Happy 9th birthday Jackson!

Dear Jackson,

Your birthday was on a Wednesday this year. Grandpa Terry and Grandma Barb hosted a small family party for you on Monday night; Maddy, Logan, and Uncle Ryan were there too. It was a fun night, complete with pizza, cake, and presents. At the end of the night, all five of you decided to put on a fashion show. Jess, Lia, and Maddy presented the latest trends in summer fashion and accessories:) And, Logan and you strutted your stuff down the catwalk wearing a clown costume, fancy sunglasses, and Nerf accessories. It was great!

On your actual birthday, we had a quiet evening at home, just the five of us. You requested McDonalds for your birthday dinner. Ha! Then Dad and you played FIFA on the Xbox while the girls and I wrapped a few xmas presents. We ended the night reading books as a family (my favorite way to end our nights:)). Right now, you are into the Geronimo Stilton series and some of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books as well.

For your birthday party with some friends, you chose to have a gym party at the Onalaska YMCA. The first hour was spent playing games like, dodgeball, basketball, and football in the gym.

The remainder of the time was spent in the Y's party room, eating cake and opening gifts. (Although you had several friends at your party, I decided to only put this one of Logan and you during the gift opening)...

Third grade is going well for you, both socially and academically. Although you tell me most subjects are "just ok," sometimes there are certain topics that really spark your interest. Most recently, it was a lesson about nature (animals and storms), a history lesson about the Titanic, and a unit about outer space (you wrote a report about the planet Jupiter). You're a smart kid, and good leader at school.

Playing sports with friends and Dad is still one of your favorite things to do. Soccer, football, basketball (currently in season with), and downhill skiing (would be in season with if we ever get the snow/temps). You also enjoy playing Xbox and collecting Pokeman and sports cards.

Overall, we think you are a smart, funny, and energetic young man.
We love you Jackson!
Mom and Dad

Trick or Treat!

We had a Witch, a Fox, a Monster, and a Minecraft Creeper (more appropriate for school than Monster) visit our house this Halloween.

Trick or treating is from 4-8pm where we live. We started at 4:01...just a tad bit excited; it would've been 4:00 on the dot if I hadn't forced you three to pose for this quick picture:

Trick or treating with some friends and neighbors lasted for about 2 hours. All of you were just as happy to hand out candy for the rest of the time.
It was a fun night, despite the cold temperature.

Pumpkin Carving, October 2014

Pumpkin carving - a.k.a. "Eeeeewww!" in our family -took place in our living room, on top of a sea of beach towels.

Although we did manage to keep a clean carpet, and no one lost any fingers, or even suffered so much as a tiny scrape, during the carving process, we were unsuccessful at convincing our 4-year-old to reach down inside her pumpkin to scoop out the seeds.
Eeeeeewwww! ...Lia (and sometimes Jess and Jackson) would say.
I cannot tell you how many times we heard that lovely sound. Ha!

Each of you drew the faces you wanted for your jack-o-lanterns right on the pumpkins. Note for next year, do not use permanent markers. oops.

Jackson decided to put on this 'Minecraft creeper' head to ensure people could see the resemblance...

Best way to change Lia's "Eeeewww" to "Aaaahhh" --turn out the lights:)

Hiking at Perrot

We went hiking on a trail through Perrot State Park, Trempealeau WI. It was early October; the weather was beautiful on that day. And, I'd say we made it about 4 miles before anyone felt tired (and not even one piggy back ride was given)!
Some friends were able to take this picture of our family.

Soccer, Donuts, and Butch the Bear

Here are a few moments in September...


Soccer.
Jessica and Lia participated in the 'Happy Feet' program (for 4-6 year olds) at the YMCA. Girls, this was the first time either of you played any type of organized soccer; and, you both did so well! Jessica, you were very strong and fast out there. Lia, you did a great job dribbling and kicking the ball. The tag games were especially fun(ny) to watch!
And next time, I promise to take a few pictures...I will, "for real," Lia :)

Jackson, you also played soccer through the YMCA; competing on the 3rd and 4th grade boys' team, with Dad as your coach. You were also really exciting to watch out on the field. I was impressed with your improved confidence level, and overall ball handling abilities! You demonstrated great teamwork, and either assisted or scored, many goals.
I wish I would've snapped more pictures for you as well...
Here's the one, and only, picture I did manage to capture of the entire soccer season.
A picture of the team after the last game...

Donuts with Dads.
This was an event held at your school, one morning in September. Dad was unable to make it, but lucky for you three, Grandpa Terry and Grandpa Bob just LOVE donuts! Convincing them both to join the three of their favorite young people for free donuts and coffee, wasn't too difficult...

Butch the Bear.
This bear belongs to Lia's class at school. Mrs. Lang takes turns sending Butch home with each child for a weekend. Lia's weekend happened to fall on a five-day extended weekend break from school. So, Butch was with us a looooong time! This bear went with us to the store, to the park, to Grandparents' houses...Butch even accompanied Lia to her PT conferences.
Lia, you took really good care of Butch, and made sure he was well fed...

Butch also accompanied us to one of Jackson's soccer games. Brrr! It was cold that morning...

First day of school. September 2, 2014

Jackson (8) - 3rd grade. Teacher: Miss Henke
Jessica (6) - 1st grade. Teacher: Mrs. Roesler
Lia (4) - Pre-K. Teacher: Mrs. Lang
All at Irving Pertzsch Elementary School


Ah, yes...and can't you just feel the excitement!??

Ok, so, maybe they're a little excited... :-)

Neighborhood walking group

Waiting for the Pre-K bus to arrive at our home

Last three pics: Lia (and friend, Rylan, from daycare) boarding the Pre-K bus...a little much? Probably. But she's my baby:(.

Bill Peet's books

Grandma Gundy recently decided to give the three of you (and Alli and Lettie too) a collection of Bill Peet's childrens' books. I took this picture of her reading one of them to all of you...

These books are really good!...very entertaining and teach a good lesson.
When Grandma Gundy taught Kindergarten, she read these same Bill Peet stories to her students.
Thank you, Grandma Gundy, for sharing these stories with us. We love them!


More about Bill Peet.