Our Christmas Card to You

Why did this card disappear??

Patricia Wins Most Outstanding Student Award in Tae Kwon Do

What an amazing Christmas demo! Patricia and Gino both did a great job. We couldn't be more proud! Trish is going to put together a little slide show to post later.

Papa Claus came to town

We had a great time this week. We met Papa at the airport. We actually went to baggage claim, but Papa only had carry on so he called and we ran across the bridge to greet him. We wanted to do so many fun things this week. We did lots! Papa took Trisha shopping (which ended in cookies- still not quite sure who wanted them!) Gino and Papa went on an adventure to try to find a specific gift for Trish- they found it! Papa went with us to a life learner game day- it was loud loud loud, but Papa felt right at home on a Sunday and managed to sneak in a nap. Afterwards we went to Joanne Fabrics and had a wonderful time picking out Christmas ornaments. Thursday we all went to Valley of Fire. It was a bit chilly but they all climbed and had a great time. Afterwards we went to Ethel M's and showed Papa the chocolate factory. It wasn't a busy time but it was neat anyway. The kids all got a hankerin' for chocolate so Papa treated all to hot cocoa at Wild Oats (I had a yummy smoothie instead.)! Friday came too soon and we took Papa to the airport. Always hard to say goodbye.

Trimming the Christmas Tree

We have an artificial tree again this year. Gino had a respiratory problem with a sprayed tree and we couldn't find an organic one here last year so we bought this one. It's pretty for an artificial tree. We miss the pine smell though. Trisha suggested we buy some pine essential oil. Sounds like a good idea!

What happened to the popcorn popper??

Gino and Roman take apart the air popper after a huge cloud of smoke came from it when we tried to use it.
Gino stuck with it taking apart all he could. He thinks the problem was in the "spring thing". (the heating element).

It rained!!

The boys had a great time playing in the rain. It rained all day long. Our yard should smell alot better now!!! They loved looking out the window and seeing the fog over the city. Gabriel watched Elvis the dog drink the rain water dripping off the roof and thought it a good idea. So, Gabriel had a taste- yuck!! I couldn't believe it. I asked him to stop, of course. He didn't seem to find it gross, but after no rain for months and months, the amount of yuck coming off the roof was disgusting to me!! Anyway, they had a ball.

Exploration Park- awesome!

Gino, Roman, Keegan and Gabriel getting "held up" on the stagecoach.
Trisha climbed to the top of the trail.

Roman learned it's colder at the top of the mountain! BRRRR

Gabriel couldn't keep his feet still with the Bee Gees playin'

We went to the Leid's Children's Museum for a friend's birthday party.

Gino was a statue

Gino posed as a statue for about 15 minutes one day. His brothers eventually joined in. It was pretty funny!

Flying in Laundry Pod racers

These boys had a great time playing Star Wars together.

Thanksgiving

We had a great time this Thanksgiving. Trisha made some chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chocolate chippers for Gino and the gorgeous leaves on this pumpkin pie. She also made Daddy some oat biscuits. She really loves to bake. We had the usual turkey, mashed potatoes, etc.

Abu enjoying a bike ride

Airshow

A cloudy day but lots of neat aircraft. Abu was in town to visit and had a great time, too.

True love!

I asked Gabriel what he wanted to name this photo. He said, "Judy Hoppenbacher".

These two are brothers from another mother!

More Halloween

Spider pumpkin by Gabriel.

Trisha's witches hat cake.

Halloween

Trip to the fake pumpkin patch.
Getting ready to Trick or Treat
Trisha's pumpkin
Gino's pumpkin with Trisha's
Daddy's pumpkin

New Name?

We'll be thinking about our new homeschool name for the next 8 months! Any suggestions? Should we just change it to 7 arrows?

Gino ate wheat!

On the way to the toy store to get a "trade" in gift for Halloween Candy, Gino broke off a piece of Trisha's poptart and ate it! No cough, no closing throat, no mucus. I am truly amazed! He went to bed so happy this evening. I'm filled with tears just thinking about his smile.

GINO EATS CHEESE!!

Today Gino went to Dr. Rhobirds. He was amazing! Gino can now begin to eat dairy, gluten and corn without a problem!! We are all so thankful and excited!!

More Halloween Party

Kime, Miranda and Yenny
Rachel
Gino, bobbing for apples. They changed the water after he was finished!
Mummy Roman

Making caramel apples

Halloween Party at Elizabeth's

Trisha and Bree
Elizabeth
Casper Wolfswinkle
Mitchell and Roman
Virgie, Queen of the slots

Make room at the top

Singing to Daddy

Daddy's Birthday

Beautiful cake designed by Trisha. It didn't last long!!!

Harvest Fest

Instead of carving, the pumpkins were decorated with clay and other things. They look great!



A Great time through the straw maze!

Trolley Ride over to the Arts Festival.