Christmas 2010

Last night and today, we celebrated Christ's birth. We made Christmas cookies, attended Christmas Eve services, and opened presents. Connor loved his new football kick-off tee. Merry Christmas!!!

4 girls, 4th grade, 10 years

Tonight, Avery and 3 of her friends from her school at Providence invited the entire 4th grade class (at least the girls, anyways) to celebrate their birthdays together. The night was gorgeous. The girls boarded a bus to look at Christmas lights and sing songs for 45 minutes straight [all of the well known songs, but many more obscure carols, too (and also the "alternative versions" of several Christmas carols)].

Connor Likes Vegetables!

This evening, Connor decided to try some boiled green peas and carrots. He decided that he liked them! We thought this was such a noteworthy event that it deserved to be posted on the Blog. Yea!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Last night, we put up our Christmas tree. Avery and Connor helped decorate it (and most impressively, didn't break a single ornament). We also read an Advent devotional, listened to Christmas music and drank hot chocolate. What fun!

Halloween 2010

Last night, Avery and Connor had much fun trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Avery was a dragonfly (how cute is the blue hair?) and Connor was Woody from Toy Story.

Halloween 2010 at Westminster Preschool

Connor had a Halloween Party at Westminster Preschool today. He wore his Halloween costume (he dressed as Woody from Toy Story) to school. He and his class sang songs and recited scary Halloween songs on stage (check the video below). Very scary! Connor did great!

Providence Homecoming 2010

Tonight was Providence Homecoming. All of the kids were allowed to forgo their uniforms in place of "Free Dress Day" to support the Providence Patriots. The game, the cookout and all of the homecoming activities were fun for all. Avery was so excited!

With Friends Like These...

Last night, Avery's friends decided to toilet paper our house. What fun - especially for Avery as she cleaned it up this morning.

Avery's Soccer Game, October 2, 2010

Today, Avery had a soccer game. She played great (and scored a goal)!

Connor is 4

Today, Connor turned 4 years old. We had a bounce house birthday party in our front yard. Many of Connor's friends were here for his birthday party. We ate birthday muffins, bounced in the bounce house and had a fantastic time!

Sunday Morning Before Church

This past Sunday morning, Avery and Connor were ready for church when I took this picture on the front porch. They are so good with each other.

Fall Soccer Season

This fall, Avery is playing soccer for her school, Providence, in the YMCA league. Today, Avery had her second game. Although her team lost 4 - 1, Avery scored a goal. We are so proud of her. See pics below (Shannon took these, I was coaching).

Connor's First Day of Preschool

Today was Connor's first day of preschool. He is attending Westminster Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten (which is the same church where Shannon and I were married). His teacher is named Miss Clark. Connor is so excited to be going back to school.

Avery's First Day of School

Today was Avery's first day of 4th grade. She was so excited. We think she is so grown up.

See pics from Avery's past 4 first-days-of-school.

My Niece, Julia, sings, "I am a Promise"

My brother and sister-in-law's 6 year old daughter, Julia, sang "I am a Promise" at her school's back to school program. I am impressed (I bet you will be too).

Last Trips of Summer

The hot summer of 2010 is (hopefully) winding down. School starts again in less than 3 weeks. Now is the time to make end-of-summer trips to visit grandparents and aunts and uncles.

Avery and her friend McKay are spending the week in Houston with Shannon's parents.

Brandon and Julia are spending a couple of nights with us. They are having so much fun (especially Connor). But the real blessings belong to us.

Happy 4th of July!

We had a wonderful time at the neighborhood 4th of July Parade today. Connor liked the fire trucks and Avery liked the candy that was thrown to her. What fun!

Trip to Austria

We just returned from 10 days in Austria (and a brief layover in London). What a wonderful trip!