St. Louis Day One

The girls had a couple days off of school for conferences, so we planned ahead this year and took a little mini vacay to one of our favorite cities...St. Louis!  We love all the fun places there are to visit for pretty much free.  The zoo may be at the top of our list to visit.

It was all decorated for halloween.

This little guy (or girl) loved interacting with the girls and would follow their hands with his nose.

He also posed for a photo with these cuties.

It is COLD in the penguin habitat!

Kali (pronounced Cully, the polar bear, had to have been one of our favorite animals.  He is 3 and 1/2 years old and weighs 1200lbs.

I sure love my monkeys.

Riding the train!  The girls got to be mini conductors and gave the "All Aboard" through the microphone at a few stations.  They thought it was pretty cool.

It's hard to see the 2 snakes in the background.

It was a fun day capped off with swimming at the hotel.  

Homecoming Week

It was Homecoming Week for Clear Creek Amana.  I didn't get pictures everyday, which is a bummer, but here are a few shots I did get.

Wacky Wednesday:  The girls wanted to have their hair coming out of cups.  I feel like we pulled it off pretty well.

The girls at the bus stop.

Fancy day:  I didn't get any other pics, but I did manage to snap this one of Paige and her friends at recess.  She is middle left. (Photo bombed by Mr. Creach)

Clipper Spirit Day: My favorite!  

It was rainy, that morning!

We went to the high school football game for the first time that night.  The girls loved it, especially Paige.  I can't believe she is old enough to hang out with friends behind the bleachers the whole game.  We told her she had to have Alaina with her, but Alaina got tired of the crazy and came back to sit with Mark and I to watch the game.

Fun in the snow!

The girls have been dying to make an igloo in the snow.  They couldn't quite figure out how to get a roof on it, but are still thrilled!  Thanks to Daddy for braving the cold and helping them have a great time!

Basketball

Paige had her very first basketball game today!  She did great and even scored a few!  So fun (and a little frustrating) to watch them learn!  I'm hoping this is the first of many, many years of basketball for us.  

First Day of School 2013!

Well, my baby officially started Kindergarten yesterday.  She was so excited to go.  She is attending 3 day kindergarten at Heritage Christian School and her teacher is Mrs. Collins!

My first baby is starting 2nd Grade this year at Heritage Christian School and her teacher is Miss Early!  She also is very excited!

She REALLY wanted to wear her cowboy boots the first day!  We roll a little country around here!

I'm so glad they have each other!

Alaina and her teacher, Mrs. Collins!  We forgot to get a picture of Paige and Miss Early and Alaina by her locker.  Tomorrow!

One for the Kingdom!

Tonight while brushing her teeth, Paige turned to me and said, "Mom, I want to ask Jesus into my heart."

Melt my heart!  There are no sweeter words that will ever come out of her mouth.  So after she was finished brushing her teeth, I layed in her bed with her and we talked about what it means to ask Jesus in your heart.  She knew and was ready, so when Mark came in to tell her goodnight, he stayed and she asked Jesus to come into her heart.

She was giggly and bouncy, but God doesn't mind.  He welcomed her with open arms into His family tonight.

Dear Paige,
I pray that you follow Jesus your whole life.  That you love others as he loves you.  May you spread His light wherever you go.  May you never forget that you are His daughter and he loves you more than you can ever imagine and nothing you do can diminish that love.  I pray that you will be found out in your sins and that you learn from them.  I pray that you find friends that will walk beside you in your faith and stand by you when troubles come.  May you be that friend to others.  I love you too much little girl and I'm so proud to be your Mommy.