C is for Cone

The letter of the week this week in pre-school was C. So naturally that required a field trip to the best seasonal ice cream shop around.."The Cone" When we moved here our neighbor gave us a gift card, so we had to see what all the fuss was about. We were not disappointed! They have the creamiest, yummiest, soft serve I've ever had. And my favorite flavor is peanut butter...to die for.It just so happens that one of the employees (the Cow) is Halle's Sunbeam (Sunday school) teacher. Apparently there are no limits in what she will do to make "her kids" happy. Thanks Dawn.
Mr. Keith, the owner showing us how everything works and how to make yummy ice cream.
One happy crowed!

My 12 Squared Quilt

Remember back in March when it was my turn to receive quilt squares? I received all of them, packed them up, moved to Ohio, up packed them, put them in a drawer, made more squares, and finally pieced them all together. This is my final product. I love how it's bold, wild, and full of personality. I also love how I can look at each square and know who made it. It's a bit sentimental. Some one asked me what I was going to do with it. Curl up on a cold night with a good book was my response.

Thanks 12 Squared ladies!

Halle's first day of pre-school

A few ladies from church got together and formed a co-op preschool. We all have 3 and 4 year olds who need to be away from mom for a little while. This was the perfect solution for all of us. We rotate teaching at our homes every week. So I only teach every 5 weeks. Halle was very excited to go to school! She did great.

If she would have stopped posing and messing around, I might have gotten a good picture of her. Oh well, what do you expect from this little ball of spice? It's a little hard to believe that my baby is in preschool. The time really does go fast. I am starting to understand all the old ladies at the grocery stores who tell me to cherish this time while they are young, because it slips away so fast.

The most wonderful time of the year!

School started!!!

Hayden: 1st Grade...Wayndot Early Childhood CenterCaite: 2nd Grade...Van Gorden Elementary

Isaac: 5th Grade...Van Gorden Elementary

Despite what Isaac says, the kids were excited about school this year. I'm excited for them to have a fresh start, meet new friends, and excel in school. Yes, they are at 2 different schools. In this district they have Early Childhood Centers for Pre-K-1st grade. Then Elementary from 2nd grade-6 grade. I like that 6th grade is still in elementary school. That gives me another year to prepare myself (and Isaac) for middle school.

When I walked Isaac and Caite to the bus stop (Isaac was way embarrassed, but EVERY parent was there, so I thought I better) there were TONS of people there. 20-25 kids get on at our stop! We have no shortage of kids in our neighborhood! The bus driver says her bus is full after only 3 stops. An hour later Hayden goes. There were 9 first graders at his stop (kindergarten doesn't start until Monday. The best part was that there are 2 boys Isaac's age just on the next street over! Hallelujah!! So we are all happy.

The kids came home happy as clams. They told me all about their day, new friends they played with, and how nice all their teachers are. I couldn't be happier for them. It's going to be a good year. Life is good to us. Although we miss our Arkansas friends like crazy, I am reassured everyday that this is where we are supposed to be. We feel so very blessed.

#20 and #68

The boys had their first round of games on Saturday. They were just a little excited!

Hayden Gardner #20: center, outside linebacker, left guard.
It was HILARIOUS to watch these Kindergartner and 1st graders play! In the first half we moved backwards more than we moved forwards. But then they got the hang of it and even scored 2 touch downs. Hayden was all smiles as usual.

The second grade team who played after us needed more players, so Coach asked Hayden to play another game. This cute boy ran and ran and ran for 3 hours straight, loving every second of it.
Isaac Gardner #68: Quarter Back, right line backer, nose tackle, right split out (punt team).

reviewing plays with coach.

I don't know why I was so surprised when I watched Isaac play. He was good! I loved hearing him call his team to the huddle and call the plays. He was confident and willing to do anything coached asked. When he wasn't QB, coach had him in playing a little bit of everything. At the end of the game, our cousin Kurtis, said, "dude, did you hear the announcer say your name like a thousand times?" to which he replied, "He said my name on the lound speaker?" "yeah, you were like the star!" "Really?" Hopefully he stays this humble.

Mud Mania

The boys participated in Mud Mania put on by Metro Parks of Butler County. It was a big MUDDY obstacle course. The Fire Department was there to hose everyone down and see that the ground was extra muddy. I think they had a good time. The girls on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with it.
They got muddy, but not as muddy as these people. I'm glad they weren't coming home with me!

This Girl

She's filled with a little bit of SUGAR and WHOLE lot of SPICE

Often doing something NAUGHTY, but sometimes she's NICE.

I keep saying, "It's a good thing she's so dang cute and has a cute little giggle". If Isaac hasn't killed me off yet...this cute little thing just might be the death of me.