Emma

There's nothing quite like the Kindergarten Christmas Program to spread a little holiday cheer. Every child is so excited and happy, they sang their little hearts out. Christmas is so magical to them and they are all absolutely adorable.

The program was 25 minutes long- short, sweet and perfect!




We went out to celebrate and ran into one of Emma's classmates at Dairy Queen. What a treat!

Earlier this week Emma was awarded a medal for winning 3rd place for Visual Arts in the Reflections Contest. I don't have a picture of her project, but in January when we go to the district awards ceremony I'll be sure to get one. She really LOVES her medal and has worn it every day since.
Emma is very artistic. It's come in handy lately... let me explain.

It's a constant battle, but I try to teach my kids not to ask me questions while I am talking on the phone. I'm not one to gab for hours, but it seems like whenever I get a phone call EVERYONE suddenly needs something. So, I tell my kids to write me a note. Emma draws me pictures. I've been saving some of her pictures because I really get a kick out of them. I can usually tell what she is asking. Can you?

"Can you pour me a glass of milk?"

"Can I cut the paper chain?"

"Can you help me get a waffle from the freezer?"
(The picture is actually showing me that she can't reach.)

"Can I watch a show?"

"Can I walk the dog?" (we were dog-sitting)

"Can I go see if Natty can play?"

"I cleaned the playroom all by myself!"

The Best Day Ever!!

The theme song of today was "The Best Day Ever". It's from some Sponge Bob episode. My kids sing it and hold out each word so it sounds more like, "It's the Beeeeeeest Daaaaaaaay Eeeeeeever!" They break out into harmony and everything. Today, they sang it all day long.

My kids wake up bright and early, even on Saturday mornings. We were one of the first to arrive at our neighborhood Donuts with Santa event.

No tears, just smiles. Success!

Everyone loved their donuts, especially Austin.

The kids had fun coloring and visiting with their school friends.

Here's Emma with two of her friends who also happen to have red hair.
I can't believe how Linsey and all her friends are starting to look so grown up. They start middle school next year... yikes!

The weather was gorgeous so I thought I'd try and get some pictures of my kids.
They thought it was too bright.

So, we played at the park instead.

Hunter went to a Roller Skating Birthday Party and Emma went to a Pizza Birthday Party. After we picked both of them up from their parties, we all headed over to our local grocery store to make Gingerbread houses. Unfortunately by the time we got there, they had run out. We settled for a few sweet treats and headed off to the Santa Parade.


I thought the parade was pathetic, especially compared to the last parade I saw which just happens to be the one at Disneyland. But, my kids thought it was GREAT! It was the Best Day Ever and at this point we could have been doing practically anything and it would have been fun. They were thrilled that people were throwing candy at them and even spotted some of their friends who were in the parade. How cool is that?

And we got to see Santa Again!

Tomorrow, we shall rest.

First Day

I always take pictures of my kids on their first day of school. It only seemed fair that I capture the moment Jared left on his first day of school after 10 years.

I'm always anxious for my kids to come home that first day. I want to hear every detail about their class, their teacher, their friends, everything.....

I'm just as anxious for Jared to come home and tell me all about his first day. This is something he has wanted to do for a long time and I'm grateful that he is getting the opportunity to finally do it. I'm very proud of his determination and hard work. I know he will do great in the TMMBA program (Technology Management MBA).

I hope I can do as great picking up the slack around here. Wish us both luck!

Absolutely Adorable

Another adorable McInelly baby entered the world last Friday.
We are so happy for Jared's brother Mike and Emma.

Baby Kate is absolutely adorable.

We are so glad she arrived healthy and did I mention she's adorable.
Oh... newborns are just so sweet.