Great Job, Alex!

Alex was in the school wide Spelling Bee on January 9th and after his disappointing experience last year we didn't quite know what to expect. This year was a very different story. The top speller from each class (3rd- 5th grades) get to go to the school bee. Alex won his class bee and was selected to be their representative. Brady came in 3rd in his class which is an accomplishment in itself- great job, Brady! Alex was a little nervous but easily breezed through the first few rounds. Before we knew it, it was down to only two spellers- Alex and Casey, who was the representative from Brady's class. After going back and forth for several more rounds Alex misspelled "frolicking," he left out the "k," and Casey won, but it really did seem like she got easier words throughout the competition, but I guess I'm biased. One of Alex's words was "infomercial," I almost protested because I just don't think that is a real world. I know people use it, but as far as a spelling bee word I don't think it qualifies, but again I'm biased. Brian was so happy for him that he made a few pizzas and took them up to Alex's class to celebrate. All the kids thought that was great and Brian and Alex were very popular people that day. Alex is now the school's alternate representative in the St. Louis Spelling Bee in March. Congratulations Alex, we are all very proud of you!

At the Little Gym

It was Alena's last week at gymnastics, which is "show week," where everyone gets to come in a take pictures. I thought I would share some pics of my little monkey girl doing what she does best!

2007 Christmas Wrap-Up

We all hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year! We survived another Christmas season and I am just now getting the house back in order. Our festivities this year began the Sunday before X-mas at my mom & Bill's. My cousin Ryan was home on leave from the Army and my Aunt Barbara and Cousin Jennifer were up from Poplar Bluff. It was great to have all of us together for once. All of Bill's growing family was there as well and mom had a packed house, but it made it all the more special. Next year we will add one more to the mix, since my step-sister Andrea is getting ready to have a baby girl later this month.

Christmas Eve we stayed up late putting Alena's kitchen from Santa together. The boys got new Cardinals bedding, but it was officially their last year for Santa. On the car ride X-mas morning I told them we had to talk about Santa and Alex chimed in "We know he's not real." Brady answers "Yeah, its just some guy dressed up in a Santa suit." Alex then says "but you buy us the presents." A fact that I think surprised Brady a bit, because after a long pause he exclaimed "Does that mean the Tooth Fairy is not real too?" Then they both wanted to know what I did with all their teeth! Still a little later Brady says "I guess the Easter Bunny isn't real either." To which I replied "Seriously, a six foot tall bunny going around hiding eggs, does that make any sense?" He giggled and said no. I told them not to fear they would still be getting Santa presents, since there are just some things that can't be wrapped, and besides they still have to play along for their little sister.

Christmas Day we went to Brian's Dad's side of the family, which was nice since we don't see them very much throughout the year. Brian's mom was in California over the holidays so we did Christmas with her at Brian's sister's house on New Years Day. Then last Saturday Jan. 5th we got together with his Aunt and her family to celebrate the season. We still have one more get-together on the 19th, but X-Mas is almost officially over! Thank you to everyone for all the gifts, well wishes, and hospitality- it was definitely a year to remember!