Boys will be boys

They prepare...
They build....
They test....
They re-build...
They test again....
They pray...
and hope....
Get marks....
Set...

Let the race begin...Gotta love the Pinewood Derby

Where's WALDO????

Do you remember the Where's Waldo books.  I loved those books as a kid.  Some of these pictures reminded me of those books.  My kids and Shawn got a hold of my camera one day and decided to take some pictures.  Here is what I ended up with. I don't know exactly where they are and why I am not with them but they sure are cute.

Savannah's Business Fair

Last week Early Light Academy hosted a 7th Grade Business Fair.  One of the classes that Savannah has to take this year is CTE, which deals mainly with business.  Savannah and her group, which consists of Lacey and Madi have been working really really hard for the last semester on their "Business." 

Their business was called "The Purple Plum" and it was a Bakery.  The girls had to make a website, fliers, business cards, a commercial or slide show, a poster, invitations and they had to set up a table at the business fair.  It has been A LOT of work for them.

They got to the Business fair and set up their Booth.  There were a lot of Business's set up and they all were really good.  The kids had 4 judges come by and judge them on everything that they had done.  Savannah and her group made treats and decorated their booth really really cute. 

At the end of the Evening, the Business teacher, Mr. Lopez gave out awards.  The girls really scored.  They ended up with......

2nd place for Best Marketing

1st place for Best Booth...and...

1st place for Best Web Design.

It has been a really good experience.  They won a bunch of Jamba Juice gift cards which in teenage world is totally the best prize ever.  I can't believe what these kids are learning today.  Both my kids are better on the computer than me.  They teach me things every day.  It is AWESOME!!!!!!

Hendricks Girls

A while back I went to a double shower for my cousin Amber (she's getting married) and my cousin Aleesa (she had twin baby boys).  The showers were hosted at another cousins home (thank you Sarah).  It was a fun afternoon of girls and giggles.  I snapped this picture that I have to post.  It is a picture of some of the girls in my family.  The funny thing is, even though they all look about the same generation, they are actually from two generations.  Some are cousins, and some are cousin's daughters (and of course my daughter).  All are completely GORGEOUS!!!!!  From Left to Right---Amber, Karli, Makenzi, Savannah, Cali, Megan, and Lily.

First Snowfall

It just started snowing. Well, about 3 hours ago but Nick is already out there playing in it.  I know that it is 9:45 pm but HELLO....first snowfall.  I decided to go out and get some pictures of Nick out in the snow with his friends but he said MOOOOOMM, in that embarrassed voice that kids can get so I decided to get a picture of my home that I love so much with the gorgeous snow all over the yard.  Everything looks so nice and pretty when there is a fresh new snowfall.  I also snuck some pictures of Nick and his friends while he wasn't looking but they are from far away so you can't see the joy on his face like I did when he headed out but you can all just imagine it.  Gotta love kids.

Halloween at Simister's

The big Halloween party at the Simister Grandparents is always something that we look forward to.  This year we had a delicious chili dinner to start the evening off with.  Everyone was there including Nana and Grandpa-Great.   The kids got their annual Halloween picture taken together and because of the RAIN, we took it down in the basement, for the extra Halloween ambiance.  This year we had a variety of costumes.  Jaxson was Iron man, Lincoln was Spider man, Rylan was a clown, Alana was an acrobat, Nick was "Dr. Love" Savannah was a Veterinarian and Kelton was a tiger.  They all looked so dang cute.  I wonder how many more years my kids will keep dressing up?

The Group Picture

 It was Rylan and Alana's birthday party as well.  They had a great time opening up all of their gifts.

 It also happened to be Nana-Greats birthday this week so we celebrated with her as well.  Aren't

Grandpa-Great and Nana-Great so cute?

 The kids got a little amped up on the sugar....as they always do at Grandpa and Grandma Simister's house.  I think it must be payback for something!!!!  They give the kids candy and then send them home with us to deal with for the rest of the evening.

Savannah and Nicholas.  Who knows what the heck they were doing under there.

I know that this picture is a bit out of focus but Look how cute and happy my parents look.  I had to add it to the blog so that I can have it in my blog book.  They are so dang happy to have all of us over.  I am sure that is why they look happy.......right????

Nick and man's best friend-Cody

Aaaaaahhhhh.....So dang cute.....Need I say more?????

Boxville

So all summer long my kids were kept entertained by boxes.  Not just any old boxes though.  Big boxes.  Lots and Lots of big boxes.  They started with just one big refrigerator box that Shawn brought home from work.  They they asked him for more.  And more.  And then Nick and his friend went door to door asking for boxes.

What for you ask.  Well because we have an unfinished basement the kids have a lot of room to play downstairs.  And it is nice and cool all summer.  So they used the boxes like big Lego's and made houses.  Really fancy houses.  And a store.  And a Bank.  And a town.  And cars....and it goes on and on and on.

I love that my kids are creative.  I like to think that it comes from me but Shawn likes to take some credit too. Whoever it came from, I am so impressed with the things that they come up with to do with their friends that don't cost any money.  So here is some pictures of what the kids call BOXVILLE.  It is amazing what kind of things they made for their houses.  The address is the best part because our address is 5868 and notice that on their house the address is 5868 1/2.  Funny kids.

The House Number

 Nick's House

 Savannah's House, notice the different style from Nick's house  :))

 The cars

 The Fire pit

 Dogs in the Doghouse

 Cool Stuff

 The Bank and Store

 Lockers

 Drinks

 Fountain Drinks

 DVD Player, Cd Player, Ipod Docking station

 Mailbox

 Fireplace

 Remote Control

 Flat screen TV

and Microwave.

OK, I am ready to move in if I ever become a hobo.  Thanks for the Mansion kids.

Incredible Day

So I just counted up the number of posts that I have drafted up a Title so I won't forget to post about it and I am up to 11.  Yep, 11.  So this week it is time to get on the ball.  I should have plenty of time since we are between sports seasons, work has started slowing down and the kids are into the school groove so they don't need much help with homework.  I hope to get at least 1 post in each day until I am caught up.  Let's see how I do.

A few weeks ago the kids were out of School for an entire week for "Fall Break."  Because our school is a Charter School we don't get off for the traditional UEA long weekend, but they do give an entire week for a break a few weeks later.  Now that is a good thing and a bad thing.  It's a good thing because about this point into the school year the kids are getting restless and can use some time off.  So it's good for the kids.  But it's a bad thing because I have to figure out how to keep them entertained.  It kinda reminds me of when we were on year round school, which to tell you the truth, I don't miss.  So it's not so good for me.

Well, one day during Fall Break we decided that we had had so much fun at Incredible Pizza for my dad's birthday party that we would head over there for lunch/dinner (which we call linner) with the Slessers.  The kids had a blast.  There wasn't a dance contest this time because it was a weekday but the kids had fun with all the other things they have there to do. 

It definately made  "Fall Break" alot more enjoyable and maybe we will head there for "Spring Break" as well.