Halloween 2009

We had a great Halloween this year - though we were all sick the week of Halloween I was really happy that we were vomit-free by the time Halloween rolled around on Saturday. Kira was the first one to get sick from daycare Monday night. The virus spread like wild fire after that...Mike got sick, then Jonah, then Jake, then me, then my mom, and then my sister. But thankfully the virus was pretty short-lived.

Friday night, the boys school had their annual Harvest Festival where the kids can go play games and get together in their costumes. I worked at the popcorn station for half the time so I really didn't get to do much with the kids. However I did entered into the pumpkin carving contest and I won $10! I felt really bad afterwards because a little girl was crying since she didn't win.

Our neighbor was nice enough to invite us over for her Halloween party. There were lots of people and some of them in crazy costumes. We kind of wanted to be home to hand candy out to the trick-or-treaters, but Mike's dad and my sister volunteered to do that for us. Kira came home early from the party because she was just too tired...but she LOVED handing candy out. Everytime the doorbell would ring, she'd run to the door and pick out a specific candy bar for the trick-or-treater and said "happy halloween" to them as they leave. She had a great time.

Gutting the pumpkins. It took awhile for me to convince Kira that it was OK to get her hands dirty to dig the seeds out of her pumpkin.

Me as Medusa (thanks to Natalie's wig and Annie's make-up).

Kids before going to Sherri's house. Sorry - turn your head :)

Jonah as Anakin.

Kira trick-or-treating with a big smile!

Me pigging out at Sherri's house.

Blue Lightning in Action

Team picture during half-time at one of the games.

First Day of School

Jonah started Kindergarten this year. But since the school district took away our school buses due to budget cuts, Mike and I walked the boys to school on the first day.

Jonah goes to Kindergarten fulltime, thank goodness we won the lottery for him to do that or we would have serious transportation issues. His teacher is Mrs. Delgado and so far so good. I'm hoping he'll be a good student like his big brother...so far the feedback from Mrs. Delgado seems to be in that direction, so yeah!!!

Jake started the year in a split 3rd/4th grade class. However, since the enrollment in the school far exceeded their initial estimate, another teacher was hired. So now he is just in a plain 3rd grade class with Mrs. Rodriguez. He's doing very well in school with strong math and reading comprehension skills.

Boys walking to school.

Jonah's classroom.

Jake settling into his new desk in his classroom upstairs!

Jake's U-8 Dare Devils FC

This is Jake's 3rd year playing soccer and from here on up no more coed teams. So we had to say goodbye to his former coach, who is still coaching his daughters' teams. Another new thing for U-8 soccer is they begin playing the keeper/goalie position, therefore it's 4 on 4 with 8 kids on the team. Jake have really enjoyed soccer the previous years and we hope it will be something he can carry on for the years to come.

Jake's new uniform. Looks way better then the t-shirts from the years past. The coach also got them matching shorts and red socks so the team looks really sharp together.

Jake scoring a goal during his first game of the season.

Team photo day. The boys waiting for their tardied teammates.

Jonah and Kira did a fabulous job waiting in the small space while Jake was getting his pictures taken. Plus I bribed them with popcorn.

Jonah-s U-6 Blue Lightning FC

Mike and I have the pleasure (or frustration) of coaching 6 wonderful 5 and 6 year olds. We're half way through our season and everyone is doing doing very well.

Team picture - I elected not to be in the picture.

These photos were taken by Madison's mom at practice. The kids' favorite game at practice is Cat and Mouse, but most of them sabotage themselves so they could be the cat.

These pictures were taken by Madison's mom again, thanks to Leanne, during our second game of the season. Which was also the infamous game when I got into a yelling match with the other team's parents - I know so unlike me. The kids did an awesome job and we came out on top!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Jake turned 8 this summer. It's amazing how fast timee flies. I can't believe he is 8 already!!! We celebrated his birthday by going to his favorite restaurant, Red Robins for dinner. Then on Sunday we had a party at Sullivan Park for him. The kids had a great time playing on the ginormous playground and swimming in the lake.

Jake's hamster, Sniffy, whom he adores and takes care of. Kira excited for all of her big brother's presents.

The kids watching Jake opening his presents at his party.

Nate. Jordan, and Jake playing in the sand. I think Jordan was trying to cover himself with the sand.

Water balloon fight.

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Jordan is Jonah's good friend, probably Jonah's best friend in preschool. We had a blast at her 5th birthday party.

Summer 2009

Fourth of July

Kira riding her trike chasing boys.

I just love to watch her sleep.


Kira at the playground while her brothers are at soccer practice.

Coast Guard helicopter at Brier Park for some reason.