FIRST SNOW!

This morning we were shocked to see a light dusting of snow (yes, the word I hate more than anything!) especially since it was raining when we went to bed last night. The kids were very excited however, and Adam could hardly wait to get outside. They tried throwing snowballs, but they pretty much fell apart. Oh well...we KNOW we'll be getting more very soon!

THANKSGIVING AT HOME

This year we stayed home for Thanksgiving, which was really nice. Grandma spent the whole day with us. Rob cooked the turkey (which we all decided might have been the best turkey we'd ever had) and Grandma and I made everything else!

Ready to eat!

Grandma shows the kids how to pull the wishbone.Rob made turkey soup...which I'm sure will take us weeks to eat it all! I think we'll freeze some for those cold Sunday afternoons watching the Bears games!
Mom and me
Rob set up the ping pong table in the garage, so we played several games of that.
Since Grandma and Jane were leaving for Florida the next day, we got to open our Christmas presents. Emily got a new winter coat, boots and lots of other fun stuff.Adam got a nice set of binoculars, clothes, a new DVD and a grown-up watch, which he loved!
Bye Grandma & Jane...it's a loooong time til March...we're going to miss you like crazy!

PHOTO SHOOT

In an effort to capture a nice picture for our Christmas card this year, I dragged the kids to Washington Park yesterday afternoon. The sun was shining and it wasn't too chilly, so it was a perfect day for a photo shoot. They were pretty good sports, although at one point Adam said "Mom, your not a professional photographer!" Even so, I think I got quite a few good shots, although I'm not posting the ones I'm using for the card...you'll have to wait til yours comes in the mail to see those!!

I asked them to put their noses together and pretend to like each other for this one...

but all I got was a case of the giggles!
At least they were having fun laughing together!

DAISY SCOUTS TRIP

Yesterday Emily's Daisy Girls Scouts Troop went to the Children's Museum in Bloomington. Several girls didn't show up, so we only had 9 kids to keep track of...which was plenty believe me! We had never been there before, so it was fun to check out some new things. Plus they got to earn their first petal "Respect Yourself and Others". Now I just need to figure out to put in on her tunic!

First stop...the water table, which is always lots of fun!

Painting on the glass windows was the biggest crowd pleaser! The girls loved squirting the bottles of water on the glass and then using the squee-gee to wipe off the paint.

Learning about trash, composting and recycling!
Emily, Kylie and Lillian

Emily doing what she loves best...coloring!

Mom and her Daisy Girl!

Maddie, Brooke, Anna, Melanie, Kylie, Lillian and Emily. Another Daisy, Zoe, and her mom met us there and left before we could round up the girls for the group picture. It was a long day (and even longer drive home!) but we had a great time with our girls.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA EDWARDS!

Hope you had a great birthday yesterday! We love you!

20 years!

Rob and I met at The Regulator Bar (aka "the Reg") in Macomb 20 years ago tonight! Who would have thought after a few games of pool (and quite a few beers) we'd have such a wonderful family 20 years later? Happy anniversary to my super hubby!

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY ADAM ROBERT POWERS!!

10 years old! Wow...where did the time go? Seems like it was just yesterday we were on our way to the hospital (at 10:30 p.m.!) to have our first baby. Now he is just six short years away from driving and eight years away from college. I have a feeling these next few years are going to go by even faster! Makes you stop and think how precious this time is and how we need to enjoy every second (even when they are driving us crazy!) We love you Adam!

Happy birthday buddy!
First picture this morning of the birthday boy!

Adam chose Ryan's Steakhouse for his birthday dinner. We were happy that Papa, Grandma and Aunt Jane were able to join us.

Papa, Adam and Grandma Anxiously waiting to rip into his presents!
A birthday hug from Emily
Magic kit from Papa
Adam got a very special gift from Grandma...a pocket knife that he has been wanting since he was 3 years old. She told him he had to be as tall as her thermostadt before he could have it, but decided he was responsible enough now at age 10 that she trusted him enough with it. He was very surprised...and I think he will always treasure this gift.
As usual, I was so busy taking pictures I forgot to get a picture of Rob and I with the birthday boy. Maybe I'll take one tomorrow and say it was today!!!

ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS IS....

HER TWO FRONT TEETH!!!!!

TOGETHERNESS

We just love when Kelsey & Ethan come to town! They stayed up a little late last night, but it's hard to get mad at them when they enjoy being together so much! Love you guys - see you in December!

ADULT'S NIGHT OUT!

After all those kids parties, we were ready for dinner out with some friends to celebrate Janet's 40th birthday. We had a nice dinner at Alexander's Steakhouse, then had a few buckets of beer at Casey's Pub.

Janet & Robert

Me & JanetColleen & Aaron

Vicki, Rob, Jen, Colleen, Janet, Aaron, Doug, Kent, Tammy & Robert

ADAM'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Then...after Emily's party was over, we all headed over to White Oaks Mall for Adam's party at Glow Golf. He had several friends from preschool, school and his soccer team. It was a really fun afternoon and everyone had a great time!

EMILY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Yesterday morning, Emily had her birthday party at Midstate Gymnastics. They have a big room with a bounce house, slide and 3 in 1 obstacle course. All her preschool friends were there, plus Adam, Kelsey & Ethan. I think everyone enjoyed playing together!

HAPPY 40TH JANET!

Welcome to the club - finally! At least we got to celebrate in Cancun!!!!

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY EMILY KAYE!

Our big girl is 6 years old today! Emily chose Noodles for her family birthday dinner. After that we headed back to our house for Hannah Montana cupcakes and presents. It's been a VERY busy day to say the least!!!

Adam got Emily the monkey blanket she really wanted! I wish I would have had my camera ready to get the shot of her throwing her arms around him for a big thank you hug.

Ready to make that birthday wish!!! We love you Emily Kaye!

SOCCER TOURNAMENT

After the Cub Scouts event, it was time for Game 1 of the soccer tournament...and what an exciting game it was! We tied it up right at the end, played two 5 minute overtimes, then won it by a shoot-out. Adam was the goalie, so my stomach was in knots! He blocked two, and let two get by him, but our boys scored all 5...so we won! This was our team's first tournament win, so the boys were very excited. After an hour break (the team headed to Wendy's for a quick bite to eat) we played Game 2...but ended up losing 2-1. It was a great season and we are so proud of our whole team for making such improvement this year!

In addition to being the goalie during the shoot-out, Adam was also one of our 5 kickers. Luckily he also scored on his kick!

Team Picture!
Team Dogpile!