I am GERMAN!

Joey had to do a heritage report for school, so he did it on Germany. We researched and read all kinds of different facts. Yesterday he had to give his oral presentation in front of the class. Bryan and I both went, he did such a great job too. He had lots of interesting facts to share along with pictures (old and new), traditional clothing, and money. He did a great job and we are so proud of him!

Pointing to Germany on the map

Showing pictures of Germany taken in 1972.

His paper doll wearing a traditional German Lederhosen.

Questions from Mrs. Baker

Joey answering questions from the class.

Great job Joe!

Family Home Evening

Last night we had FHE. A lesson then the treasured desert. Even though I am always making sweets for some reason it just tastes better and is more exciting with FHE. So I thought I'd kick it up a notch this week. I made chocolate bowls (yep that's right) and brownies. Then we made sundaes. We put ice cream and brownies with chocolate and peanut butter sauce in our bowls. Then we ate it all. Clean up was a snap-since we ate the bowls. ;-)

The kids loved it! 

First Time X2!

Bryan and Joey decided not to go to their usual spot. So for the first time they went to Kirkwood. Of course they had a blast and went again today. Bryan bought a season pass for Kirkwood; so they will finish out the season there. And bonus: Joey is free on Sundays!

Joseph's first trip down the half pipe

Looking good!

He was made to do this!

Here he is just coming down the slopes.

He is working on his speed. Its hard to tell though!

Check out the snow falling.

Our 4 Kids

Today I thought I would attempt to get a picture of all 4 of the kids. They had it in them to sit for about seven pictures. I thought this one was the cutest (and they are all looking)

Ava Girl

That face says it all!

What a smile

A more serious Ava.

A language of his own

Tommy was assessed with a 50% speech delay, unfortunately because of red tape, budget cuts, and the insurance run around, its been so hard to get him the help he needs. Well now he has made up his own words to communicate with us. Its kind of cute to hear him talk

vacuum-doey-o

cars and trucks-brrroom

Nathan- Wa wa

Juice- jew

The Fresh Beat Band (a show he likes)-Kiki

hammer-bang

Woody- Wee wee

guns-bew

Christmas/santa-ho ho
Remote-memote
Music-yah yah booboo 
Bird-B

A lesson in hard work

Joey decided he wants to compete in snowboarding when he's 10 (the X games to be exact), so I immediately got on it and found a team for him to join. Saturday and Sunday Bryan took Joey to Tahoe to work with the coaches and the team. It was hard, trying, challenging, and very tiring for him. He learned a lot about the sport and himself. After two days of working hard we decided along with the coaches that he is not ready for the team this year. He is going to work with one of the coaches in private lessons for the rest of the season, with Bryan, and spend more time riding in order to prepare him for the team next year and condition him for "hell" week in December.

I