Hayden's Birthday

We took Hayden out to eat for his birthday. When we mentioned to the restaurant that he was ordering chocolate cake for his birthday, they brought him a sombrero and sang to him. He loved it - and obviously liked the cake too. (It seems that every picture I post of him he has a dirty face.)

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From Hayden's Birthday

My Birthday

I just wanted to mention, without making a big deal of it that my birthday was a couple of weeks ago. I won't talk specifics but all I will say is that I am not officially middle-aged yet. I do however, feel old. I know I have not been doing a great job of taking care of myself, but I shouldn't feel 60, should I?

Anyway, the kids and Shane were great as always. We went to eat a PF Chang's. It was really good and we had a great time. Their Kung Pao Scallops are soooo good - they practically melt in your mouth and taste like spicy butter. UNBELIEVABLE!! If you haven't been there - take the next opportunity to go.

Webelos Camp Out

The first weekend in November we took all of our Webelos camping to earn their Outdoorsman badge. It was a great weekend. They did complain because we had some work to do, but I think they had the best time ever. They had to set up their own tent, learn fire safety and how to build their own fire, and basically learned how to take care of themselves in the outdoors. The best part was the cooking. They made stoves out of big tin cans, they baked a cake in a cardboard box, and even cooked biscuits on a stick over an open fire.

The weather was perfect. It was chilly, but not too cold. I loved getting to be outside. And I was really comfy sleeping on the air mattress between Shane and Hayden. I also love being the scout leader. I know it sounds cheesey, but I cannot believe how much they have learned and grown since we started with them in 1st grade. It's really exciting to think that I had some small part in that. And its also uplifting to see how close they are. Caleb has some true friends!! (even if they fight like brothers sometimes)

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From Webelos Camp Out

Thanksgiving Holidays

I cannot wait until the Thanksgiving Holidays next week. I have been sooo overwhelmed and am completely exhausted. I will finally get to clean my house, enjoy my kids, and sleep late. And I only have one more reading assignment and a final project for my graduate class. Of course, I also get to see my family which is fun and I don't get to do very often. It's going to be FABULOUS. Hope you enjoy the funky Thanksgiving background, and you all have great holiday. - Theresa

Aye - Ya

One activity among many for the boys is karate. Okay, officially Shane would say it's Tang Soo Do. Anyway, they all had a test last month and here are some pictures. By the way, they all passed. Hayden is now a green belt and everyone else has their final stripe for their red belt.

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From Karate Test October 2008

Check out the cool halloween background

I tried to find one a couple of weeks ago and they didn't have any up yet. Got this from the cutest blog on the block. Check out their site by clicking on the link in the upper left corner. - Theresa

Riding Lessons

Well, if you know Caleb, you know how obsessive he can be about things and you also know how much he loves animals. His most recent obsession has been with horses. With this in mind, when we were at the Cooking for our Kids fundraiser we bid on two different certificates for horseback riding lessons, thinking we might win the auction on one. Needless to say, our plan backfired and we won both sets.

They finally got to take their first lessons and they had sooooo much fun. It was great to watch them do something so cool. And it felt good to let them experience something that is different. The first set was at Waneteri Lakes and there was some confusion about the appointment etc., but they didn't care. Check out the smiles on their faces. - Theresa

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From Riding Lessons August 2008