Happy Halloween- a few days late

Back to the 50's day at school

My little rocker and her Minion pumpkin painted all by herself.

So with the crazy colors and Hulk- I feel like our costumes could have been from the 80's

A little update

I've never put a link in before but hoping this will work.

http://www.smilebox.com/playBlog/4d7a67784e446b314d7a673d0d0a&blogview=true

Fall Fun

As usual the kids are keeping busy: Monday we go to jazz dance with Ellie.  Tuesday flag football with Sam, Wednesday Faith Formation for all, Thursday flag football and Just for Kix for Ellie.  In October we hope to add piano back in and of course soon after flag football will be hockey time.  It is so fun watching them in all they do.  Of course in their free time Ellie has crafts to do, friends to hang with, and babysitting jobs to take.  Sam can be found watching TV or riding bike if he has a few extra minutes.

He could be ready to play flag football or he could be a clown??

A couple of buddies after they played each other on the flag football field- thankfully their teams tied!

Another school year is well on its way!

Really cannot believe we have been in school almost a month.  In fact we have conferences Oct. 14-16.  Wow- I thought I was still getting to know my students- where does the time go?  I once again  coteach with a great friend.  We have up to 16 kids in the morning and another crew in the afternoon.  I love my job and the staff I work with, but wow are we going to busy this year!

Ellie started 6th grade at a brand new intermediate school called IJ Holten.  I think we are pretty lucky to have her there.  Even better is that her dad works there now so most mornings he picks her up for school.  Sam is back at Banfield in 3rd grade.  He loves school, but don't ask him about homework. 

Check out Sam's coat- this is a boy who doesn't care a lot about what he wears, but fell in love with this jacket.  Of course I had to buy it.

Love the smile and of course notice the purple shoes- ahh shopping for shoes with an 11 year old girl.  :) In the end we made a deal and it all worked out.

 

Brothers and Sisters

Although I may often comment on the fighting between the children in this house, a few pictures reminded me they really do love one another.   Check out the fun these 2 had at the fair this summer.

 

And then there was the first day of school

 

And finally just a little Austin Packer Homecoming Pride

 

Love these two!!

 

Baseball Fun

Sam decided to try baseball this year.  I really don't know who has more fun- him playing or me watching.  I love seeing how each week the team learns a little more about the game.  I am also impressed with the organization and hard work the coaches put in.   I'm sure there will be another baseball post but had to put a few on now. 

Birthday time

Next up for June was Ellie turning 11 on June 21 and Sam turning 8 on June 30th.  The kids had great birthday parties and enjoyed getting cards in the mail.  With any luck we will get some thank you's mailed out to a few of you before school starts again.  :)

Ellie celebrated her real birthday with a candle lit cookie

Silly girls- first we did a movie, then Applebee's, finally home for owl shaped cupcakes made by dad, and a sleepover

Yep- it was another Chuck E. Cheese birthday party for Sam.

Iron Man's shield even with a light in it, made by dad.  What a day: Chuck E. Cheese, cake, and a sleep over with friends

A little surgery

Next on Ellie's summer list of activities was getting a cyst removed off of a bone in her leg.  In May she had complained a bit about her leg hurting.  Dave and I kept saying it will get better, but then we learned she had cried during track and field day at school, her gym teacher even noticed she was in pain.  So that night we were off to urgent care thinking she had a sore calf muscle.  Hmm- 3 hours later after blood tests for blood clots and an x-ray we found out she had a cyst on her bone.  By the next day we know she was headed for Mayo to see a pediatric orthopedic doctor.  Yep- her parents felt like complete failures- dismissing her pain as nothing-oops it happens to the best of us.  From there we learned the cyst was common, likely caused her fibula bone to fracture, and with a simple surgical procedure by fall she would be back to her active self.  Well from the pictures below you can see she breezed through her very first surgery.  She had her parents a little nervous- ok her dad was crazy nervous- as parents are if there children are being put to sleep.   All went well and Ellie is back to riding bike and swimming.  By the time school starts she will be back to running, jumping, and dancing too!

 

Music and Drama Camp

Summer began with Ellie and Sam being a part of the music and drama camp at Faith Church in Austin.  Ellie was an amazing narrator and Sam enjoyed being a part of the songs and boys group dancing.  After the picture is a video with snap shots of the songs and Ellie's parts.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I am one proud mom!!

 

Where has summer gone?

Wow- the summer is flying by and little is posted on our blog.  Look for some posts of our June/July excitement!

Good Bye to a family pet

Hercules was almost 15 years old and lived a great life of being our family pet.  In the past couple of years he had turned into our "crotchety old man" but we still loved him.  This week he was sick on and off, but had moments of feeling fine too.   It appears he peacefully died by himself in the mudroom where he stays when we are gone.   Although it is hard to lose a furry member of the family, we are thankful he didn't suffer long.   

 

 



End of Year Talent Show

LOVE THIS VIDEO!!  Sam and his friend William were asked to perform their Just For Kix hip hop dance for their elementary school's end of year talent show.  They had so much fun and all I can say as this video continues to make me smile.   William's mom commented how much fun it will be to show this at the boy's graduation!  AHH- Love that they are making such fun memories!

Teachers

We were so lucky to have our kids have a couple of the best teacher's ever.  Sam loved his teacher so much I suggested she just move up each grade with him.  :)

Last day of 2nd Grade with Ms. Hull

Miss Hull just loved our kids how can we not love her- Sam's 2nd grade teacher and Ellie's student council leader

Mrs. Wiste and Ellie- these two are going to miss each other so much- they made a great bond when Ellie was in her 3rd grade class and then she got be in Mrs. Wiste's 5th grade class too.

Now it is on to summer fun!!

2nd grade spring concert

Here is a little of Sam's spring concert.  When he plays the bells the kids in front of him are doing some type of game.  Enjoy the show.

Last song of last spring performance at elementary school

Yes it is true we almost have a 6th grader in our home.  This is the last song she will sing at an elementary concert.  Next year it is off to intermediate school.  For those of you who know me well- no I didn't actually cry at the end of the concert, but don't worry I will on the last day of school I'm sure.  :)

Choir 2013

This is the all school choir concert. These kids met after school most of the school year. They all sang together on 1 day during April and then performed this concert in May. Pretty Cool! Here are just a couple of the songs they sang.

 

 

 



Violin 2013

Ellie participated in her first Orchestra concert. The 5th grade students began orchestra in the fall. They had lessons at each of the 4 elementary schools throughout the year. Starting in April they practiced all together at the high school on Tuesday afternoons. Here is the end result.

More Dancing

This video is of a hip hop dance that grade 5-7 learn  in 3, 1 hour sessions.  I think they look pretty good for learning so fast. 

Dancing Fun

 

Sam has had a great time in Boys Hip Hop this year. His teacher is great with the kids and a good dancer too. In fact his teacher's dance team is leaving the area to do bigger and better things. This performance begins with a scene from the Goonie's movie and then is some type of new music- which I don't know what it is. All that matters to me is that Sam has a smile on his face. :)

 

 

 

 

Sick Day/Snow Day

Sam has been coughing for over two weeks.  We had checked with the ER Sunday and they felt like waiting until his scheduled appointment on Wednesday was ok.  Oops- the poor kid has walking pneumonia.  Now he coughed big and bad,  on and off, but never had a fever, complained or acted sick.  He even asked me to stop asking about the cough!  He was given medication and told no school for at least 24 hours.  Dave said the boy was super excited- he finally was going to have a sick day from school. (His poor sister has missed 3 days in the past two weeks due to a stomach bug- so he has been envious of her staying home)  Well this morning I got a text at 5:15 stating we had a snow day- Dave and I go up and looked out the window and this is what we saw:

We couldn't believe it and then thought- Sam is going to be so mad.  When Sam woke me up at 7:30 and I said we will all be home today because of snow his face dropped.  He ended up having a fine day of beating me in monopoly, playing with his sister and her friend, and watching plenty of TV.  Yet at bedtime- he said, "I have to go to school tomorrow?  Today was supposed to be my sick day!"

I had to reply with sorry, but you have been fine so the plan will be for school tomorrow.  The less than happy boy went to bed.  Let's hope the cough continues to get better and the snow continues to melt!  Happy Snow Day- May 2, 2013

1st Communion

This year I have had the chance to co-teach Sam's 1st Communion classes on Wednesday nights.  It really has been fun to learn through the eyes of the kids in the class.  Although I have wondered whether the 2nd graders would understand all we have studied- they have of course proved they can.  We were lucky to have much of our family join us for Sam's 1st Communion- even if the day did start out with icy/snowy stuff! We did have to miss Grandpa Randy who had to work snow duty- who would have thought that would happen on April 21?


Sam and one of his best buddies Joe

Sam and Father Steffes

The Eyre Family

Sam and his Godparents- Aunt Becky and Uncle Chris

Sam and Granpa Tom, Grandma Mary Ann, and Grandma Mary

Sam and his cake specially made by dad



Sam and his uncles, one of Sam's Godfather's couldn't be here, but looks like the uncles got it covered
 

How to ride a bike

It is so fun when the teachers send home writing the kids have done.  I loved Sam's directions and drawing for this writing sample so I had to share it.   Happy bike riding! 

 

 

 

I made the goal!

First I must say look at how much Sam has improved at hockey/skating his year. It is amazing! 2nd this video also is too funny- "Yes, I made the goal, I want to celebrate-oops I slipped, but I'm up again showing you I made the goal!

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Dance Photos





 

    

Getting Ready




 






3 Happy Friends with their 2nd place ribbons




 




Go Ellie!
 



Jazz action shot

This weekend was make dad and mom proud weekend. We started out with celebrating Sam's first hockey season. Boy does that kid love the sport. I get excited every time I watch him as he has that look of pride and excitement each practice. Now this week he gets to try out being goalie- he's been waiting all season for that.

Then today Dave and I went with Ellie to her dance competition. Although a bunch of screaming dance girls may not be Dave's favorite activity, he sure was proud of his daughter- the big hug and the grin on their faces after the first performance was priceless- nope didn't have the camera out for that moment. He did the video taping and I did the camera shots so lucky for you we have many pictures/video. Again the look on Ellie's face when she is dancing melts my heart as I know she is so happy and confident when she is out there. What a fun weekend! Now back to the work week and blowing snow. Spring anyone??



My Video 3/17/13 at OneTrueMedia.com

Today Dave, Ellie and I drove to Bloomington, MN for Ellie's Just for Kix Dance Competition. It was a long, busy, and yet very fun day!

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My Video 3/16/13 at OneTrueMedia.com

Just a few more pictures from our fun day!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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My Video 3/16/13 at OneTrueMedia.com

What a fun day! The kids got to skate onto the ice with music and lights just like our own Austin Bruins come out for games. Then came the announcements of each player and their medals.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Ellie's School Play

Ellie was in an afterschool play session for about 6 weeks.  The kids memorized the lines, helped with the set, and did two great little plays.   Last week I got to go watch her as Tiger in the MouseDeer and Tiger play.  I hope to get the video of the play on here soon too.

What to do on a sleety day? Go to the Spam Museum of Course

Sam really just wanted to go roller skating, but the the weather was not that nice.  We convinced him the Spam Museum could be fun instead.  The kids favorite part of the Spam Museum is putting on the packing uniform and trying to race who gets the spam packed the fastest.

More Snow

The last couple of weeks have provided us with plenty of rain, sleet, ice, and snow.  Sam, our boy who loves machines, was excited each snow day to help dad blow the snow. Another favorite part of the snow day is the sledding and snowboarding instead of school.

Finally Some Snow

It's a lot of work to make it to the top of an icy hill.

Sam and Joe waiting their turn

 

Two good buddies!