Time flies!!

This is Marcus' first day of high school his freshman year - Aug-'07

This is his first day of Senior year - Aug-'10

I have been working on some things for graduation and just can't get over how much he has changed in 4 short years!! He is becoming such an awesome young man and we are very proud of him and all that he has accomplished - he is now 80 lbs heavier than when he started high school and just developing into an individual. As he plans for his next chapter in life we wish him the best as he has some big decisions to make!!

Sledding at Inspiration Hills

Sunday afternoon Mike, Jamie, and myself bundled up and went to Inspiration Hills to go sledding - they have a nice set up there and are only open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

It was a chilly day but if you dressed for it - it was fine - we actually kept warm from the workout - so all was good !!

Here Jamie is coming down - fast - she had snow pants on but as you can see they are almost capris on her - not quite long enough anymore but they still kept her warm and dry!!

Mike waving as he flies by also!!

This was the nice part - our arms were sore from hanging onto the rope but so nice to be pulled up the hill instead of having to hike it back up everytime!

We had a great time and felt so good to get some fresh air for a change - we will for sure have to do this again sometime soon.

Some ramdom Christmas shots!

Paco opening his stocking - he was very excited and even more when we opened his treats so he could have one!!

Jamie and her new bedspread

Marcus got a camo sweatshirt at grandpa and grandma Pollema's house

The newest addition to the family - Levi of Dave and Amanda with his proud Aunt Alex

Our annual sibling shot - Becky - me - Bonnie - Barry and Brad

And the annual grandkid shot - seems to get more and more every year - good times and always good to come back home where it is a bit quieter after having all this excitement in one place. Actually the older generation taught the 3-9yr olds a football drill to help them use up some of their energy - I got tired watching them and yes it worked and was quite funny to watch!

Beautiful Smiles!!

Jamie is braces free - she had them taken off last Monday and is loving it!! I keep looking at her and she gets mad at me but she all of a sudden looks older again. She was mad that I wanted a picture but finally gave in!

One more step that we are finished with - YEAH!! I know it's probably not very interesting to most but was a big deal for us - so just wanted to share!! Hope you all have a great week!

Paperwork Time!!

At the end of each year comes LONG HOURS of paperwork - found this picture today and thought was quite appropriate!! Although some might beg to differ that I am not too sane most of the time. My stack is getting smaller everyday and for that I am thankful for. Well, back to more paperwork!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and the best in 2011!! We woke up to 3 inches of fresh snow this morning - it is very pretty and always fun to have a white Christmas - everyone is home today - we are hanging out and just enjoying the season! So many things to be thankful for - health, awesome family and friends, the list could go on and on. Hope this finds everyone enjoying their weekend with family and friends!! Love ya all and sending a warm holiday hug your way :)

First Big Snow

This picture is from ICE AGE the movie - we had a Big blizzard yesterday - wind all day long too - and this is how Mike felt after plowing the driveway - it was 30 below wind chill here. Now it's Sunday morning and all activities are cancelled this morning - the wind is calm and the snow is still piled up. But there is traffic moving today - downtown Rock Valley stores didn't even open yesterday - the grocery store closed at 4 - I think that Winter is officially here.

Stay warm and cozy and wish you a very blessed day!