2012 - 2013 School Year

Today was the first day of school.  It was a "shortened schedule" day so the kids only went to school for 2 hours.  Just enough time to meet their teachers and find their classes.   Much to the dismay of the boys, we took our annual "Back to School" pictures this morning!  Perhaps, to be slightly annoying, I MIGHT have made them pose for several "extra" photos.  Yes, I know.  I am a pain, but it was fun to mess with them and we were all laughing.

Ready to rock and roll!!

Jacob - 5th grade

 Lizzie - 2nd grade

 Zach - Freshman

There are several teachers whose kids hang out at school with us until it is time to walk to their school buildings.  Poor Jacob is the only boy.  Here he is with all the girls (minus Lizzie).  

Then tonight was the Fall Sports Kick-Off at the High School. 

Zach gives the crowd a wave after the announcer totally butchers his name.  It is ok, he is used to it.  Often we take bets on how they will actually pronounce it!  

Introducing Kacey Jean

We had an impromptu photo shoot with Kacey.  It was so much fun arranging her little body.  However, she didn't always cooperate.

The following pictures are a very low resolution so I could get them to upload.  The actual prints are really good.

Meeting Kacey Jean

Jacob, Lizzie and I traveled to Indiana to meet Kacey Jean.  I love being an aunt again!  

My grandma has macular degeneration and has very limited vision.  Here she is meeting Kacey and feeling how much hair she has.  None of her other great grandchildren had any hair!

Jacob and Kacey

 He can watch tv and hold a baby at the same time.

 Lizzie, Katie and Kacey

 Katie is proud of her baby sister.  Jacob?  Photobomber!

Lizzie absolutely loved holding Kacey

and this time she was awake!

 Kacey meets her "big brother" Max.

Of course, we didn't sit and hold the baby the entire trip.  We visited and played with cousins and family!  

Jacob, Katie and Brycen playing a game on the iPad

 Uncle Jimmy is a pretty good reader

Kelsey decided she was going to "do" Lizzie's hair.

 Kelsey and Papaw Wellman.

Brycen, Jacob and Maximus.  That dog is BIG and not even a year old yet!

Playing nine hole

Jumping on the trampoline

Playing the wii

Lots and lots of fun!

A Busy Few Weeks

We had a busy July.  A quick visit from Dad, Karen and Jimmy, a mission trip, Lizzie and Jacob's birthdays and a visit from Karen Paragi. 

The kids with Grandma and Grandpa Ellis

Uncle Jimmy tries to get Jacob to cooperate.

Love this picture

Brian and his "brother," J all ready to chaperone the trip

The entire group ready to go serve the people of Centralia, Illinois

Loading up the trailer - every year they try to get it better organized than the year before.  

Jacob's birthday cupcakes with his friends.

The boys settle in for some Lord of the Rings after swimming and a mean game of Hide and Seek

Lizzie and the girls

Lizzie made this yummy rainbow fruit plate.  She loves fruit but she also wanted to make sure that her friend that couldn't eat cake would have something she liked.

Dodo and Jacob with the birthday cake they made together.

Dodo and Lizzie with her cake.