Connor is four!

Connor gets a present from his Grandma and Grandpa Brown.

Being allergic to milk, Connor chose to have brownies with a marshmellow and chocolate top. Yum yum!

Connor had his fourth birthday on Sunday. He got some neat presents and had a good day. He seems to like being four because when he was three if someone asked how old he was he would say, "3 6 C and 5." Now he just says "Four."

He's a good boy and it's so fun watching him get bigger and learn new things.

We love you, Connor!

First crocus!

I just had to let the world know that the first crocus of the year has come up in my flower garden. It was soooo good to see it. No picture, but you can imagine my happiness.

Pictures!

I haven't been able to post pictures lately, but I think it's going to work today so here goes!

Sam performing at a winterguard competition. She hates those white outfits, but I think she looks great.

Ryan at the Klondike Derby in the west desert in January. He came home with very red cheeks!

Time flies!

It's school registration time around our house and some big things have happened. Sam is going into ninth grade and made it into advanced drama. Next up will be wind symphony try outs. Only four flutes are let in, so she needs to be playing her best! We also found out that she won't have to try out for marching band so that means her summer is going to be full of learning new skills (especially being humble).
Ryan is heading into seventh grade and we just found out he made it into the gifted and talented program. He'll be taking advanced classes in English and history. He's heard so much about it from Sam and he's looking forward to it. Now he just has to try and test into algebra and figure out if he'll be playing the french horn or the trumpet in band. He's been playing the trumpet in the elementary band program for the last two years, but he's interested in the french horn.
Ethan will soon get to sign up for his elementary band experience. He's planning on playing the clarinet the first year and then trying out the saxophone.
Connor will be in the four year old class in preschool on M, W, and F afternoons. He's learning a lot about numbers and letters this year. It's fun watching that brain wrap around so much new stuff.
Eric and I just can't believe how old we must be with such grown up kids.

It's January and it's cold and dark.

It is cold and dark. Some sunshine would really work right now. I am grateful for the recent snow. We aren't getting as much snow pack as usual and being the flower gardener that I am, I am worried.
The kids are busy with scouts and school activities. Eric has the UBSCT coming up and so he is leaving at 4:30 AM and getting home around 7:00 PM. Poor guy! It's hard being the perfect school counselor. We're all healthy and that's saying something for this time of year.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Here's a couple of pictures of last month's activities:

Ryan in his 6th grade class production of Macbeth.
Samantha turned 14 on December 23. She's a great person and we love her very much. She's busy with the space center and winterguard, not to mention being in the academy program and symphonic band. We're really proud of her.

We've had a busy month so far (just like a lot of people). Sam and Ryan were both in band concerts and Ryan's sixth grade class put on Macbeth. Both kids did really well in their performances. Sam looked beautiful in her dress and Ryan was the funniest non-speaking ghost of Banquo (sp) ever. I just wish I had some pictures of them.

Here are some pictures of the kids decorating the Christmas tree and making a snowman.

Merry Christmas!