Thanksgiving... just us!

This year we spent Thanksgiving in STL and it was just us plus Grant. We usually spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's family but this year plans were different for everyone so we spent turkey day at home with no extras. It was different... just weird to not have extra family members around, but it was enjoyable and relaxing as well. The big kids, Jeff and Jake went to see the movie Blind Side that night while Mags and I just chilled at home watching Elf & The Grinch. It was a good weekend. Now... to get ready for the upcoming Christmas Holiday!!

Jake turns 6!

My little guy is growing up! Jake turned six on the day before Thanksgiving and was very happy that Krysta and Grant got in town on his big day! We had a family celebration at home with an ice cream cake. Then he had a party with a few of his friends on Saturday at Planet Fun! Jake was very excited to get a skateboard, something he has been wanting for awhile now. Happy Birthday Jake!

Maggie turns 11 & Halloween Fun!

Trick or Treat fun with our Friends


Natalie bringing back the 80's, Jake as Optimus Prime, & Maggie the Creepy Clown


Hayride Fun with Friends


Maggie's Peacin' Birthday Cookie

Fall '09

We have had some gloomy days here in STL this fall... but when the sun comes out, what a treat!! The colors this year are just beautiful and this past Saturday we took the kids to go pick some pumpkins. We also took a little hike to enjoy the gorgeous weather we were having that day.

Krysta moves back to Florida

Krysta is back in the Sunshine State... ready to start her second year of college. I drove down with her to help her get moved back into the dorms and see some friends and family while I was there. Krysta stayed busy this summer working and taking a couple of online courses and was very ready to get back to get into her school routine. She will be taking 19 hours this semester. GOOD LUCK Krysta!

Happy 15th to Natalie!!

What a difference a year makes!! Last year, we had just moved to STL, and Natalie's birthday fell on her first day of high school, in a new town. Needless to say, many tears were shed that day and it truly was the worst birthday my Natalie has had. But, things were much better this year. Although, once again, her first day of school fell on her actual birthday (Aug. 12), no tears were shed and I would have to say overall, this birthday was much better. We are so proud of Natalie and the sweet, funny, crazy, young lady she is turning into. We love you... Happy Birthday!

Friends come to town

This past weekend Maggie's best friend LeeAnn from Cincinnati, and her sister Hannah came for a quick visit to STL. Their mom Kim and Nana Sheila got to tag along also. :) We went to The Muny on Friday night to see the play Hairspray and then went to see the Arch on Saturday. The girls had a fun time being together and it was nice for them to make the drive this way to see us.

Jake starts Kindergarten

Today Jake started Kindergarten and Maggie began her 5th grade year. Yes, it is a bit early to begin school but the elementary school in our district goes year round so in nine weeks, Jake and Maggie will have a 3 week break. This continues until the summer when they have a six week summer break. And yes, it is short and goes by way too fast. Jake had a good first day of Kindergarten. He was excited to ride the bus to school and the only "bad" thing was a wasp bite he got at recess but was able to get ice put on it in the nurses office. I'm looking forward to having some "me" time but also looking forward to getting more involved with the school this year.

4th of July Weekend Family Visit

This fourth of July weekend we had company from Texas! GranC, Aunt Heather and Ryan came in for a too quick visit but we are so glad they did. Ryan and Jake had a blast together. They get along so well and just makes me wish we lived closer so they could spend more time together. The weather was rainy and overcast most of the weekend but much cooler temperatures than what they are use to in Texas. GranC watched the little guys while all us big kids went downtown to the Arch for our 4th of July celebration. It was good to be with family this weekend and we are so blessed and thankful for the freedoms we have in this country and for the men and women who make sacrifices so that we can have that! Hope everyone had a Happy 4th!!

Summertime Fun

Our summer started off with Natalie & Maggie going to FC camp in Ohio. This is the highlight of their summer every year. While they were at camp, Jake and I, were able to spend the time with my best friend Sandy and her boys in Birmingham. It was a much needed visit and Jake had a blast being with Sullivan and Camden. We stayed a little longer in Cincinnati/NKY so the girls could be with some of their friends after camp was over. We got home only to head back out the next day to go to Kansas City to be with Jeff's family for Father's Day weekend. Now we are home and just trying to stay cool in this crazy heat wave we are having. ** More pictures in the Summertime Fun '09 link **

Memorial Day with the Elephants

Most of the Woolfpack made a drive to check out Elephant Rocks State Park for Memorial Day. Jake loved climbing the rocks and walking the trail. We had almost made it to the end of the trail before the sky opened and the rains came down! Other than the long, curvy ride home it was a good time for all.

Jake graduates from Preschool

My little man graduated from preschool last night. It had been a busy day for him. We started off spending the day with friends where he rode bikes, scooters, and just did the boy thing outside most of the day. As soon as we got home, he went straight to the neighbors house where he played in the hot tub. Then came home to get ready to head to his TBall game. After sliding more times than he needed to and being completely covered in dirt, we headed straight to his graduation ceremony. Overall, he did really well. I anticipated a meltdown at some point which happened when we had to leave his TBall game a few minutes early to be on time for graduation and he totally lost it because we didn't get his snack after the game. When the kids received their certificate they were asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Lots of cute answers... firefighter, doctor, a jet fighter pilot, Cinderella, a mom , a dad, the usual answers. Then Jake has his turn and his answer? "A King!" What in the world??? I was totally expecting a baseball player or sports of some sort... but no... a ruler! O'well... it got a good laugh.

Happy Easter!

We hope everyone had a Happy Easter with family and friends or whatever your tradition may be. Ours was simple... just us... and too much chocolate for the kids. A little on the chilly side... hopefully warmer temperatures will be here to stay soon!