Adriana's 2nd Grade Patriotic Show

The 2nd grade put on a Patriotic show full of patriotic songs, flag waving, patriotic facts, and a recognition to all of the vets that were in attendance.  Each child had a different fact that they needed to memorize and share.  Adriana's line was, "The stripes are red, white, and blue.  The red stands for courage, the white stands for purity, and the blue stands for loyalty".  She (and all of her classmates) did a wonderful job! 

Waiting for the bus...such an exciting day!

Shy, yet still very excited!

The entire 2nd grade

"You're a Grand Old Flag..."

"God Bless the USA!"

Each class (3 total) had a poem to share...this is Adriana's class!

Adriana watching and waiting while her classmate, Ariana, was having her turn!

Can you believe there's an Ariana and Adriana in the same class?  ;0)

Adriana's big moment...She did a great job.  She spoke very clearly.  I think she takes after Daddy in this department (public speaking)!!

Feeling very comfortable!  psst...check out the other kid's faces...they're having a ton of fun!

Another view of Adriana's class.  This time, patiently waiting for another class to do their poem.

The children had asked that anyone in the crowd who had helped fight for our country, please come up on stage.  The kids then sang a "thank you" song to all the vets.  It was definitely an emotional moment!

Again, what a wonderful program!  I can't post this without thinking about all those who are continuing to serve our great nation and who have in the past.  To all of you...THANK YOU and may God continue to bless you!

Hot off the press....school pictures!

I just received all three of the older kid's school pictures!  Because the pictures tend to be pretty pricey and we have a lot of people we'd love to send them to...this is how I thought we'd share them this year.  ;0)  They are all growing so fast.  In fact, as I write this...it's Nathaniel's 6th birthday!  What incredible blessings they all are, and how amazing time flies by.

Adriana - 2nd grade

Nathaniel - Kindergarten

 

Gabriel - Nursery School

Is it "The force be with you" or "Trick or Treat"? How about we have the "Best of both worlds"!

What a busy Halloween!  Not only did Aaron and I host our annual Pumpkin Carving Night...I am also one of Nathaniel's room mom's.  So, I had the pleasure of organizing and enjoying Nathaniel's class Halloween party on Friday!  After Nathaniel's party/parade, we went home and set up for the pumpkin night.  Saturday turned out to be just as crazy!  We woke up to the kids screaming and jumping up and down that they were going to go trick or treating!  Yes, kids only not now...try 12 hours later!!!!!   ;0)  We started off by going to our township's annual "Halloween Happenings" event. This is where Sam took home the 3rd place trophy last year as "Stinky Pete"!  It's an event that Aaron and I totally cringe at, however...it's become a family tradition!  So, off we went.  Aaron entered in his "P" pumpkin from the night before and won 2nd place!!  Our kids walked in their age group parades and then in the family parade.  No trophy this year!   Adriana had dressed up at school and for trick or treating as "Hannah Montana" and so graciously dressed up as "Princess Leia" for "Halloween Happenings" to help her brother's complete the look!

After the whole "HH" event....we went to a fall harvest party at church, came home and had the little guys nap.  By the time they were woken up, it was 5:30pm and we were set for trick or treating.  The only bummer was that it was pouring off and on, making it a shorter night for trick or treating.  Whew!  What a weekend....I'm exhausted!  To think that this coming weekend is Nathaniel's big "Star Wars" birthday party with 25 boys is kind of daunting right now!!!  ;0)

Pumpkin Carving Night 2009

It has been such an incredible experience to be able to continue a tradition that has started about 10 years ago in Seminary.  Aaron and I used to have a bunch of college friends over to carve pumpkins, eat chili and cornbread, hot apple cider, tons of fellowship, and of course...lighting our awesome, newly carved pumpkins!  This past Friday night was yet another night of this fun festivity!  We had our largest crowd ever!  I counted a total of 72 people!!!!  Wow...we had a great night!

Naps in the oddest places....

This week has been a very busy one.  So busy, that by Thursday, both Samuel and Gabriel had fallen asleep in the oddest places.  After Gabriel's parade at school, Sam and I came home.  Well, soon after we got home (10am) I found Samuel asleep on my couch.  However, he wasn't really on the couch...he was standing up against it! 

It must have been that chocolate chip cookie he had just enjoyed!  ;0)

Next up...Gabriel.  Thursday evening happened to be our first night for our church's Christmas Pageant practice.  Everything seemed to be going well during practice when suddenly many parents were calling my name.  I looked toward the front of the sanctuary and saw Gabriel sleeping!  I didn't have my camera on me, so my friend took this picture of her daughter and Gabriel...both thoroughly enjoying practice!!!! 

Scarecrow Making...

A local garden center had a scarecrow making day.  We met up with one of Adriana's friends and made our very own family scarecrow!  Only problem...when I quickly pulled a shirt and "pants" out of my Goodwill bag, I accidentally pulled out boy's shorts!  So, we have a very muscular, top-heavy scarecrow!!!  We've nicknamed him, "Mr. Potatohead"!  ;0)