Finally a post...

We have been busy lately with the usual holiday stuff and close to end of semester stuff for Izabel.  Izabel is back in fencing class and there are a few pics here from her recent lessons.  She has completed 3rd grade science and math and received the 4th grade materials.  Her other subjects are not far behind. 

The first set of pictures are from Matt's phone and I just received them so they are a bit of duplicates form the last post when we visited Aunt Norelee's horse, Annie.    

While Grandma Ann was out here the kids tried on a new hat - firefighter.  We visited Denver's Firefighter Museum.  It is a cute museum, just the right size for little ones, and has a fire truck and firefighter clothes to try out.

The other big news in the house is that Izabel won grand champion for the second time in the National Western Stock Show youth art competition.  We will be planning our trip to the show around her 4-H group's projects, i.e. the llama competition, so we can root on her friends. 

Sparring

Denver FD uses white trucks because studies show white is easier to see then the traditional red.

Learning about communication centers and calling 9-1-1

Izabel showing Seamus a fire safety game - what can you play with?

Badges from around the country.

Back to the fire truck.

If you ask Seamus what a fireman does he tells you they drive.  At least this is a Mack truck.

Modeling their new hats.  These ones came home with us.

Catch-up in picture form

Hanging out with Annie (perhaps we should start calling her Cousin too?  She is part of the family)

Izabel practicing to be a fashion designer... she styled the outfit but this is mostly courtesy of Cousin Brianna.

Hanging with Cousin Conor after Thanksgiving.

Turkey coma. Seamus had a project at school where they teacher filled in the blank "I am thankful for... butter."  Makes me wonder what he does at school.  Too bad it is no more diary for him, his body just cannot handle it.

Making crafts with flour dough.

Story time for the kids.

 We were at the mall + no line whatsoever = the kids met Santa.  No pictures because I was not going to pay the crazy prices for a picture I will never do anything with but they were nice and let us take a pic outside with the decorations and Seamus cooperated, somewhat.

Izabel in her kids chapel at our church.

Seamus hanging with his girl Lexi.

He calls her "My Lexi" and sings songs about her.  He also asks, "Where is My Lexi?" fairly regularly.  He then argues with the answer.

Izabel and Lexi.   Izabel LOVES spending time with Lexi.

Izabel's hats this week: choir, 4-H, bowling

 Seamus had a short week at school and not much was going on with him except a parent teacher conference.  They graduated him on a few of his goals and started a few ideas for more goals.  It seems the rhythm therapy he is doing with his occupational therapist is working really well.

Izabel has been wearing the hats this week: choir, 4-H, bowling - is there a bowling hat?  Izabel had a end of league party for her bowling.  They turned down the lights and turned on the black lights and had a pot-luck.  All the kids got a trophy.  It really is just a fun league with no real competition.  Izabel also attended a rabbit show in contemplation of doing rabbit this year for 4-H.  She had a lot of fun not just because of the rabbits but also because one of her friends happened to be there waiting to take home her new bunny.  Finally, Izabel's choir sang on Sunday.  She is at the older end of her choir (the sparks) but they sing with an older group (the flames).  Her group stands in front and she towers over the little kids - I never thought I would be able to say that.  She also never smiles while she is singing , she is concentrating too much.  

Seamus drew a crab (or a portrait of Matt).

After the parent/teacher conference but before the bowling party we caught the story time at the library.

Izabel about to bowl.  For the party they turned on the effects.

After bowling we checked out the arcade.  Seamus likes the motorcycle game.

Seamus tries to blow something up.

You know soldiering is nothing but hurry up and wait.

Izabel and her friends had little charms made with their pictures.  They could barely reach the camera and the charms came out really cute.

Izabel's bowling trophy.

Izabel's 4-H friend checking out some rabbits.

Izabel and her friend brushing a rabbit.

This gal's dad is Seamus! Couldn't help myself especially since they spell it correctly.

Izabel got to talk with one of the judges and get some info on showing rabbits.

Choir getting ready to preform.

In her choir uniform.  They worked hard to raise the money for these shirts.