Keaton Is 10!

I can't believe my oldest is 10!  I am sure I will say that every year from now on (if I already do not), but it is true!  My little man is growing up!  Keaton is such a sweetie.  I love how quiet and easy going he is.  Most of the time I yell for him and he is already in the room, but he is too quiet that I don't notice.  He is super smart and amazes me at how well he can play video games.  I used to the be the best in the family, but I am not too sure of that now. 

It hit me the other day how I used to do puzzles a lot when I was pregnant with him, being my first born, and I had time to do such things, and I also used to crave corn dogs from Winger's.  I have always loved hot dogs and corn dogs, so that is not new, but when I was pregnant with him they especially tasted good.  My co-workers at Winger's used to tease me about how much and how often I enjoyed them by saying, "Sara, you know you are going to turn into just one big corn dog!"  It makes me smile in that he is my one child who loves puzzles, as much as I do, and can sit and do them for hours, and that his favorite food is hot dogs.  Coincidence?  I think not. 

A couple of days before his birthday, we got together with the Thomson's, and he got to start celebrating a little early.  Grandma and Grandpa B gave him some nice clothes, and shoes.

We had pizza and doughnuts from Dick's bakery... yum.  Dick's Bakery tastes like home.

That night, we were all getting a chuckle at Mr. Jack.  First of all, he insisted on wearing Sam's old Spider-man shirt that is about 3 sizes too big.  Then, at Aunt Ab's, he latched onto Tanner's Thor helmet and pop gun.  He kept saying "Me Four" (Me, Thor) and running around saying "Hi-ya, hi ya!"  Oh, I don't want him to grow up.  He is too much fun.

Keaton lucked out in that his birthday fell on President's Day, and there was no school.  So, I decided to throw him a little friend party.  We started early and had a pancake breakfast in our pajamas.
 

Opened presents, including the ones from me and his dad (Just Dance 4, a new suit, Lord of the Rings Lego set, and a puzzle of the US).  He seemed pretty happy with all.

The boys promptly went downstairs and tried Just Dance 4 out.  It was pretty cute to watch.  

The party ended after a treasure hunt to find some treats.  Later that night, our little family went to Subway (his choice) and then got an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. 

My hope (as is with all of the kids on their birthday), is that it was a fun day, showing Keaton how much we love him and are so glad he is in our family.  I think we did just that.  We love you Keaton!

Playing in the Snow

We still have snow, but at least the sun has come out and the kids have been able to play outside a bit.  The monstrous mound in front of our house has been the hot spot.  My kids, and even the neighbor kids had been out trying to dig a hole through the middle.  Well, at least it kept them busy!

Even Jack could not be kept inside.  He is a hoot.

Well, mission accomplished! The hole was made... until the next day when Sam stood on top of it and it fell through. ;)

Blah-uary

I realize it has been quite awhile since I have posted.  Honestly, nothing worthy of posting has really come up.  January is just blah, it really is.  This has been the view out my working window for what seems like the past year.  Snow, snow, and more dreadful snow.
 

This is my 2nd view.. blah, work.

And then, this is my 3rd view if I turn around in my chair, Mr.Trouble himself.  Usually he makes a huge mess by the time my work day is over.  It is still early yet.

The only other things that we have been doing is school and lessons for the kids.  Emmi's dance has moved into their new studio and it really is beautiful.  The rooms are huge! 

Emmi is 4th from the left.  Sorry about the glare, I was taking pics from behind the window.  She is doing much better these days, and will let me leave her there and come back to pick her up...whew!  Normally, that is when I run with Jack over to the library and pick me up a new book. I can't wait to see her tap number in the spring recital.  So far, it is looking so cute.

The other fun thing that we have been doing is basketball.  Sam is finally old enough to start playing basketball through the city leagues!  They have a clinic each week where they teach the kids the basics.  I can't wait to watch him play in some games the last few weeks.  So fun!  Keaton is still in piano, and doing great.  That pretty much sums up our January.

Eddie-bear

Rob and Erin's little Eddie is getting so big!  I got to spend the day with the 3 of them this past week.  I enjoyed every minute of snuggling him that I could get, since I don't get the chance very often.   He was such happy little guy in his Bumbo seat.

He even showed me how he rolls over. 

Lol.. I just love this face.

And his little tuft of spiky hair.

In order to get the big smiles we had to go to his Daddy for some singing and dancing, and it worked for both of them.

 

Christmas Part 2

Christmas Eve at Grandma Hess' waiting on Santa to arrive.

Telling Santa what we want for Christmas.

If we dare.

Back at Grandma and Grandpa B's house, we had a nice dinner and opened presents.  Ponchos were courtesy of Uncle J.

And the stuffed animals were from Grandma and Grandpa B.

Christmas Day found very happy kids, naturally.

The only bummer was that there was still plenty of ice and snow covering our driveway and sidewalk, making Sam's first bike ride to be postponed.

Keaton loved his Lord of the Rings Wii game (which he subsequently beat the next day, and has yet again at the time of my post).

The Super Nintendo/Nintendo/Sega Genesis console was also a big hit.

We had a wonderful afternoon at the Hunsaker's on Christmas.  There were more great gifts, like gloves and hats for each kid, which they were in need of.

 

Trucks, transformers, puzzles and fairy barbies, just to name a few. We hope you all had a great Christmas too!