Kindergarten Party

We had a fun night with the kindergartener's and their families this past Friday night as we all gathered for pizza and fun in the gym at school.  Above is a picture of Carter and his buddy Brett.  Carter talks about Brett all the time; it is great to see them make new friends.

 The coloring table was a hit for most of the little girls in his class.  Most of the boys were using the balloons we had blown up as weapons.

 Each year the kindergarten class is paired up with a "study buddy" from the 5th grade class which also happens to be Hailey's class.  Above is a picture of Hailey with her study buddies Lauren and Iona.  She loves them so much.

The kindergarten party was blessed to have a juggling show put on by some members of Jugheads.  The kids were impressed with the skills.

Miedema/Syrjamaki Super Bowl

 Each year the kids and their daddies face up in a Super Bowl match up of intense competition.  This year was no different as we hit the field.  The Syrjamaki's had a play book which proved to be an advantage as they triumphed over the Miedemas' for the second straight year. 

Happy 30/40 Birthday Zobels

 We spent the weekend in Sioux Falls in honor of Ginnie's 30th birthday and Wil's 40th birthday.

Saturday began with basketball tournaments for both Maddie and Jacob.

They had the biggest fan club there!

 I can't believe how I now need to look up to my nephews and Damon is not far behind.

 That evening it was all 80s for the party!

 My PARENTS!!!!

 Miami Vice was in the house

 The birthday couple with their fabulous 80s cake.

 The sisters

 Mom and her daughters

 Brad and I.....totally disturbing.

 The original 6 :)

Stephanie and Eric

Happy Halloween 2013

The Newton Ave Halloween resumed..........

The after school party with friends.....

Carter's field trip

 I was able to join Carter and his kindergarten class las week as we visited Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington.  It was a beautiful day for them to explore signs of fall.  They learned about seeds, leaves, and how to make apple cider.

They are a great group of kids.

House Project

 After returning from Boston, we filed an insurance claim due to hail damage on our home.  We then began the process of finding a contractor to repair the damage. 

We decided quickly on shingles and then added some fun new looks with the brick, new garage door, and dark siding.

 The finished product!!!!!

MEA Weekend 2013

 Just prior to the MEA weekend, I had the privilege of accompanying Taylor's class to the Minnesota Arboretum in Chanhassen.  It was a rainy day, but the kids didn't seem to notice.  We learned about the apple orchard research of the University of Minnesota and about how they produced our family's favorite apple: the honey crisp.

 After the class trip we headed to SW Minnesota to spend the night at Grandpa and Grandma's.

 MEA weekend is always falls with Kensington's birthday.  We celebrated her third birthday in Sioux Falls and watched her get her ears pierced!

 Taylor loves being in charge of little Harper.

 Silly faces with the cake

 Cousins before church

 While I was away wedding dress shopping with Auntie Julie (sorry, I am not allowed to post pictures of the dress) the kids went with Auntie Ginnie to Sky Zone to jump.  They had a blast!

 The cousins with the royal Kensington.

Sisters....

Fall Fun

 The fall in Minnesota has been wonderful; we have been enjoying 70 degree weather.

We visited the Minnetonka Apple Orchard with friends after school.

 Julia and Hailey enjoying apple donuts

 Carter and Taylor checking out their growth with Ms. Apple

 The kids and I.....I wish they would just slow down and stop growing!!!!!!

Carter, Jaclyn, and Taylor with the wagon load of pumpkins.

 All dressed up and ready to go to the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation Gala.

A fundraiser for the foundation to promote research to improve outcomes.