Shecklet #4’s painted chair

We now have a complete set of chairs for our painted table. Shecklet #4 spent some time creating her masterpiece this afternoon. It was fun watching her creativity grow.

Valleyfair 2016

Grandpa Dave and Grandma Patti took us to Valleyfair as part of Grandpa Dave’s work outing. Shecklet #2 couldn’t get enough of the Corkscrew – he and Jake went on it 4 times in a row! It was a hot day, so we tried out Thunder Canyon (minus Shecklet #4 because she wasn’t tall enough.)

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Big and little

This almost 10 year old is such a good big brother. Here is just one reason why.


Shecklet #4 picked out “The Littlest Petshop” figures with a Valentine’s Day gift card she got from Nana and Papa. Shecklet #1 took time to let her show him her new toys.

Snow…finally!

This morning we were able to see the grass in parts of our yard. This afternoon, we finally have snow covering it again. After school, the kids set foot inside the house just long enough to put on their snow gear and headed outside. Their friends joined them too, when they got off the bus from school. The temps are perfect today. I am sure they will play until dark!

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Xmas in MG 2015

Lots of laughs and fun memories made today.  It was our niece’s first Xmas, which made it even more special.

Shecklet #4 received pink “sheeters” just like Nana.  Her big sister also received a purple pair.  Papa had to work hard to get the lenses out of the frames!  The girls had a lot of fun helping everyone else open their gifts. And the boys waited very patiently as we took turns pulling surprises out of our gift bags.

2015 - 12 December 31 - 2015 Cimp Xmas on 1-1-161

2015 - 12 December 31 - 2015 Cimp Xmas on 1-1-162

2015 - 12 December 31 - 2015 Cimp Xmas on 1-1-163

Christmas Eve 2015

My parents joined us for Christmas Eve mass and dinner afterward.

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2015 - 12 December 24 - Christmas Eve 2015 - 1

Note to self for next year – arriving 30 minutes before mass starts is not advised if 8 people would like to sit in the same pew.  Thankfully, we were able to find 8 folding chair spots with unobstructed views.  The church was packed – which is an awesome thing!  So happy to see joy and excitement in people – especially in the faces of the little ones.