Up To

For some reason, for the life of me, I cannot seem to keep up on my blog anymore.  So here is what we have been up to in the last two months:

I hosted a Regional Reflections award ceremony and had to try and pronounce the names of all the winners   It did not go well.  

 Cody went on a date with Daddy to the Zoo.

 Not really sure what this is:

 We read together at night.  It was mom with the boys this time.

 Handsome:

 Red Sox beanie:

 Brandon's favorite winter game is throwing the stuffed football in the house.

 When I substitute teach, the kids have to quietly read in the morning at the school.  The boys were fascinated with this article about scat in my National Geographic magazine.

 The kids got new winter hats:

 Because we took them tubing at the ski hill.

 Cody fell asleep on the way home.

 Kathleen got a Principal's Pride award:

 We took the kids to ice cream:

 Kathleen and Brandon started basketball and I am surprised at how much Kathleen is loving it.

 Cody wears his button-up shirt on TOP of his sweater:

 Snow, snow, and more snow.  I have never seen so much here.  It isn't a ton, but it has lasted forever!

 We got to take some friends to a basketball game at the high school while their mom had a baby.

 Brandon let us pull a loose tooth (and by loose I mean not really that loose, but needing to be pulled pretty badly).  Since I didn't have to pay another dentist bill for him, we used that money to buy him K'nex, which he has been wanting.  And it cost us half as much.  I say it was a great deal.

 We took the scout troop to a play of one of the troop members.

 We went to a hockey game:

 We de-cluttered the playroom and got rid of TONS of toys.  There is so much space now.

 We had an evening without Kathleen and Cody.  So we took Brandon on a date to DQ:

 I got a new wedding ring for Valentine's Day.  Yes, I lost the old one at the aquarium in September.  I think someone picked it up and pocketed it.  Here here to honest people (insert sarcasm).  But hey, it was a great way to get a new ring.

 Cody and his newest girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

 We all wore headbands on Valentine's day for aerobics to show our love for our instructor.

 Alyssa and Clayton came to town for the weekend and we went to Texas Roadhouse:

 Watching a movie together:

 Black light mini golf:

 "Blind" light mini-golf:

 Brandon got a Principal's Pride award:

 And the highlight of our month: Ryan tore his Achilles tendon playing church basketball.  I mean, completely severed it.  He had surgery and is going crazy having to "relax" for a change.

 Kathleen dressed up for her PACE presentation test day at school.  It was a rough month getting her ready for it, but she can relax now, because it is over (except for the parent night next week, where they show off their stuff).

 Brandon got his Wolf award for scouting.  He also got to participate in a magic show for the blue and gold banquet.  Our magician was AWESOME!

 Ryan couldn't come on account of having just had surgery, but here was a picture for him:

So there you have it.  As much as I could cram into one post.  I hope you enjoyed!

Happy Holidays!

Yes, you know you are an engi-NERD when  you and your coworker deliberately dress to match.

 We went to see Santa:

 These two learned how to play a duet.  They are so funny.

 Christmas Eve pizza:

 I got this awesome chair for Christmas.  While it is too cold to use now, I have been wanting one for years and cannot wait for warmer weather so I can utilize it!

 With the Jankes waiting to see Santa.

 There was a camera problem so they took a break to fix it.  Meanwhile, Santa decided to read a story to the kids.  He is awesome!

 Cody got new shoes a couple weeks ago.  He loved them so much that he got his pajamas on and put them back on for family movie night.  He is so funny.

 The kids loved playing at home with the snowman I made for primary singing time at church.

 Ryan reads us "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" every Christmas.  I love it.

 Kathleen is way into doing my hair.  And she actually does a pretty good job.

 Kathleen had her piano recital.  Here she is with her teacher.

 We had a small non-emergency at our house last week.  One of our smoke detectors had a wire issue and they all went off and wouldn't stop.  Luckily some very kind men came and saved the day--and our ears.

 Kathleen is so cute when she is studying.  I can't believe how big my sweet little girl is getting.

 Brandon's school Christmas party:

 Kathleen's school Christmas party:

 When I arrived for Cody's school Christmas party, this is where I found him.  He loves to read:

 I wrapped all the kids lunch stuff on their last day of school before the break.  They loved it.  Thanks aunt Lissa for the idea.

 I was so proud of Brandon doing so well on his book report, then we saw what he decided rhymed with art.  I had to laugh (and harass his teacher for letting it slide).

 We had a ton of fun playing at the gym at the church with some neighbor kids during our break.

 Cody finished his first chapter book over the break.  He loved it so much he is even reading parts of it again.

 We were privileged to have the most amazing musical number at our door on Sunday.

 Cody left the funnies note for Santa.  "Thank you Santa for being nice for all the toys you bring to us.  Love Cody".

 And for everyone who loves to see my house messy:

 My little football fanatic.  He has worn these gloves every day since Christmas.

 The Lego-mania:

 Ryan was so sweet to put up my new chair, even though it was crazy windy and SUPER cold.

 The boys love there new outfits:

 I call this the "How desperate are you to play in the snow?" picture.  We didn't get a lot, but they decided to sled on it anyway.

 The fun castle from Aunt Kaylee:

 Brandon got to dress up like Joseph at church.  He was sooo cute.

 Christmas pajamas!  Merry Christmas!