"Gingerbread" Houses and Ham

Yesterday we tried to cram in all the Christmas activities we have yet to accomplish like constructing "gingerbread" houses and going to to see the lights at Santa Land. We have never made the houses before - I have never been able to find a peanut free kit (and no way am I cool enough to bake my own). SO we made ours out of graham crackers. I did this with a class during student teaching and was reminded of it when I saw it on a friend's blog this year. The boys actually did most of the work themselves and we only had one collapse during construction. All they wanted to do was eat the houses, so for breakfast this morning they got their wish.

As you can also see, Ryan has become a big ham. He loves to make crazy faces and pose for the camera. He also loves to sing and seems to pick up every song we hear. Yesterday he was singing "Feez da-di-da. Feez-da-di-da!"
The artists

Ham and Cheese

Ryan's House

Reagan's House

Reagan's 7th Birthday!

Hard to believe, but Reagan celebrated his seventh birthday last week. As promised, we had a Putt-Putt party. With a December birthday, an outdoor party is always a risk, but the weather was awesome. We truly had the place to ourselves. Guess no one else in town was up to playing golf in 40 degree weather?? That or they saw 20 little boys and girls with golf clubs in hand and decided to go do something else! (I would!)

Each birthday kid gets to put their hand print and info on the wall. He was excited to make his print, but not excited to pose for a picture for his dear old mom.

Ryan trying his luck at Deal or No Deal. Deal.

Ryan and his new "cheese" face. You will see it featured on this year's Christmas card.

Listening to the Putt-Putt instructions. If only my kids would listen to me this intently.

I am certain Brooks is enjoying having five caddies. I think they are actually warning him that this is the hole where the ball goes away FOR-E-VER.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REAGAN!!!

Bony Brothers Halloween

The Bony Brothers had a great Halloween with lots of friends and candy. We started the evening at a neighbor's house where everyone loaded up on pizza then set off to trick or treat. I headed back to the house to pass out candy. The best part was when my own kiddos and their buddies knocked on my door! By 8:15 I had passed out 12 GIANT bags of candy. John started passing out candy from our own kids' buckets. After that we turned out the lights and people STILL came and stood at our door. Not sure of what part of no lights, not answering door they did not get! : ) When Ryan saw Reagan's costume, he had to have an "eleon" costume as well. I also discovered these smiling masks were great for pictures. For all I know their eyes are closed and they are not smiling underneath. As long as their bodies were generally facing the camera, we were golden.

Oh Happy Day!

Our sweet Reagan has accepted Christ as his savior and went before the church Sunday to be baptized. We are overjoyed and so grateful he has made this most important decision and are excited to watch him grow as a new Christian. Oh happy day!

First Day of First Grade

Reagan started first grade at his new school Monday. Everything went smoothly and he had a great day. I think we are all ready to sleep in tomorrow morning!


Just like last year, Foster Kitty is trying to make her way into the picture.

At his desk and looking much more confident that this time last year (see below!)!

Happy Camper

Reagan and four of his buddies left this morning for Pine Cove. He was really excited and I was really sad!! I can't wait until he gets home this afternoon and hopefully tells me all about it! Here is a tiny picture of the gang - if you click on it you might be able to enlarge it and see their happy faces.

Summer Daze

It is too hot to play outside, so we are constantly seeking out new fun indoors. Here's last week's fun: munching Goldfish crackers while sitting in lawn chair thrones in the local Target.