Soccer Queen

These are probably the first and last soccer pictures you will see of Gracie. She is very fast, but if you have no desire to get from point "A" to point "B", it doesn't really matter how fast you are! Even Coach Dad couldn't raise a competative spirit in her. Notice the boquet of flowers in her hand as she plays goalie.

Show me what democracy looks like!

Good times standing up for worker's rights with good friends at the capital. Unfortunately, we get to do it so much it has become a new hobby.

Protesting at the Fort bridge and I ran into a student with a sign I love!

Girl Sout's Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Dance

Gracie and Mark danced the night away at the girl scout dance.

The King and His Royal Court

Last month we attended Gabe's monthly soup and bread night at his school. This month, they were celebrating the epiphany (Jan. 6), when the kings reached the baby Jesus. They had a "King's Cake" as part of the celebration. I learned about these cakes last year and found it funny and odd that a tiny baby Jesus is hidden in the cake. Whoever gets the piece with baby Jesus is the king for the day. Well, as you can see, Mark was the lucky winner! He recieved a crown and a lot of respect for the rest of the day.

Christmas card shots

It definitely wasn't easy, but I think we got some good shots for the Christmas card. Only 2 children were crying, mom yelled a little, and dad only swore once. Ironically, our cards say Peace, Joy and Love.

Fall Fun

All dressed up.

2 skeletons figuring out the ipad.

Brave Gabe!

Handsome guys.

Gabey is 5!

We had a great day at the beach and tubing for Gabe's birthday. As you can see from the pictures, the dad's had as much fun as the kids. Gabe loved it all, especially the cake.

A Day at the Beach

We had a great family day at Lake Ripley! Mark taught the kids to snorkle, and Gabe absolutely loved it. They swam and swam, and built mansions in the sand. I don't want summer to end!

T-ball

Feel the power!

He's got it in turbo-mode.

I think I may know why he has some fielding problems.

Madison Zoo

Fun day at the zoo!

Garrison is singing his version of the ABC's. We were driving back from Iowa.

Vacations

These are from the 4th of July celebration in Iowa. Garrison seems thrilled to meet Captain Jack Sparrow!

Amazingly cute kids!

Spring

Egg hunt.

We had a crazy Spring Break, but still nice to have time off. Gracie and I surprised mom in Idaho, but she got the stomach flu and was deathly ill half the time. Mark stayed home with the boys, until his parents got 4 feet of water in their basement. Then they drove to Iowa to help. We were all reunited by Easter.

Garrison's 2nd birthday

Garrison enjoyed his birthday, especially the cake! He is sometimes the most clever, smart toddler ever, and at other times a tantrum-throwing 2 year old. He loves Mickey Mouse, his brother Gabe, his "bllluuuue blllankey" and the book Mr. Brown Can Moo.

Gracie, Maya, and Ellie had fun at the party, too.

Gabe's theatrical debut

You have those moments when your children, who you have always thought were amazing, do something incredible you never expected. Gabe can be such a shy child, and to my knowledge has never wanted to be in front of a crowd. At preschool, they were putting on a play, Stone Soup. We were excited to see it, and knew even if Gabe refused to go on stage it would be very cute. What we didn't realize was that he had one of the main roles. He sang and acted and was quite a little ham. Mark and I kept looking at each other in shock. We really have to thank Mrs. Scholl (or super-teacher as we refer to her). Only she could have brought this out in him! I wish you all could have been there!