Sam Wagner acting as Lincoln's Son

Sam had a great Presidents Day.  He was asked to act out the part of one of Abraham Lincoln's sons for a presentation being done for the legislators on Lincoln's birthday.  He was a little reluctant until I told him he would be missing school to do this.  All he really had to do was stand there as they spoke about Lincoln, his family, and the way Lincoln's influence can still be felt today.  I was happy as a clam to snap a few photos and gaze at the beautiful capitol building.  :)

Definitely a Presidents Day that Sam will never forget!

Tessa turns 5!

Tessa had been planning her fifth birthday celebration since the day after her fourth birthday celebration.  She knew what she wanted for dinner, what she wanted to drink, what presents she wanted, and what kind of cake she wanted. 

We tried not to disappoint.  :)

Tessa's koolaid smile says it all!  She loved the dinner, the butterfly cake was to her satisfaction, and she received the puppy dog and crayons that she had been hoping for.  Most of all she received Princess Celestia - the My Little Pony toy that she was begging for for months! 

The following days she didn't let it out of her sight.  One day we were out and about and she turned to me and said in her sing-song voice, "Mommy, let's go home. I want to play with Molestia."  After a few concerned looks I quickly told her that the pony's name was CELESTIA NOT MOLESTIA. 

Happy Birthday Sweet Tessa!!!  We love you!!

Sammy turns 9!

My sweet Sam turned nine, and I am am wondering where all the time has gone.  He is so inquisitive and fascinated by space - hence, the cake.

His big brother decided to surprise him by giving him his old Ipod Touch that Lincoln had bought with his own money the year before.  Linc wrapped it himself in the corn dog box, and Sammy was thrilled to pieces to receive it!

His favorite gift, however, were the Celestron telescope lenses that he asked for.  These fit his large telescope.  He had been asking for these for a long time, and he didn't want anything else for his birthday.  Just the lenses. 

He loved his cake, and he loved having a special surprise visit from his cousin, James, too!

Spaghetti and meatballs were the order of the day. 

And the next night he got his award and moved up in Scouts.  All in all a pretty great week for one amazing kid. 

We love you Sammy!

Christmas 2011

This Christmas was great.  For some reason we didn't feel the same rush that we have in years past.  Maybe it was because Emma had surgery a few days before so we weren't out and about as much, or maybe it is because I was more prepared (I wish), or maybe it is just because we slowed down a little bit.  Whatever the reason, it was a great holiday season all around. 

This year we bought a real tree - our first real tree since before dental school.  We thought it was going to be a giant pain, but we loved it!  In fact, we got rid of our fake tree soon after Christmas. 

The kids received their Christmas ornaments, and had a great time decorating the tree. 

Christmas morning came early, but everybody was so excited, and the did let us sleep until 7:30.  I wasn't going to complain too much, because I think they had been up since before 6:00. 

Emma had a t-shirt made for Lincoln.  She thinks Chuck Norris is hilarious. 

Ted finally got a decent TV to put out in the garage for when he is on his bike trainer. 

Lincoln got some more motorized projects to build as well as an Ipod Touch.  Sam's favorite gift was a rock tumbler.  He put that one to immediate use. 

Tessa got her walking dog (which Jack hates and she loves to have it walk after Jack).

Emma got an I-home and was happy to never awaken to buzzing noises again. 

She also got this Donovan Jersey (soccer player for those who don't know). 

I got plenty for Christmas too - they just came (or are coming) in the form of house projects.  :)

 

The picture of this owl is in here because he sat in the tree by our house all through dinner.  I'm sure he was waiting for Jack to come out and become his next meal.  Since that time we have seen two owls.  I'm hoping that since Jack is still around and unscathed that that means he isn't interested in our little black dog.  :)

It really was a Merry Christmas!

A Day In the Life of Emma

In the course of 24 hours Emma went from this.....

To this (her Junior High Choir Concert)......

 To this...having her tonsils and adenoids removed. 

She doesn't get sick, but they were so large they were obstructing her airway.  They had to come out. 

 Here are her adoring fans waiting for her to wake up from anesthesia.  She did great, and lucky for us she is kind and patient when she isn't feeling well.  Oh wait.....well, she did great.  :)

 On the way home from the hospital Tessa saw how  much ice cream we were buying her, and she has requested that she be next to get her tonsils and adenoids removed. 

Tessa has been busy.....

Tessa has been busy.  She had her first day of preschool and could hardly stand the wait.  She.  Was.  Ready. 

She also learned how to ride a two-wheeler.  She is officially the  most determined (nice way of saying stubborn) 4-year-old I know.  When she wants something she does not quit until she gets it - and this time it really worked in her favor and she is loving riding a bike like the "big kids."