Monster Truck Jam

This has been a tradition for us.  The Monster Truck Jam is something that we as a family can all enjoy.  This year a friend of ours had a daughter who was racing in the mini trophy truck race they have at half time.  So we made posters and had a blast.  We love Grave Digger like most others, but this year my kids loved watching "Backwards Bob".  It appears as if he is driving backward through the course, in actuality he is not.  But it is so fun to watch the deception.
Matt-Tank-Jared
Seth-Samantha
Kylie-Hayley
Emilee-Madi

Karate Graduation for Seth and Jared 1/24/09

Yes another Karate Graduation, Seth and Jared are now Yellow Belts.  One more belt and they begin sparring with others.  Yipes!  Watch out.  It is so interesting to me how Karate becomes so second nature.  I guess with practice, it trains you to be that way.  It is so fun to watch them. Seth was the first to receive his belt.  His instructor loves him, he is so focused and exact its almost uncanny. 
Here is Jared getting his new belt.  He is a bit wiggley.  So the Karate Master has to get after him from time to time.  But I also see his instructor smile as well at some of his antics.  I am glad someone else enjoys his sense of humor.

Babysitting Gone Wild!

Kylie babysits for us all the time, sometimes at a moments notice.  She also helps us with housework, my kids call her "the maid".  Working on the attitude with my kids, but we love her and its said with humor.  Anyway I had to take this picture because she is so much more to us than just a babysitter.  I joke with her that if anything happens to Matt and I that I hope she is prepared to be mother. Ha Ha!  

Montezuma's Well 1/19/2009

We were invited along with the Geisers by the Pfaffs and went to Montezuma's Well.  Our family loves this area.  Its a great time to get outdoors and have fun.  Jason Pfaff pitched several hundred balls to the kids who took turns hitting.  They had alot of fun!
We decided to make popsicle boats to float in the little stream, but the little stream dried up or was shut off.  It did not take them long to locate the river.  But they all had so much fun building their boats.
The river was a blast.  The kids would send down their boats and run and try to get them before they were lost.  Jared took advantage of this fun and ended up getting thoroughly soaked.  If there is a puddle around you can be sure that Jared will end up wet or muddy.  Emilee sent her boat down one time and it got away from her.  Luckily Josh Pfaff went to her rescue and retrieved it for her.  Truly a KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, at least in her mind.  It was great fun.  We really love both of these families and consider them great friends.  They are truly a positive example to us and to our children.