More baby shower pictures

We had a little blue bird theme. The cupcakes turned out really cute. Can't really take the credit, I found the idea online. Now we just need to see baby Scholtes.

Emily's babyshower

My mom and I fly up to Minneapolis to throw my sister a baby shower. We had a great time doing it and it was nice to see all the improvements they have done to their home. I forgot to take a picture of the nursery, however. Oh well, we will be up there in a about 6 weeks.

Chinese New Year 2011

The kids and I had a nice time with the China girls and their parents for Chinese New Year. Jack came this year and said he likes playing with the girls. He wore his hat that I got him in China. They got lots of red envelopes and did crafts and ate. Jack had his dumplings and Lily had her jello. She doesn't like Chinese food. Go figure.

The Triple Threat, and the Miss Bouncy

Jack called himself the triple threat when it comes to basketball, I think his coach mentioned it. And Lily is always boucing around out there. Really cute to watch them.

Upwards basketball and cheerleading

The kids started Upwards Basketball and Cheerleading this winter. It's a christian based program that incorporates sportsmanship and equal playing for everyone. Which is all good to us, since well, Jack is a very enthusiastic player, his skills are well, lets just say, needs improvement. They are only 5-6 year olds after all. As long as they have fun, that's all that matters. Even though I played basketball most of my childhood, I just smile and cheer as best as I can.

Lily makes a pretty cute cheerleader I must say. We had to adjust her skort since we were the only ones to order a XS out of the whole organization (800 kids) and they didn't send it. Other than that, she loves the pom-poms and cheering. She even got to cheer for her brother's team.

Blue Ribbon Day and Jack dresses himself

The kids' school was recognized as a Blue ribbon school and tested the highest in the state for test scores. The school is very proud of this accomplishment and to celebrate the PTO bought all the kids blue ribbon t-shirts and they had a celebration with all blue food day. Jack did not want to take a picture today and I had to take what I could get.

So, I maybe one of these mom's who will probably dress my son until he's 18. I know what he likes to wear and so he doesn't care, too much. Well, I figure I really need to start giving my son a little nudge. Now, it was the coldest day of the year (high of 8) and I was like, wear what you think is appropriate. First he just came down with his Hawaiian shirt, no pants, then he comes down with this, black socks and all. He looks like a 80 year old tourist. This could be why I still dress him.

Christmas dinner and a concert

We finally used the dining room. We finished it last spring and it sat unused for 8 months. I was a little nervous that we waited for such an important meal, but it turned out fine. Afterwards, the kids gave us a concert before sending off the family home with the tune of classic rock n roll tunes. Overall, a great Christmas.

And even more gifts

We did the Graber stocking exchange. Jack loved his alligator that grows in water. It's almost a foot long!! More candy of course.

Christmas morning

The kids were excited Christmas morning is an understatement. Paper jamz, Harry Potter legos, crafts, disney princess to name a few. I kinda felt how Meatball looked-too early to be this excited. Maybe it was all the wine I had the night before and wrapping all the gifts that got torn to shreds the next morning. It was really fun the watch their reactions and listen to their stories how Santa knew what to give them.

Jessie and Lily

Lily made a new friend.

more pictures

Lily and the whole family like the the model magic and moon dough. I really was pushing for it to be a gift that stays at grandma and grandpa's house, but that was a no-go. Lily brought her Rapunzel doll with the attachment hair and decided Jack would look great with a rat-tail.

Christmas Eve at the Graber's

Chrismtas eve at my parents house in Goshen. Kids got to open their gifts from my parents, grandmother,and my cousin, Jessie. The big winner was the nerf gun. It had something for everyone. Matt especially liked the laser target to torment the cat with.

Piano recital

Kids had a Christmas recital at a nursing home in Elkhart again this year. Jack went first, he is not shy about performing. Lily was reluctant but then warmed up. Both do such a great job.