Pine wood durby

This is a little late. But this is what happens when you have two cameras and forget to down load pictures from both.

Ethan made a great car this year.  He drew a picture of how he wanted it to look and the helped loren carve it out and sand it down.  They did a fun paint job- now to see if the wheels stay on.
The races are quick now that the track is digital and keeps track of every cars speed.  The boys don't have to race everyone..anymore.  The cars race 3 heats and the computer keeps the best time which is then displayed on a digital board for all to see what place you are in.

No, Ethan didn't win.  He did have a fun time at the race and building his car with his dad. And that is what matters.

Loren checked the speeds of the 1st and last place car.  There was only 1/2 second difference, wow!!!

Fisher price toys

I love Fisher Price toys.  The are sturdy and last a long time. My mother still has a few from when I was a child.

After making it through 5 of my children, friends and a few years of preschool, this one didn't make it through Hope.

She loves to climb.  And this is what happened when she knelt on it trying to get on the top.

I'm going to try glueing it back together.

Hope's 1st Birthday

                                                                  Hope is one today.

The kids sang Happy Birthday to her before they left for school.  She smiled and danced.  She cried when they left for school. She has decided that being home alone with mom isn't as fun as being with her siblings.

We had a family and friends get together to celebrate her big day.

Hope had a blast opening presents.

She loved every gift and had to play with them all  (But the clothes weren't so exciting). Although, I think they are.

She loved the frosting and candy on the cupcake.  She all so enjoyed her ice cream cone.

We had a pinata for the older kids (thanks Spencers) .

The hanger broke after a few hits so Loren got creative.

And then the kids played and the adults talked.  And then darkness set in so everyone headed home.

Thanks for coming, everyone!!!

The kids did go back to school

Yeah, the kids are all back in school. Parker went to his first whole day of school and thought that it was awesome.  Ethan says that he has the greatest teacher in the whole school.  Zach is still getting use to Jr. High and 8 different classes.  Paige has already started to complain about home work which isn't  good sign.  I think that I only heard her complain about it 3 times the whole year, last year.  Braden is enjoys being a Junior but has already change his schedule twice.
I am loving the quieter house and time alone with Hope.  On the other hand, I don't enjoy all of the homework either.  5 kids in school=lots and lots of helping with homework.