Annual Fair

For months now the kids have been earning a marble in a jar for each night that they stayed in their beds after we tucked them in. For every marble in the jar they earned one ride at this weekend's annual fair. Who knew the lines would be so long and they wouldn't get to go on all 23 rides that they earned? They definitely had a fun filled day though. Grant's highlight was going on his first "big kid" ride- the spinning one where the floor drops! Yikes! Kate much preferred the merry-go-round.

After School Fun

One huge blessing of this year is that Grant and Kate have loved their Montessori School. Kate will continue on at the same school next year and Grant will head off to the local public school as a first grader! Even after their long days at school they really don't like to sit still (runs in the family, I guess) and have enjoyed lots of after school activities like Goldfish Swim School, karate, basketball and gymnastics. On the days where we don't have anything "official" to do they often request to go to the pet store (see bearded dragon on Kate's shoulder) or out for coffee. (hot chocolate) Their favorite day is Friday, for two special reasons. The first is because it is when they get to bring home their work that they did throughout the week at school. Beginning with the first week of school we have never made it out of the parking lot without them showing me their work. Even the teachers are gone before we are gone! Thenit is off to ice cream. It is much more enjoyable now that it is warm out. We always put them to sleep in their seperate bunks but we sometimes find them curled up together before the night is over.

Naples

We had such a fun week in Naples visiting Grandma and Grandpa Koss. The kids really enjoyed a new find, the Hands on Museum, with Grandma most mornings while Jim and I got a little extra shut eye. Papa assumed his usual role as master shark in the pool. It felt like a big year because the kids swam without life jackets and actually sat at the table when we went out to dinner. I think we may have turned a vacation corner!

Bahamas

What a week! Mom and Dad Koss took us all to the Bahamas to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They renewed their vows on the same beach they honeymooned on. Actually, it was not quite the beach, but the patio in front of the beach because mom didn't want the wind in her hair. But close enough. :) There were 14 of us all together. 5 kids under 6. The cousins had such a blast together. It was a trip we will never forget.

Bball

You have to look closely but Grant is rolling a booger and Kate has a basketball shoved under her jersey.

More December Fun

We wish you a merry christmas!

Happy Kiddos

Happy 6th Birthday Grant!

Many doctors and nurses did not think we'd ever see this day. Pod A, Bed 2. Grand Niedzinski on a ventilator and 13 iv medications. Sedated and paralyzed because any stimulation might trigger an erratic heartbeat, too much for his fragile body to handle. Turning 6 on Sunday. Healthy, happy and full of life. Thank you to our praying friends and family and our big, big God.

Halloween Rescue

Fun Fall Photos

1. The kids love to climb the trees in front of our home. In this one Grant was sick of posing for photos. Can you tell? 2. Kate doesn't mind the photos. 3. Bath time during cousin Willa's visit 4. Kate's favorite activity these days is to play with the barn cats at grandma and grandpa Ned's house!

Slow poke

My children move at vastly different speeds. This is especially apparent on the mornings when they are not allowed to leave their room and start breakfast until both of them are dressed. They choose their clothes the night before, so one would think getting dressed would be easy. But, Kate always finds a reason to change her clothes- something itches, the waist is too loose, the line on the tights hurts her toe etc. When we went to her four year well visit I had the pediatrician talk to her about how much time she spends trying on clothes every day. She would not even look the doctor in the eye! Meanwhile I can hear Grant running around the room saying, "come on, Kate! Hurry up, Kate!" When they do make it down Kate eats her eggs ever so slowly. Again, Grant is not allowed to leave the table until she is done. Today she looked at him and said in an Eyore type tone, "I'm just a slowpoke, Grant. That's the way God made me."

1st Day of School

Grant and Kate headed off to a Montessori school this fall. They are in the same classroom. It is for ages 3-6. One of the main reasons I chose it is because there are 13 kids and two (amazing!) certified teachers. Grant will be going 4 days all day and 1 afternoon and Kate will be going 5 afternoons a week. It seems like a really good fit so far and they are thrilled to be together!

Last Day of Summer

Tomorrow Grant and Kate officially start school. This week they have gone in a little bit each day for orientation. (It is a Montessori school.) I am still not feeling well so we've been trying to come up with activities in the morning where I can sit and they can play. This morning I sat on the front porch and Grant climbed a tree while Kate washed a truck that was parked in front of our house. Yeah for grandma Koss who picked them up to go bowling before they got too bored!

Random Pictures

Kate's 4th Birthday

I really thought Kate would like the Princesses a little more than she did... a little awkward...http://youtu.be/TCYRIh8ON20

Cousins

Here are Grant and Kate with all of their cousins on my side- Oliver, Ben and Willa. What a cute crowd!

A Trip Up North

When Jim was 5 years old he met a very special friend named Corey. They were neighbors until they were in high school and Jim moved away. They have remained the closest of friends ever since. This weekend Jim drove the kids up north to where Corey and his wife, Katie live with their twin 3 year old girls and 5 year old son. Jim just sent me this picture of the girls. I called and asked for a photo of the boys and he said he couldn't get them to slow down enough for a photo. Like father(s) like son(s).