San Antonio

Scott stumbled across some very reasonably priced tickets to a Notre Dame game in San Antonio.  With his frequent flier miles and hotel points, he was able to convince me that this would be an inexpensive way to see a game and have a fun little get-away.  (It didn't take much convincing.)  Scott parents graciously agreed to come here to watch the kids.  (They didn't take much convincing either.)  

There were football fans, parades, and fun everywhere we went downtown.  It was like South Bend had taken over the town for the day.

We took a boat ride along the riverwalk.  The woman sitting next to us actually lives just a few miles from us in Ohio!

the Alamo

I made Scott watch the whole half-time show with me.

The weather was beautiful, and Notre Dame won easily.  Although it was short, it was so refreshing to have time for just the two of us.

The kids appear to have survived their weekend as well. :) 

apparently we strike weird poses for pictures now.

supporting the team from home with their Irish gear

November Miscellaneous

Here is a video Scott took of Micah and Hannah going off the swings into the leaves.  They worked on making that pile for a really long time!

These pictures are from a silent auction fundraiser for a ministry we support called First Glance. The theme was the "Roaring 20's".

We took advantage of one of Hannah's half-days to enjoy the warm weather at the zoo.

real penguins...

...fake penguins

real bear....

...fake bear

 And here are two pictures of the Oyster kids, just because.

Thanksgiving Feast

Last week Hannah's class had their annual Thanksgiving Feast.  The kindergartners dressed as Native Americans.  They were paired with 5th and 6th grade Pilgrim buddies.  Hannah's buddies were so sweet with her - helping her with food and games and asking her questions to get her talking.

tug-of-war with Mr. Smith and Mr. Lee

I love this one - taken by a parent who is a photographer

October

The kids had Columbus Day off from school (for real this year), so we went to Indiana to visit Nana and Papa.

Matthew used to be scared of the carousel.  This is the first time he wanted to ride it.

 There was a Doc McStuffins exhibit at the Children's Museum.  It was a huge hit with Hannah and Matthew.  We got to participate in two different special activities.  They were both nice, but the first one was really interactive and right up Hannah's alley.

Just like her mommy, this girl loves a to-do list.

Micah finished his soccer season and is now doing both volleyball and basketball.  

the last few games were pretty cold!

The fourth grade and both third grade classes at Cornerstone worked together to present a Renaissance Faire.  Gramme and Poppa were here for a visit, so they got to see Micah as Martin Luther and a fun performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

And, finally, trick-or-treat!  Hannah was the Little Mermaid.  Micah was a giant pumpkin (thanks to Gramme finding a costume that I wore in the 80's).  Matthew insisted for weeks that he just wanted to be Matthew for Halloween.  (But a pirate for Christmas.  Don't bother telling him we don't dress up for Christmas.  Reason is lost on him.)  We talked him into wearing a hard hat and carrying some tools for trick-or-treat.  Then, on the big day, he pulled out a costume from the dress-up box and decided to be a dinosaur.