A Busy Week....Thursday

It was back to LVE and another visit to the second grade and this time to Mrs. Wilson's Class.  It was the final day for a Christmas Story & Activity by the parents.  Ryder & I worked really hard to find a fun story to share with his friends.  The winner was Pete the Cat Saves Christmas and maybe everyone will have a good time.

Christmas Story
Reading to 25 second graders who love this cat.

Fun activity
Making your own Pete the cat.

I forgot my plan to have all the kids pose with their finished cats.  Instead Ryder had to model his later at home.

I loved going to his class and sharing a fun story.  I was worried that it only took 20 minutes and it should have taken 40.  I was worried that it hadn't been enough instead I was greeted by Ryder with a big hug and a thank you.  They all had great time and loved it.

Only one day left before Christmas break.

A Busy Week.....Wednesday

Wednesday was the Second Grade Gingerbread House Decorating.  This is my 3rd time and I am always amazed at the teachers creativity and eagerness to continue this tradition each year.    This year was going to be no exception the lunch room was packed with kids, sugar, and Christmas Music.  

I searched around the room and finally found Ryder sitting with his friends waiting for the parents to show up and help them.  

Let the fun begin.....

Let's decorate the yard first.

All Done!!!!

Mrs Wilson did an amazing job this year from having all houses assembled to having the frosting ready to go in pastry bags one for child.  The kids were also amazing and quickly went to work and finished in record time.

Now if only we can get the sisters to make one we can have a village.

A Busy Week....Tuesday

The week before Christmas or rather the last week of school of the year was going to be a busy one.   Tuesday was Rylee's Christmas Choir Concert for the Middle School.  This day was full of stress for her not only was she performing with the choir but during the day she performed her 10 minute play with her theater class.  No pictures of that one instead I was able to snap a few of her choir.

Front row again.

Waiting for Mr Wolff

They sounded really great.  There was a sigh of relief after they finished their last song and walked off stage.   They were one day closer to Christmas Vacation.

Family Christmas Party

Over the river and through the woods to grandma's house we went.  We were really lucky that the weather wasn't as bad as the weathermen had predicted.  We did run into fog but it cleared up as we neared Nephi.  We had big plans to check out the Christmas displays in Salt Lake instead everyone was tired of driving and were hungry.  Instead we drove through town checking out some pretty good displays including one programmed to the radio.  Dave, Ryder, and Rylee have plans cooking for next year.

It was time to party with family.  There was so much yummy food we were all stuffed and ready more.

Yummy chocolates & pretzels, salads, and ham

Henlie & Charlie
Playing with Great Grandma's kid friendly nativity scene.

Hanging out while waiting for presents.

Cool!!!! new BYU Shirts.

Getting help from Mom!!!
Cute present for a cute little boy.

The Wild Cousin Bunch
All sporting hats made by Grandma JeanAnn

It was a fun party full of good food, great conversations, and a lot of love in one house.  We are so thankful for a loving, supporting family at this time of year.  

What will the new year bring for us?  Marriages, babies, new houses, new jobs, and many blessings.

As we headed home Sunday everyone was tired and ready for the drive to be over.  However, everyone was talking about how much fun we had.  We have one more crazy week full of activities before Christmas Break.  Will we survive? 

Waters' Sports Update

We had to make a mad dash across town to WCCC for Ryder's first ever basketball game.  He is playing on the 2nd Grade Spurs Team with boys mostly from his school.  One is actually in his class.  His coach is one boys grandpa with the assistant being his mom (who is a 1st grade teacher at his school)

They were excited to play and to have fun.  The whistle blew and the boys came running.

Do you know what you are doing?
I am not sure.

The ball is in motion.
and he scored the first basket for his team.

It was a crazy game full of traveling, double dribbles, and even under leg dribbling.  The other team had taller boys and a little more experience.  The final score was 36 to 8.  Ryder scored 4 of those points and was all smiles.  He was jumping for joy that he made the the first goal for his team.  The girls promptly told him that they are called baskets or points in this game.

So much to learn with this new sport but the eagerness he shows to playing he can only succeed as long as I can keep people from telling him that he is too short to play.

So everyone be warned this Mom can be dangerous if need be!!!!!

Merry Busy Saturday

We had a busy Saturday upon us full of Christmas activities.

First up was the Ward Christmas Breakfast with lots of yummy food to eat and neighbors to share it with.  Luckily there was enough food but not enough chairs.   After all the tummys had been filled up it was time to sing.  

First up the teenagers singing Silent Night.

Second the kids singing Away In A  Manager
We were few in numbers and a little quiet from stage fear.
Even without the stage.

We made a quick get away to the Dickens Festival and this year hopefully get to see Father Christmas.  It was 10:20 as we walked through the doors and were greeted with a long line waiting to get in.

Dave took off to find the next line to wait in and I herded the kids through the booths & people maze.

Reganne found this cool stocking cap
it was way to long for her.

We were number 597 at 10:45 and Ryder's basketball game started at 12:00 would we have enough time to wait?  Nope, I begged Mrs. Clause to let us get back into line after lunch and with a little persuasion she agreed and we ran across town to his game.

Time to get back into line and the number now serving was 645.  The quickly fit us back in and the kids were able to give their Christmas Wish to the main man.  One wish he ask Dave & I to come up and said he could bring only part of it.  Mom & Dad would have to work on the rest and chores may become necessary to help.

Such smiley kids

A little shopping was in order along with hanging with friends found in all the crowds.  It was finally time for a late lunch at Chuck A Rama were everyone could find their own favorites and not argue.

One crazy Christmas Saturday down.  How many more and will we survive?

Goodbye....

Harley the wild and crazy poodle at our house for the past 10 years old.  The dog that had nine lives and was best friends with the neighborhood cat finally couldn't make it one more step without falling down.  It was with many tears and long conversations that we decided to put him to sleep.

Friday was the day and Dave had to work late so it was up to me and the kids to take care of this most unpleasant task.  Calling around town to find the best place and found that nobody really wants to do this task without a lot of money and major guilt trips.  We finally found a vet in Washington that willing and reasonably priced would help us.

Reganne & Ryder decided to go with me and I am sure glad they did to give me moral support.  We arrived a little late but to smiles and warm greetings.  The had to take his weight at only 7 1/2 pounds where had all the dog food he ate daily gone too?  

They took us into a small room with a couch to say our goodbyes and a little button to push when we were ready.

The crazy poodle 3 years ago.

Our sick poodle on Friday

After a few more tears it was time to let him go.  10 short minutes later they returned him in a box for us to take home.  Reganne had made us promise to bury him in the backyard with a funeral before.  She had wanted her friends to be there but it was late so we had family instead.

He is now running, playing, chasing birds, and hanging out with CowCow.

Christmas Season Has Arrived

This I know for sure due to all the activities on our schedule this week.  Didn't Thanksgiving just pass us last week along with Black Friday and all that shopping we indulge in.

December 1st was a cold one and we were headed to a choir performance a tree lighting ceremony for Dixie Power.  You can't have this inside so everyone was required to bundle up nice and warm.  There was hot chocolate and doughnuts served.  The chairs were bales of hay really a fun experience.

Bundled Up Choir

Flip the switch to light the fun tree
w/the Lineman Santa climbing his pole.

Yummy doughnuts & hot chocolate
They even performed their theme song "Hot Chocolate"

Cool entrance from Santa

Christmas Family Concert
The look more lively tonight.

Gook looking group

Thursday was their final performance of the year showcasing all the songs they have been working on each practice.  The good news no more early morning practices until January.  This group draws big crowds and once again it was hard to find a seat.  Notice all the heads in front of me listening to all these kids spreading Christmas cheer.

What will the rest of the month bring hopefully more of the Christmas Spirit.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Thanksgiving weekend was full of turkey, stuffing, yummy treats, decorating, and visitors.  After spending all day Saturday decorating our house everyone was pooped.  Time to unwind instead we had family come to visit and spend the night with us.  The kids were anxious for cousins to play with but I was anxious to get my hands on the latest addition to our family Kasen.  Of course I have to fight with the kids & Dave .

He is a keeper

Uncle Dave not wanting his picture take but I did anyway.

Yummy chocolate waffles w/ whipped cream
This is the time of year for yummy treats and to share with others.
Owen told me that he loved them even before he tasted them.  I may have to keep him around for all meals
maybe his eagerness to try things will wear off on my kids.

Who gets him now?

Finally my turn.
Love this sly grin she finally go her wish.

Cousins are the best
There is always someone to play with and have fun together.
In the short time they played baseball, battleship, Legos, and cars.
Only one problem when they leave who do you play with?

Almost time for church
Getting in one last snuggle.

Rylee demanded one last snuggle as well.

As we left of church and they left for home all the kids could talk about was how much they enjoyed having a quick visit.  They especially loved meeting their newest cousin and his is definitely a keeper.  

They can't wait to see everyone again in a couple of weeks.

Goalie Wars

Time for all the goalies to come together and have some fun.  Their job is really hard sometimes without a lot of fun.  The Rage program wanted to reward all of them with some fun and games.  Reganne wasn't sure if it was going to be fun or not.  A little bribery was needed and we were off.

Quick warm up

Stop 3 goals and switch places

One on One

Who can score???

She hung in there and even managed to score a few.  One boy in the u8 division was really upset that Reganne kept scoring on him.  The instructor and to stop a few times and remind him that they were all having fun.

She wasn't the last one standing but she did have a smile on her face.  Her coaches all complimented her on her progress and told her to keep up the hard work.  Coach Jose invited to go with the Premier Team to a tournament in Las Vegas the next day.

They lost both games but she was able to play other positions as well as goalie in both games.

She is ready for some downtime from soccer this makes more time for her friends.

Jubilee of Trees Concert

LVE Choir was ready for their second performance of the school year.  This was the first performance outside of school.  The kids were eager to sing and have fun.  Dave & I quickly looked around at all the trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and treats displayed around the room.  The best part was listening to all the kids that came to perform.  

LVE Choir is 135 kids strong this year and full of energy.

Reganne & Grace

How did this happen she is on the front row
 with the tall kids.

That quickly changed since there were still plenty of spots on stage.
She moved to the side where we were sitting.

Kids sharing their favorite Christmas songs.

This is always the perfect way to start the holiday season.  However, it is not Dave's favorite time due to all the hard work he puts in behind the scenes to make this a success.  I am glad he was able to take a little time out to enjoy the 1/2 hour with me.

Cub Scouts

Ryder worked so hard to earn his Bobcat Badge in October but to technical difficulties it took another month to actually receive it.  This month's pack meeting was an Arrow Of Light Ceremony for two boys in the pack.  The younger boys were all eagerly watching and whispering about what was going to happen.  They received their very own arrows and their eyes lite up.

Ryder quickly checked the awards board to make sure his was on there.  Then patiently sat and waited his turn.

Pinning the Bobcat on

Must have picture and the added bonus
watching him squirm.

Easy peasy Mom!!!
I was worried about him with a sharp pin and my neck.
Not to worry it went smoothly.

He was so proud of this badge and is eager to get started on his Wolf.  He also showed the new boys and told them they could earn theirs too for next month.

Resident Artist

Reganne loves to draw and is turning into an amazing artist.  Her favorite subject is tigers but is starting to branch out.  DHHS sent out a call for artwork for their fall play AIDA.  Reganne's class was busy working on their entries.  I signed the release and went onto other things.

A week later I received an email that her picture had been selected for display and she received a free ticket to the play.  After volleyball practice & karate the girls headed off to the play and met up with her friends for a night of culture.

She was one of 20 kids getting her picture displayed. 

Her picture

It was an awesome show and more amazing was to see the talent from the high school.  However, Reganne ditched Rylee & I in favor of sitting with her friend Grace.  Rylee couldn't see so I sat by myself what Mom's don't do for their kids.

The kids were all really proud of their pictures.

Early Morning Sports

Fall soccer season was coming to an end with a 9:00 am game.  Reganne also had a 9:00 volleyball game.  She was forced to choose which one she wanted to go to.  This wasn't a hard choice for her and we were off to soccer.  However, someone forgot to remind the other team and only 4 players showed up by game time.  What a bummer the final game was a forfeit and they decided to scrimmage since everyone that was there wanted to play. 

Playing Goalie
Is hard work when you are playing against your own team members.

Time for a teaching moment.
Coach Jose giving Reganne lessons on how important her role really is.

Basketball???
Dave & Ryder practicing for his next adventure.

Serving overhand
Rylee is working really hard to improve her game.
She is not giving up.

Sports Saturday was finally over time for lunch. Time to relax.