Buddy the Dog

   It is hard for us to believe this little fur ball of energy has been a member of the family for a year now.  He provides us so much fun, laughter, love, and some "are you kidding" moments too!  Who couldn't love this cute little face???

Happy Halloween a little late!

A proud boy who carved his own pumpkin

Ellie is a mushroom from Super Mario Brother's and Sam a Strong Man

 

Ellie and her friends- all characters from Super Mario Brothers

Sam and his friend ready for a fun night of trick-or-treating

Winter Sports

The winter sports season has officially started at the Eyre house.   I couldn't be prouder of my dancer or my hockey player.  I love watching them, cheering them on, and seeing the joy in their faces as they dance and play!

Austin Packer Junior Varsity Dance Team

Love this girl

 

 

 

 

 

1st game of the year at Albert Lea and we won!

Playing his little heart out in a game they loss in a shoot-out during the 2nd overtime.

A Little Family Fun

So this mom is finding out that as your kids get older there is just more and more going on.  We pretty much have a sport or church activity every night of the week.  So if we do happen to have a little time together we do our best to make it fun.  Here are a couple of photos of Homecoming and of our trip to Ceder Creek Orchard. 

8th Grade Volleyball

Ellie has had a great time playing volleyball the past month.  One of her strengths is her serving.  She had 95.1 % accuracy for the season.  Some games she had 100% of serves go over.  Pretty impressive to this mom.   I loved to watch her because not only did she focus and try her best, but she also cheered on her peers.  I observed her even praising those who really struggled.  That makes this mom so proud!

                                                                                                                                

The smile on your face when your ankle is healed and you are back on the volleyball court.

2nd place in your home tournament!

Tackle Football

Sam has been waiting for years to play tackle football. Although his mom was a bit nervous Sam was ready to start.  He seems to be having fun although he is on the offensive line and he says he prefers defense so you can tackle people!

He is number 74 on the Cowboys team.

His dad and his Godfather Bruce joined in on the fun of the first game.  These would be the two that introduced Sam to football..

Number 74 in action

First Day of School

 The first day of school seems like ages ago now.  Ellie is back at Junior High and Sam started something new with being at an intermediate school for 5th and 6th grade.  I also made a change and teach early childhood special education at Woodson Kindergarten Center.  So far I am loving my change to kindergarten. 

Ellie had an ankle sprain during much of September but it healed and all is well!

My Movie Band Camp

Sam attended 5th Grade Band Camp last week.  The kids went to camp 2.5 hours for 4 days.   The teaching staff said they were able to teach 2-3 months worth of lessons in that time.  I was quite impressed with what the kids could do after only 4 days.  Sam had a great time and is enjoying his new instrument, the baritone.

Birthday Time

June is birthday month at this house.  Yes it is true I am a mother of a teenager and a double digits aged brother.  In case you are wondering I am not growing older just the children. 

 

 

 

Dave made Ellie an elephant cake at her request.  She is very into elephants.  We think it is because her Uncle Colin has always called her Phant and given her elephants, but she says that is not why.

Backyard Birthday Fun

 

This cake looks just like Sam's hockey jersey.

Sam had great fun with his friends at the Owatonna outdoor pool/water park for his birthday party.

Black Hills, SD

 We started the summer with a little family trip to the Black Hills.  We jam packed our days with fun and site seeing.  This post is a bit long but I had to add a photo from  most of our stops. 

Quite possibly running into my co-worker was the most exciting thing about this place.  But Corey and the kids had never been there so we had to stop.

There was plenty to see at Wall Drug

I think I may need a giant tortoise for a pet.  And who would have thought I had a blast at Reptile Gardens.

One of my favorite photos of Sam.  Mostly because he first took one with a smile and then said, wait that is not the right face and had me retake this one. 

Bear Country- After you Bears...

The Cosmos Mystery Area was a favorite of ours.  It is so weird how you think you are standing straight, but you are not.

Go Carts are a favorite of the kids- mom just watches as she is too slow and careful. 

Both kid did rock wall climbing too.

1880 Train Ride - such neat views along the way.



A little family fun at Mount Rushmore.

Sure Buffalo we will wait for you on this winding road.

Wind Cave and Wind National Park- kids had never been to a cave before.  We all loved it. 

Laura and Corey posing at the Bad Lands

Sam had fun climbing up and down on some of the Bad Lands formations.

We all had so much fun and can't wait to see what our next year's adventure will be. 

It's Baseball Season

 

 

Sam is playing baseball with other 9-10 year olds this summer.  He is on the Lion's team and he can't figure out who picks out a black shirt for hot summer baseball.  So far he hasn't melted.  He definitely is catching on to the game and prefers first base or short stop for his positions.   I just have fun watching!

 

4th grade play

This is a video of a few parts of Sam's 4th grade play.  His friend Cade is the Buzzard and Sam is the bear.  Enjoy a few minutes of the fun.

Just for Kix Rising Stars Lyrical Routine, Spring 2015

Just for Kix Spring Show 2015- 7th Grade Kick Routine

Partner Dance Routine- Cinderella

This song about a daughter growing up can make me cry when it comes on the radio.  Just imagine how it worked for me to watch Ellie and her dad dance to it.   It definitely is special father/daughter moments.   I have close ups of Ellie and her dad in this video.  The following link has the dance from beginning to end as it starts out with younger girls, then Ellie's age, and then older girls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gg8yalnXOA&fb_action_ids=10206947750073981&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B690705211058251%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Sam's Hip Hop

Sam joined a 4 week session of Just For Kix boys hip hop with his friends Wyatt and William.  It was pretty fun to see their moves at the spring dance show.

Sam's Last Banfield Elementary School Concert

7th grade orchestra

I am always impressed by the concerts my kids are in.  I guess that could be a mom  thing.  :)  The first song is 7th grade only and the 2nd song is 7th and 8th grade together.

They grow up so fast!!

Sam will leave elementary school at the end of the school year and go on to intermediate school.  He is simply going to be in 5th grade but going from a school we have been at for years to a new place seems like kind of a big deal to this mom.  So obviously with my ability to be emotional I have been thinking about this all year.  Then it just so happens they plan the last family fun night at his elementary school and the parent information meeting about his new school all on the same night.  I am happy to say I survived it all without shedding a tear and Sam had  a great time at family fun night.

Rolling out of the obstacle course

Waiting his turn and looking more like a middle school student than an elementary student.

Spring Is Here

Ellie is having a great time with her 7th grade softball team.  She amazes her mom with her determination and competitive spirit she brings to each game.