Fancy Nancy

Shaylee was invited to a Posh Party and we had no idea what that was. So we looked it up online and found out it was a Fancy Nancy Party. Fancy Nancy is a character in a book. SO we got all dolled up and she had a blast at the party except she really was the only one that was dressed up. I think we went a little over board but I thought that is what we were suppose to do. Some other girls had dresses on but that was it. Shaylee didn't mind because she said I know I look dang cute. That is something Shaylee would say.

Minnesota Trip

We decided to do something crazy this year and went to Minnesota. We had a great time at the Mall of America, went sledding and skiing, went to an indoor waterpark, and an Underwater Aquarium. It was a lot of fun and the kids really enjoyed it. We haven't taken a family trip in forever and thought it would be fun to go where it is freezing cold. Daniel booked us a fabulous hotel for dang cheap and it was right next to the Mall of America. We had free breakfast with biscuits, sausage, bacon, gravy, cinnamon rolls, and even waffles. We felt pretty spoiled. There was a Theme Park right in the middle of the Mall and Shaylee was able to ride every single ride. We didn't think she would do some because they were pretty scary. She would have made Jacob proud, she is a daredevil like him. Daniel was the one wanting to stop not Shaylee. Blake was able to see a real live Octopus and how they feed it. He was pretty intrigued. The tubing was a blast and the kids loved it. It was nice because they had a lift so you didn't have to walk up the mountain. The only bummer was they didn't let Emma ride so we had to take turns just pulling her around the bottom of the hill. Daniel skiied and the kids thought their Dad was amazing. Even after knee surgery, he still looked good out there skiing. The trip was fun and we are glad we ended up going.

Blake's Christmas Program

He was so cute at his program. He told me if he didn't sing he was going to get a piece of that black stuff in his stocking. He loves his teacher Mrs. Reed and she is so good with Blake. We just absolutely love her and I hope all my kids get her. I think Blake makes the cutest Rudolph. He couldn't wait for the end of the program so he could eat all the snacks the class made for the parents. I couldn't tell if Blake was more excited to eat or our sweet Emma.

Priceless

Our children love to read books andthis photo captures it perfectly. Sometimes it is the little things that make their day. I came in to the room to see all the children fascinated with Daniel reading them a book. It really is so important to take time out of our busy day just to spend a couple minutes with our children. This is what they will remember and look forward to doing.

Rebecca got me this Christmas tree last year at an after Christmas sale. I had no idea how big this thing was. Daniel had to get me a huge ladder, not a step ladder a window washing , huge ladder to put this puppy up. It took me three hours just to separate the branches. Ridiculous I know. It was sure pretty but I think I am going to have to leave it up all year and just decorate for each holiday because it was so much work. I would recommend getting a small tree.

Santa Clause came to Bolivar

Emma would not even look at this scary old man even if he tried bribing her with candy. She his her face into Daddy and held on for dear life. As long as she made no I contact with the scary old man with a white beard she was fine.

Shaylee was geared up to meet Santa she even had cut out of a magazine the picture of the toy she wanted from Santa so he would not mess it up. She was very specific with what she wanted and knew he would not understand what she wanted without the picture.

Blake was excited to meet Santa. Now in the Goodman house Santa only brings one present and our children know that that is what happens. So when Blake sat on Santa's lap he had what he wanted all prepared. "I want an octopus." I don't know where he came up with that but he wanted that and he wanted to make sure it had big eyes and wiggly legs. I was sure hoping Santa would not let him down. After Blake told Santa what he wanted Santa asked "what else." Blake looked at us all confused because Santa only brings one presentyou know. He sat there all confused and Santa asked again "what else". He looked at Santa and said, "I I guess a chicken." That is the best he could come up with a "chicken". Daniel and I just busted up laughing.

We took our kids to see Donner and the lady that was the keeper of the reindeer sure played it up for the kids. She told them about the North Pole and that Santa let her bring Donner her to show the children.

Shaylee the photographer

Shaylee decided to take the camera without Mom knowing and take pictures of the kiddos and herself. She was having Blake pose and he was doing everything she said. So if anyone needs a photographer Shaylee is available.

Emma loved every minute of the photo shoot and loved showing off her cute dress. Emma is so obsessed with her hair that every morning she makes sure I do her hair. When Emma saw this picture she said Oh look at my pretty hair. What a girly girl!

Yes I know this is disgusting but you just have to laugh. Shaylee decided this was definately worthy of a picture. Who knows how she took the picture, but I didn't realize she had taken it until I downloaded my pictures. Isn't she talented, she even kept the snot out of her mouth.

Shaylee takes pride in her hair. She thinks she is a hair stylist and came out of the bathroom looking like this. She definately will not be doing her hair for school.

Shaylee' first Basketball experience

Shaylee had no clue how to even dribble a basketball let alone how to play the game. I was actually very impressed how good she did for her first time. At her practices she tried really hard at everything her coach said. At one particular game the team they played were very good little boys. Shaylee got the ball and was so excited to dribble down the court. She was concentrating so hard on the ball when a boy stole it from her. You should have seen her face. I yelled at her to go steal it back. She ran right up to him gave him a dirty look at slapped that ball out of his hands. She definately fouled but they didn't call it and she was so proud of herself. Mom was so proud of her to. As a true Clare she got the fouling part down now she just needs to learn how to shoot and dribble. Maybe she can get pointers from her uncle Joseph.

Shaylee's First Grade music performance

Shaylee will be right up front in the middle of the video. If I can figure out how to upload my other video on here I have it zoomed in but for now this is the best we have from our normal camera.

Shaylee had her first grade music performance. It was all about America. Her music teacher always has her in front because Shaylee loves to sing and really gets into the songs. She really enjoys it and we love watching her.

Blake Turns 5

Blake turned five this year on Thanksgiving. He didn't think it was that fun so the next day we decided to let him mdo whatever he wanted. We started the morning off at Jump Mania, which is a room full of blow up slides and bouncy things, we had a blast. Then it was off on a Nature hike at the Conservation place. The kids had a really fun time. Blake got a bow and arrow for his birthday. When we were at the conservation trail we saw deer and Blake hurried to get his bow and arrow ready to shoot them. You should have seen the people there. They could not believe we were letting our son shoot the deer. "Come on people it is a toy!" We finally mad Blake put it up because that is how crazy the people were there. All in all Blake loved every minute and always let his sister know he was in charge today because it was his birthday!

Shaylee's birthday party

The girls had a fun time at the birthday party. We ate donuts off string, had a relay race with balloons, Daniel's scrubs, and eggs, bobbed for apples, and decorated cookies. Shaylee really wanted to bob for apples and she said lets do it in separate bowls so we won't get sick. Yes, she is pretty smart. Then they had a scavanger hunt which was the highlight of the day. It ended in the barn where their goody bags were hidden. As you can tell they had fun and everyone got along which is a bonus.

Daniel and Shaylee's Birthday

Daniel turns 32 and Shaylee turns 7. My friend Jenna brought this fabulous cake over for the birthday boy and girl and it was delicious and quite fancy. We had the Goodman's come over to eat and we had a great time.

Family Pictures

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall leaves in our park and take pictures. We just took our camera and asked some person jogging by to snap our pictures.

I think they turned out pretty good for just a passer by taking them.