Holiday Bags

Tyler's class made care bags as part of their holiday party.

They decorated the bags and filled them with shampoo, toothpaste and other necessities for donation.

Check out Tyler's; I'm surprised he decorated it as much as he did!! His stuff is great if he puts his mind to it!

It was a fun way to give back this holiday season - rather than creating a craft they don't want to do.

The kids also were supposed to enjoy treats, but the parent in charge of that forgot - so, instead, they enjoyed some candy someone dug up.

How you forget you're in charge of that when you're emailed the day before, I don't know?!?

A Blake sandwich

Forever Royal

The big 4th-grade field trip is a tour of Kauffman Stadium, aka home of the Royals.

To say Tyler was excited is an understatement. 

Not only was he visiting his favorite place with all of his buddies, but he was going with his dad ... and dad doesn't usually get off for field trips.  

We're lucky he got to go.

Since I volunteer at school so much, Tyler got two "sticks" in the drawing and one of them was picked along with 1 other parent. The field trip is so popular every parent wants to go!

I gave Justin the option of attending this one. I knew he'd really enjoy it - plus I went with Ashlee's class back in preschool.

The two of them had a really fun day together - even if Justin had to serve as photographer for the entire class! And it was super cold out! But I think those were minor in comparison of visiting the World Series Champs!

Justin "played" Ned in the interview room (secretly he loved it)

 

Budding Art-est

Elfin'

Elfin' on the escalator

During the holidays, Union Station at Crown Center turns into a Winter Wonderland of pure beauty.

Lights, ribbons and all things Christmas decorate the main "tourist" areas. It's truly a site to see - but one we often don't get to see because we just don't venture down there unless we have out of town guests...or a reason.

Yesterday's reason: a special viewing of "Elf" - both Tyler and Ashlee's absolute favorite Christmas movie - on the extreme screen.

Afterward, we headed to check out the decor with the Russells, Cali and Mona.

We tried to take professional looking photos of the kids, but they seriously were not down with that. Instead, we looked at all of the trains and all of the lights.

As we were heading out, we found Santa's mailbox and small tables set up with crayons and papers for lists. The kids wrote down their wishes for Santa and put them in the mailbox - even though Tyler was adamant that mailbox was NOT real and there was no way Santa would ever get it.

Here's hoping they get what they want:

Tyler: An ISU coat and a specific Nerf gun.
Ashlee: A Hatchimal (the hot toy of the year), a gigaball and Georgie

Art(ists) at Work

My little artists are on display at my work!

I love passing by their art work as I go to the cafe. It brings a smile to my face - and I hope it does the same for the other employees.

Their artwork went up today and it will be up through the end of January!

Happy Holidays!!

What Are You Thankful For?

We have quite a difference in the lists

Off Their Rockers

Tyler and his fourth grade buddies were "Off Their Rockers" at this year's musical.

As usual, the musical was super cute. Instead of making costumes, this year they donned clothes from the 50s and 60s and sang tunes from the same era.

Let's just say the Grandmas and the Grandpas were rocking out in the audience.

I forced Tyler into a pair of jeans, and purchased him a white T-shirt. I tried to roll up the sleeves, but he was absolutely not having any of that. He also wasn't down with wearing his loafers. Or rolling his jeans.

We have the perfect pair of black Buddy Holly glasses, but those were a big negative too. In fact, Tyler and I got into a giant argument over the shades...and in the end, he didn't wear them so we both wasted our time.

I have come to the conclusion that my best bet for costumes is Ashlee. Boys won't wear them; girls seem to go all out!

Tyler still didn't have a talking or singing part - he tells us he never will - but he did get an-almost-solo instrument performance during one of the songs. He had to keep beat on his instrument and he did a good job - even with me on the ground, right in front of him snapping pictures. He loves his mama-razzi!

Wordless Wednesday {Football Champions. Again}

Lock Us Up

The elementary school Trivia Table was a bit of a debacle this year.

What theme were we going to do?
What costumes were we going to wear?
We have enough people for 2 tables, who will be at which? Who gets what theme?

With a winning reputation on the line, we have a lot to live up to. And everyone is going for another medal...or extra points.

We had Zombies, Ghostbusters, Pulp Fiction and Orange is the New Black among the choices. We picked the latter, even though most of us have never seen it since it's on Netflix.

And I have to say, we pulled it off quite well - perhaps John and Stephanie a bit too well!

Each of the girls took a main character from the show; one they looked the most like.

I was "Red," the chef, hence my white get up. We tried to put red gel in my hair from Great Clips, but I looked more like I belonged in "Something About Mary," if you get my gist!?!

The guys went as police officers; Stephanie and John switched places. And Craig went as the most realistic looking cop - he was even threatening to arrest people at the lodge!

Speaking of the lodge, this was the first year we had Trivia Night there. We got to bring in our own food and drinks and it was amazing. Mona introduced us to banana rum and Jillian brought her chocolate Rum, or maybe it's Vodka?!?, covered cherries. It was a fun night. Until next year....

Our table was in memory of Angie, our faithful trivia table mate. We miss you!

Emily watched Cali and Ashlee while we were away. There was one rule: do not let them paint their faces. Then this showed up on my phone:

They're cats!

It's hard to get mad looking at this. They're pretty darn cute cats.

Emily made sure they wiped it all off since Ashlee had an early dance even the next day.