Granny's House

We Spent Saturday at Granny's house. We spent the WHOLE day outside.... it was great. The sun could have cooperated...and warmed things up....but I won't complain because it was not raining.

First we did a little archery. Emily had archery in PE class at school... and really enjoyed it. So Emily and Jake got Bows and Arrows for Christmas.
They had lots of fun. The bow string hit Jake's arm a few times... and he has quite a bruise on his arm to prove it.... ouch
(click on photos to enlarge)
Next we decided to chop/split wood for Granny. Jake and Rowdy did most of the work. (ok, all of the work)
Emily and I had to prove we could do it too. I am not sure any of us will be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning.

After all the hard work. We decided to go hang out on the grapevine. You always have to visit the grapevine if you go to granny's house.
Finally we finished the day with Smores by the fire.



There is something so wonderful about Granny's house. The woods, the peace and quiet,

the fact that there is always something to do.... and the idea that you can go outside and play...

Life feel peaceful and simple when we are there. I like it.

Today was a good day.

Even though it was a Saturday without the sun.

It was good.

WE HAVE BRACES !

WE HAVE BRACES.

We went to the orthodontist today...

and now WE HAVE BRACES.

Emily was actually excited when she came out of the office.

She said that she thought the braces were much "cuter" than she expected....

She chose her favorite colors..

TEAL and pink.

(it was not the exact shade of teal...but it is close to her favorite...

so she was ok with it).

She said the actual process of getting the braces did not hurt...

it just feels "WEIRD" to have all this extra "stuff" in her mouth.

WE HAVE BRACES!

Adventures in Babysitting

I wanted to share these fun photos of our babysitting adventures. Our little friends, Kate and Camden came to our house to play. We had so much fun. We jumped on the trampoline, we played Rock band, enjoyed multiple Popsicles and played in the adjustable bed.
I am not sure who was entertaining whom.
Emily and Jake can't wait for another "play date" with their friends.

Shannon, thanks for sharing your wonderful children. We love them and enjoy them so much.

The Saga Begins

The saga begins.
Wednesday Emily went to the orthodontist. She got spacers put into her teeth...to prepare for the braces. She was really nervous, and worried. 5 minutes in the chair and she came out of the office with little blue rubber spacers between her back teeth. 8 little blue spacers...pushing her teeth together...
Painfully.

Thursday- Emily calls me to tell me that one of the spacers has come out..... She is upset and worried..... I assure her.... they will just put it back in.

Friday--- I am guessing we go back to the orthodontist.... for a new spacer.

The Saga continues

Basketball Frenzy

Jake, somewhere in the middle

Last week's basketball game was an edge-of-your-seater... And a story of David and Goliath.

Jake played a great game, and was matched up with a REALLY Tall opponent. It was almost comical to watch, but the basketball was great. Jake never lost focus, and he played HARD.

Although he was us against a BIG opponent, he held his own, and never let his size discourage him. Jake scored several baskets, but unfortunately the other team scored more.

After the game, Jake's coach told him he was impressed with his game, and he thinks Jake has real potential if he plans to continue to play basketball. Jake was really proud.

I was proud too, but mostly because he has such determination, and really gives 100%.

That is ....my....JAKE.

A Weekend with Flat Stanley

What an absolutely beautiful Saturday in St. Louis. the weather was PERFECT.

After Jake's basketball game and lunch, we decided to head out with our house guest...

Flat Stanley.

For anyone that does not know about Flat Stanley.... let me explain.

My beautiful great-niece Serena has a school project. Her class is reading a book about Stanley.

Stanley is a boy who gets smushed flat by a chalkboard. He then asks his parents to mail him so he can visit family .

That is the basic story( it has been a few years since I have read it).

The class project for the students involves mailing their own "flat Stanley" to family or friends.

The recipient of Stanley takes him to their activities or sight seeing..or what-ever.

We took Stanley to some of the BEST places in St. Louis.

The weather was perfect. We went to The Bevo Mill, then to the Old Cathedral and the St. Louis Arch. After that we headed over to see the Busch Stadium. We "showed" Stanley all the hot-spots in St. Louis.

That of course had to include Gus's Pretzels and TED DREWS.

It was a GREAT DAY.

We plan to take Stanley to Grant's Farm and the Zoo ...if time allows.

We also have to take Stanley to White Castles.....

St. Louis is a GREAT place to live.

Thanks to Stanley for helping us to remember that!