (This was the only day that she didn't throw a tantrum before leaving to go to preschool.) Many moms and dads went to help with carpool and I found out that I was the oldest mom in the bunch. I'm a little sad about it. The kids also had picture time and snack time sitting on haybales and makeshift tables. It was also right after the big rain storm and everything was very muddy!! But it was great! I'd like to go back every year and support a local business and farm...they did a great job decorating and entertaining the kids.

Homecoming Dance

Josh asked Cheyenne to the Homecoming Dance on September 22. Someone's mom rented a stretch-Hummer limo so how could I say no! Rumor has it that it cost $1100 to rent! A big group of kids went and had dinner at Pei Wei Restaurant and went to the dance. He was home by midnight. I think he had fun. Here are some pictures.

Labor Day Weekend Fun-O-Rama

Here are a few favorite pics from Labor Day Weekend. Please enjoy!