Christmas 2008

Rebecca and the kids take a break.

Aunt Darcy helps with the dishes.

Mike and Matthew point out the tree.

Matthew tries out his new bean bag.

Noah picks a cookie for Santa from Grandma's tray.

Stan takes a cat nap.

Even Shadow had a friend for Christmas - Darcy's dog, Unji.

Abby shows her stocking (made by Grandma King).

The presents!

Christmas Eve dinner before the church service. Rebecca, Matthew, Darcy, Rhonda, Abby, Mike, Stan, and Noah.

Getting our Christmas Tree - December 5, 2008

For about the 4th straight year, we made the trek up to Buttenshoen's farm in Marcy to pick out our Christmas tree. Mike had two of the boys as students and likes to support their family business. They give us tractor/wagon ride and the kids love it. We decorated it the next day after of hours of begging! Only 3 ornmanet broke in the process - not bad!

Happy 1st Birthday Shadow - December 4, 2008

Believe it or not, we actually celebrated Shadow's first birthday. To the say the kids were excited, is to put it mildly! With a candle in a dog treat and some brownies and ice cream (for his guests)....it became our cheapest birthday celebration yet! 6 months ago (in the middle of chases, digging, chewing, and more), I never thought I'd say this,.... but you bring us a lot of joy, Shadow! Happy Birthday!

Our 6th Annual Thanksgiving

Abby (with some help from the boys) made her annual Thanksgiving hands for each person's place setting.

Matty G kicking back and watching the parade!

Stan, Rhonda, Lynn, Mom, and Mike get ready to partake in the feast.

What's a family get together without the kids' table?

Stan and the boys watching the parade.

Dad, David, and Danielle get ready to eat.

Abby and Rhonda enjoy the day.

Is that really mom napping?

Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mike's parents, my parents, Lynn, my brother David and his wife Danielle all joined us for lots of food and football. With the no kids in diapers and all a little older, preparations were a little easier this year. Abby helped with her Thanksgiving hands place settings and also setting the table. The boys put puzzles together and "entertained" Grandma and Grandpa King while watching the parade.

Halloween

Noah "not enjoying" school with his buddies at their class Halloween Party.

Noah and his K teacher, Ms. Lomanto at their Halloween Party.

Abigail (Cleopatra) with her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Kapps.

Abby, Noah, Matt and Shadow with their Jack-o-Lanterns, that they grew in our garden this year.

I dressed up in Mike's soccer officiating uniform for the AWANA Fall Festival with the kids. They had a ball and actually had to recite Bible verses to get their candy!

Abby's Pumpkin Party

Friday night, Abby hosted all her local cousins, aunt, uncles, and grandparents for her 8th birthday. She had a pumpkin cake and loved all her presents. The adults ate chili and bread, while the kids ran outside in the dark with the dogs Shadow and Charlie. Thanks everyone for making Abby's birthday so special!

Go Noah, Go!

Noah took his part in our AWANA "walk-a-thon" quite seriously. After the 20 minute time limit was up, Noah had completed the most laps of all three groups - 32! His face matched his vest, but he actually loved AWANA that night. The money they raised went to an orphanage in Bali, Indonesia to supply their AWANA vest, badges, etc. Sorry Grandma and Grandpa - Noah "walked" a few more laps than we anticipated! Abby also took to it with enthusiasm and finished with 22 laps. Great job!

Happy 8th Birthday, Abby!

Abby took 3 girlfriends to a potter shop for her birthday after school. They painted, giggled, and ate cake! Afterwards, we met the boys for dinner at Zebb's before rushing on to AWANA at church where Abby and Noah did a walk-a-thon for the AWANA kids in Bali, Indonesia. It was a busy afternoon/evening, but a fun one. I can't believe our baby girl is 8!

Family Hike to the Overlook

On Sunday, we drove to my sister's house in Fabius and joined the rest of the family in a hike up past her ponds and through the woods to the overlook (over Labrador Pond and the surrounding valley). We couldn't ask for a more perfect day and the parents, grandparents, cousins, and even the dogs loved it! With 9 adults, 8 kids, and three dogs, it's hard to get a picture of everyone, but I tried!

Red, White, and Blue

Matthew, Abby, and Noah came flying out of the house one morning last week wearing three different coats. I didn't plan the colors - honest! But I had to snap a pictures while they waited for the bus.

Swinging

The kids and I enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL fall weather while waiting for Mike to get home.

Fly Away "Stripe"

Our caterpillar finally chewed out of his chrysallis a few days ago and the kids all took turns holding him until his wings got strong enough to fly away. Isn't it amazing what God can change!